Vivitrol for Alcohol Use Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)
Vivitrol has an average rating of 8.0 out of 10 from a total of 68 reviews for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. 78% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 16% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Vivitrol
- User
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 23, 2021
"No side effects, didn’t feel the needle in my bum. I started drinking again around 45 yr old after being sober for 20 years. My drinking got progressively worse and couldn’t stop. My GP could tell I was struggling and tried so hard to help me. After 5 years of trying and failing I got the shot last month. It’s been amazing. For me it took away the cravings and I no longer drink at home or by myself. No desire. I have been able to enjoy a cocktail with friends but I don’t want to keep drinking after. I can stop! What a blessing. It’s working for me and I hope it continues. I think it’s worth a go for anyone looking for relief. I hope it works for you as well as it’s worked for me!"
- FarRo...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 15, 2018
"Just started and noticed sleepiness and lethargy-I am also taking 5mg of valium 2x day to wean off of Ativan. I think that in conjunction with other meds the shot is causing the effects-I take HBP medication which itself causes drowsiness so I'm hopeful that I will be able to adjust all of my meds to accommodate staying off the alcohol-Has anyone had side effects the first time/first few days similar to this? extreme sleepiness/lethargy?"
Frequently asked questions
- What happens if you drink alcohol while taking naltrexone?
- What to avoid when taking naltrexone?
- Should I take naltrexone in the morning or at night?
- How long does naltrexone take to work?
- Elayna
- December 30, 2017
"So far on my first shot I notice a reduction in craving or thinking about alcohol. I hear after the second and third injection that the cravings go completely away. We shall see. But after the injection there is no sense in trying to get away with a drink as either you will feel deathly ill or feel nothing at all. Including no buzz or good feelings from the drink. No side effects for me. I’m happy I took the shot."
- angel...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 28, 2021
"I’ve been taking the pill for about a week now & I still have minor cravings. I’ve been an alcoholic since I was 17, I’m 19 now. I drank everyday, lost jobs, lost friends & family. I called alcohol my best friend, she helped me deal with everything although putting me into risky situations. & now I see how much damage the substance has done, I’m glad I got put on this med after I was hospitalized for a drunken suicide attempt. Although it’s made everything & I mean everything I used to enjoy seem less enjoyable, I don’t mind it. Especially eating cause I’m overweight lol."
Are you taking this medicine?
- Vonn
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 8, 2023
"I had my second shot yesterday. I debated on getting the second shot due to the side effects. I love that the cravings for alcohol disappear almost immediately I have only thought about drinking a few times but the thought quickly subsides or I forget about it easily. I drank heavily up until the day before I took the first shot but no more since. Every day since I had the first injection it's hard for me to get out the bed, my energy levels come and go throughout the day. I have brain fog, heaviness in my body, and mind, body aches, and drowsiness. After reading many reviews seems like more people don't have symptoms. I just want my mind to be clear. I can't function 100% on Vivitrol, it's like having a hangover off and on throughout the day. I'm hoping that the side effects start to go away this month so that I can get my motivation back to start being productive, my concentration levels are very low."
- Cano
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 4, 2021
"Vivitrol has absolutely changed my. There was no doubt I was headed towards death. Since my 1st injection I've been sober 89 days. Cravings are minimal. It's kind of like a flip of a switch. Alcohol just became kind of eh. I prefer my la Croix. I have little to no side effects. My hands are a little shaky and I eat less. But other than that I finally feel alive again. No more hangovers or throwing up at 4am. I actually get real sleep. You can't go wrong with this injection . It is a little pricey but some insurances will work something out with you."
More FAQ
- Can I take Xanax while on Vivitrol?
- Is naltrexone a controlled substance?
- How fast does Vivitrol work?
- Does Vivitrol help with cravings?
- Anonymous
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- February 28, 2022
"I was on vivitrol 3 years ago and I stayed on it for 1 year I had no cravings and had no problem being around people who drank alcohol or just around alcohol period I got off vivitrol and I didn't have the support that I needed to stay sober so now 3 years later so now 3 years later I am back on the shot and it is working like a charm for anyone that is a chronic alcoholic and can't stop on their own this is a perfect drug for you I have had no side effects ever"
- Kevin
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 20, 2018
"Recieved my first injection of Vivatrol and had reaction the next morning to the drug. Swelling in the face and chills with sweats alternating and anxiety. With the drug however I did notice a lack of desire for drinking but it's hard to compare with the reaction I'm having. The Doctor is pulling me off of this medication."
- Kdub
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- September 24, 2021
"I was a binge drinker for many years drinking 4 to 5 nights a week anywhere between 1-2 pints of vodka on average, sometimes more. I started on the pill form and was still drinking just slightly less. I decided to put forth a little extra effort to try to quit once I got the vivitrol injection and had minor cravings only the first week which I was able to push thru. I now have no cravings and no desire to drink. I experienced no side effects , except for tenderness at the injection site, as well as a big bump for up to two and half weeks after receiving the injection. I would take that over my drinking habit any day!"
- Aron
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 31, 2021
"On day 5. had 1 beer, the other day and i tried to drink a second but couldn't stomach it. granted I don't love beer but the desire was not strong to wanna get drunky-poo. BUT, it has taken a toll on my sex drive. i just don't feel the need to cum. I hope this doesn't continue and affect my relationships. Also I am a wee lethargic but I can battle that for now. YEAH SEX DRIVE THING SUCKS. BTW I take the VIVITROL pills."
- Grace
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 24, 2021
"This medication worked immediately! As in same day immediately! If you have the desire to reclaim your life from alcohol get the injection! Sing a song, phone a friend...something to occupy your mind when they administer the needle. It hurt but more like a bee sting as opposed to “hurt like hell” You will survive! For some reason, the first day I was extremely emotional (rage+depressed) it went away the next day! Once your head is clear, listen to your soul for what to do next. Getting to the root of the trauma is necessary for total healing! Grace & Peace! Hope this helps!"
- Daphne
- June 10, 2022
"I took the shot after a month of inpatient rehab. It was shot into my butt cheek. I got the shot once a week. It caused me to have hardened chestnut sized balls under my skin. I asked about this and was told it would go away and the Dr said to massage it"
- Answe...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 15, 2022
"First off don’t take it unless you’re serious and want it to work. If you are concerned with the injection spot being sore for a week that’s normal just massage the area lump will go down. It does make cravings go away but again it’ll work if you want it to not only because of cravings but also because of you changing your habits. Vivitrol injection along with a true desire to quit then yes it does work 100%. Every 4 weeks is the injection time frame, just switch butt cheeks every time."
- Marissa
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 3, 2021
"My husband got his 3rd Vivitrol injection 2 weeks ago Wednesday it cause brief paralysis in his leg and a severe reaction in the injection site. He has severe muscle and tissue damage and his sciatic nerve is extremely inflamed. I would NEVER want anyone to experience these symptoms and even if it was a one in a million thing I never want him to get the injection again. Our lives almost changed in 10 minutes but two weeks later here we are and he is still having problems walking and we have zero answers to what is going on besides it’s the injection that caused it."
- Rizzo
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 2, 2022
"Had the shot yesterday and 5 hours later I was stumbling around with agitation. Felt super nauseous and picked a fight with family with rage for no reason. It works as far as cravings but will probably look for another option asap."
- J-J
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 15, 2024
"Vivitrol works very well. I have had no cravings whatsoever over the last 84 days. They say there's no cure for alcoholism; however, if you have the willpower and determination, Vivitrol is a great choice to help you remain sober."
- Theic...
- June 29, 2020
"I’ve been been on vivitrol 25 days it’s been the best decision I’ve made I would recommend this for any one struggling with alcohol issues"
- dtown...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 23, 2015
"Got my second shot today. It literally took away the urge to drink. So far, so good."
- Mr AC
- April 4, 2016
"My experience with this medication is not that bad. I have all of the side effects that have been listed. I've had 4 doses and have not had a drink in 4 months."
- Tubby
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 22, 2019
"The Vivitrol works great for cravings, it also made the next drink and next high lose the euphoria. It was just plain boring. So I didn't continue on a binge."
- Saved...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- July 10, 2022
"2 years sober from deadly chronic alcohol dependence. I owe it all to Vivitrol. Buys me 30 days at a time, and I just celebrated 2 years FREE."
- Lauren
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 22, 2018
"I had high hopes for Vivitrol, and I see that it blocks the receptors, but the cravings persisted. I have only had one shot so far, so maybe it will work out better over time."
- Anonymous
- March 7, 2021
"Took injection and it never helped for a second. Still drank as I was. For 1300 bucks what a joke."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
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"I think my experience with the clinic may be coloring my opinion of Vivitrol. As far as I know, it DOES work to curb cravings--I haven't had any to speak of in the 6 months I've been getting the injections. OTOH, I've noticed that my depression gets significantly worse for a few days after each injection, then it eases up to my normal low (someday I hope to feel actual happiness again). My problem is with the clinic and the hour+ wait times. I'm clean. I'm in therapy. I go to AA meetings daily. I have a strong support system in place. But I'm thinking of discontinuing because I don't have 2.5 hours to spare every time I have an appointment (commute to clinic, time at clinic, commute to work)."