The opioid epidemic is sweeping the nation. Prescription pain pills are being abused at an alarming rate and more and more people are turning to heroin.
The result is unfortunately an increase in overdose deaths as well as the number of people in prescription pill treatment centers. With such horrible headlines constantly flying across our screen, the future may seem bleak. Vivitrol is just another way that people are combating the opioid epidemic.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol, or naltrexone, is a prescription drug that can help prevent relapses for alcohol or opioid dependence. Injected on a monthly basis or taken as a pill, vivitrol attaches to opioid receptors to block opioid molecules from doing so, and therefore stops the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for the euphoric effects of drug abuse. Unlike other drugs, vivitrol is not addictive, but it should be taken only after a person has detoxed.
Many treatment centers, including our addiction rehab in Chicago, will use vivitrol as an another aid in the recovery process to help patients from relapsing following a complete detox.
What Are the Vivitrol Side Effects?
While it may almost seem like a miracle drug at first glance, vivitrol is not perfect. Like most drugs, there are some side effects that you should be aware of. The vivitrol side effects will vary from person to person and depends on many factors including the severity of the addiction as well as the person’s individual health history and genetics.
Some of the more commonly reported vivitrol shot side effects include:
- Headaches or dizziness
- Lethargy
- Weight loss from decreased appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Toothaches
- Problems sleeping
- Muscle pain, weakness, or cramps
Although uncomfortable, these vivitrol side effects are typically not a major cause for concern, but there are more severe side effects that are possible. Some people may have a negative reaction at the injection site that will need further medical attention. Vivitrol could also lead to liver damage or hepatitis in the most severe cases. Other people may notice that they start to feel depressed.
But the most dangerous side effect of vivitrol is the possibility of an opioid overdose. If your body still has opioids in its system, it could lead to a sudden opioid overdose that could lead to death if not treated immediately. Because of this risk, it is important that you wait to take Vivitrol at the appropriate and designated time. As an opioid and heroin treatment center in Chicago, we will help make this decision and oversee your side effects.
Do not let opioids control you or your loved one. Get help today with our addiction PHP in Chicago and get your life back.
To learn more about the various treatment programs we offer and to get started on your journey to sobriety, call us now at 888-280-4763.
