What to Expect in the First Month After Your Vivitrol® Shot

Vivitrol®, or naltrexone, is a non-narcotic medication we use to help people stay sober. It’s an excellent tool when you’re on the road to recovery from opioid addiction or alcohol abuse.

You may be skeptical if you’ve never tried this treatment before, but Stacey Maltman, FNP-BC, provides information and compassionate care at her practice, Victory Treatment Program.

Stacey is an experienced and knowledgeable addiction and recovery specialist offering medication-assisted treatment, support groups, and outpatient detoxification for people living with addiction.

What is Vivitrol®?

Vivitrol® is a safe medication we use to help people continue their recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. It’s an injectable form of naltrexone that has been in use since the 1980s.

It’s a non-opioid medication that blocks receptors in the brain that give you the pleasurable feeling when taking drugs or drinking alcohol. By blocking the effects of opioids and alcohol, it doesn’t give you the euphoric feeling that makes you use them in the first place.

Vivitrol® isn’t a stand-alone treatment; it’s part of a recovery program that includes counseling, support groups, and accountability. It will cause withdrawal symptoms, so it’s essential not to start it until you’ve been off drugs and alcohol for some time.

What to expect after the first injection

After your first Vivitrol® injection, you won’t notice the effects immediately; it takes a few weeks for the medication to slowly release into your system. However, most people begin to feel the effects within a few days to two weeks after the injection.

Naltrexone is a slow-release medication that lasts for about four weeks. During this time, you should feel fewer cravings to use opioids or alcohol. 

It’s essential to avoid alcohol and opioids while taking Vivitrol®; it can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and other issues that set you back in the recovery process.

Let us know how you’re feeling after the first few days. We can give you tips and tricks along with other tools to help you successfully use Vivitrol®.

Are there any side effects?

Some side effects happen, especially after the first injection. They usually aren’t severe and often include nausea, dizziness, or headaches.

Mild depression is another short-term side effect of Vivitrol®; however, not everyone experiences these effects. It’s essential to report any side effects or redness, warmth, or pain at the injection site.

How many injections do I need?

You will need an injection every four weeks to keep up with the recovery process. Each injection is 380 milligrams, administered into the muscle.

Stacey discusses how long you’ll need these injections during recovery. She tailors each patient’s treatment toward their specific needs and goals. We also include additional resources, such as support groups and detox information, to help you through every stage of recovery.

Call Victory Treatment Program or visit VTPshot.com to continue your successful recovery with Vivitrol® today. Schedule your appointment with Stacey online.