Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• JMJ
• February 6, 2016

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "My son is addicted to oxycontin. He went to rehab twice and to an extended living facility. He relapsed after both. He is in his second month of Vivatrol treatment and so far is doing very well. He is going to school and says he has no cravings. Still, he has sleep issues and difficulty concentrating. We are very hopeful that he will get his life back. He is seeing a private therapist (psychologist) once a week as well. He is very confident that this combination as well as lots of family support will give him what he needs to succeed in living a drug free life. Many people pray for him every day and we are all very hopeful. In seven weeks he gained ten pounds. That is a big improvement."

• Perco...
• March 4, 2015

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I was so nervous to get the shot after reading all of the horror stories on the Internet. However, it was absolute rubbish. I went in to get my shot having not used for 11-12 days after cold turkey from a nasty prescription pill habit. Roughly 90-120mgs per day and using suboxone a few days a week when I couldn't afford the pills. The people who are feeding you these nightmare precipitated withdrawal stories are getting the shot with opiates still in their system. Obviously, the more and longer you use, the longer it may take for you to get completely opiate free. But 10-14 days is long enough for nearly anybody. Just have the Doctor give you the challenge with Naloxone before he gives you the vivitrol. If you have no reaction you'll be good"

• Marlin
• February 7, 2019

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I came of off a two year opiate habit..I’d bounce between heroin and suboxone. I could get off the H and onto the suboxone just fine. The problem was I couldn’t get off the subs. I went to a 30 day in patient rehab. I detoxed, tapered off subs quickly and felt fine for the next 14 days. I was getting better every day. Then I got the shot. Sick every day, no energy or motivation, trouble sleeping etc. It’s been almost 3 weeks after the shot and these side effects are not going away. I’ll never do it again. It’s not PAWS. I know the difference. For whatever reason, vivitrol is a bad mix for me. I don’t really have any cravings but I feel awful. Not dope sick awful but bad enough that I won’t be getting a second shot. All of this got me to do some in depth research and I found some sketchy stuff with regard to how the mfg. tested this medication and used lobbyist to get it approved and into the court systems etc. If it works for you..great..For me, not so much."

• T-Lo
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2016

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I've been an opiate addict 7yrs. When I first became addicted OC where everywhere. A few years later I struggled to find any oxycotin, shortly they changed from OC to op struggled with for a while. I just wanted out I tried suboxone but it didn't work for me because I have a migraine issue, so I joined a methadone clinic and became a functioning addict. I was on methadone for 3 yrs. I kept clean from any other drug throughout my time on methadone but was still an addict because both subox and methadone are opiods. I found an Institute there many across the country. They do what is called a rapid detox which was pretty pain free at the end of ur detox I got a vivitrol inplant. It's saved my marriage"

• ryanc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2015

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "First shot five days out of rehab, now on my fourth, longest clean time I've had in over five years, such an amazing non addictive non opiod replacement. Gives me the power back to say yes to the shot once every 28 days (I take oral naltrexone starting daily @ day 21) and I have a life again, I'm no longer just a junkie but a daughter, sister, fiance, friend, and have an amazing job. I am a RECOVERING addict. Amazing what rehab, meetings, IOP, and this wonderful tool can do for a herion/oxy/methadone/all opiates IV drug user like me, only needle in my body in 5 months lidocane followed by vivitrol, never thought it could happen as much as I wanted to be clean."

• Tom
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 22, 2017

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I just want to let everyone know Suboxone withdrawal can happen days after last dose. It's not the shot that makes you sick. As for feeling lethargic and lazy as well as everything else, Welcome to recovery. It can an take several months for your body to recover back to normal. That means having energy, good appetite, sleeping normally, regular bowel movements. And that can all happen even if your not on the vivitrol shot and just doing cold turkey. So please people do your research before you post information that could sway someone from taking this method of recovery. Because it could decide on if they live or die. And yes I am talking from experience."

• Chad...
• February 18, 2014

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I have had the shot several times in the the past but that has been over three years ago and I did have some side effects. The worst was vomiting in the morning but it lasted about an hour after I woke up. It lasted for 2 weeks everytime I got the shot. It has been 3 years and I started the shot again. I got the shot 3 days ago and I have one swollen lymph node under my neck and my stomach is messed up with craps but it cramps I have never felt. They hurt but only in the morning and I don't get sick. They are not that bad. I know one thing that sucked is my anxiety has increased which is a problem for me and kind of scary. The shot is a good idea even with the side effects, its 1000 times better than being dope sick."

• ELMO
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2020

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I've been incarcerated for 47 months and the treatment center I am going to for out patient pushed the drug on me said it would be a safety net for me. I got the shot today at 9 am and I have been depressed, having horrible anxiety all day, no motivation. As one guy said it felt like he was in a dream and that is exactly how I feel. None of these side effects were explained to me at all. I'm so upset with myself for taking this. These rehab get $ for pushing drugs like vivitrol and suboxone I would not recommend this to anyone at all!! If this goes on for 28 days I'm going to lose my mind and no - these side effects are not me going through withdrawals or PAWS (Post-acute withdrawal syndrome) I'VE BEEN CLEAN 47 MONTHS!!!"

• Dbags
• July 19, 2016

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I received my 2nd shot yesterday. I've been a heavy opiate mostly heroin IV user for 13 years I was put in jail for 14 days to clean out for my 1st shot. Immediately after the shot I had no cravings. I was put on xanax for anxiety cuz its been super high. I have acne due to the shot. I get leg cramps. It saved my life"

• exfelon
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2016

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I just spent six years in the penitentiary, as an ex drug addict this shot was offered to me as an option and alternative to other opiate blockers. So far I have taken two of the injections one while in prison and the second as I left the facility. So far so good. Some minor joint pain and a few aches. They were able to be worked thru with a little walkin and exercise. No cravings and definitely no thoughts about tryin ANY opiates after seeing the results first hand. The withdrawal it causes is life threatening. Its not worth it.the nanoxolene is good for our situations. If you really want to get clean give it a whirl!"

• Thrilla
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2016

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I was a heavey IV user for 2 years have been in and out of treatmeant programs relasping every time. My doctor who was prescribing me subs told me she had to cut me off because I could not pass urine analysis. So basicallly she started telling me about this shot that she was getting trained on and could give me next week, the vivitrol shot. She told me I needed to be at least 7 days clean before getting it otherwise I would have severe withdrawal. Finally I manned up went in to see my doctor told her I couldn't stay clean and that I had used the previous day but I wanted her to give me the shot anyway. Got the shot by the time I got to the car iIwas in full out precipitated withdrawal. Day 4 feeling better just cant sleep at all."

• Posit...
• June 10, 2017

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "Hello, I am coming off of suboxone. It has been 24 hours since the shot was administered. I feel great. Now rewind... at 1 pm I got the shot. By 2pm the withdrawals kicked in. I wasn't vomiting or anything but was very sleepy and dizzy. I went to bed. By 6 am the next morning I felt 60% better. I got up had a cup of coffee, and felt great. By 1pm (24 hours) I am about 90% percent better. I would just like to give people some encouragement. The reviews on here scared me as well. I tapered myself down before getting the shot...and I feel so far so good! It can be done! You do not have to sit home and withdrawal for weeks and even months. Everyone's body is different but I highly recommend this!"

• Gypsy
• December 1, 2016

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "Have been on the shot for 2 year's now it helped me recover from alcohol but I also found it helps my major anxiety and sleep I don't think they have done enough studies on it to see what else it can help whit"

• Hobbit
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2019

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I couldn't stop using dope for the life of me. Literally. I used within 24 hours of getting the vivitrol shot. My doctor knew but he also knew if he didn't get it into me I would keep using and die. I had two days of intense withdrawal. Worse than I'd ever had. Then about five more days of laziness and being agitated. But once your mind finally gives up and comes to terms that you can't get high you calm down. The hustle stops. This was my only option to stop. Feeling like death for two days was worth the lifelong nightmare I was pursuing"

• Maximus
• August 20, 2019

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "Vivitrol is a life saver for sure but the mental aspects such as the depression, lethargy, lack of motivation, gastro problems are all really side effects. But I was so depressed and lethargic from the shot I couldn't bear to stay on it any longer than a month. By day 25 the vivitrol depression was lifting and I started to feel normal again. You have to weigh the pros and cons of the shot. Nobody talks about how Vivitrol blocks the heroin from entering your opiate receptors. But it also blocks the natural production of serotonin and dopamine from entering these receptors as well. Vivitrol cannot differentiate between the two. It's a proven fact and I know from experience. But the makers of the shot don't want you too know this. In the end I have a love and hate relationship with Vivitrol. It gave me the time to heal . But the depression and lethargy the shot causes I wouldn't wish it on everyone."

• Jrabs
• July 13, 2016

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "Vicitrol saved my life. After going to rehab a few times, I was exposed to the option of getting the monthly vivitrol muscular injection. The first month I was on it I tried to use opiates just to test it and see if it worked and I felt nothing. After that experience I knew that this would be more helpful than any other method. I continued getting the shot until I found out I was pregnant. With over three years clean I can say with confidence that this shot is worth it if you are serious about changing your life. I am grateful every day for the second chance it help give me."

• Jacqa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2017

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I was addicted to opiates for 4years before this shot. I finally feel like I'm not living a double life any more! I was homeless within 6 months of first becoming dependant on heroin (IV from the start) and I've wanted to stop ever since. Will power alone is not enough! I've tried every way on my own, but now, with Vivitrol , I can be confident in my recovery. It's closing in on the end of my first month on it, it has caused some stomach cramps, loss of appetite, lack of sleep, anhedonia, and slight depression. The best comparison would be the feeling when you first start to feel withdrawal setting in. My craving levels were eliminated after administration, however toward the end of the month I'm feeling them more."

• Ronald...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 23, 2017

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "Before starting Vivitrol 7 months ago I had been a heroin addict for a couple of years. If you're clean for 10-14 days before you get your first shot I can almost guarantee you won't have any horror-story adverse reactions. This drug saved my life; it took the choice out of my hands, forcing my mind to move on and buying me the time I needed to get my life together. People are depressed and all because they can't get over not being able to use, that's not a side effect of the drug it's a personal problem. I didn't experience a single side effect aside from some injection site soreness for 2-3 days after each shot - a small price to pay. If you need this and can get it, do it."

• roger...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2019

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I am 2 days in after getting my Vivtrol shot at a treatment center for opiate addiction. I don't really know how to define this all that well but I feel so weird right now. Its not PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome). At this point I am pretty much an expert on PAWS. I am not yawning every 5 seconds, not getting goosebumps, chills or anything I am used to. It feels like I am dreaming. I felt fine before they injected me and by the end of the first day this "dream" feeling started to kick in. The physical symptoms are minor but noticeable for sure. For me its really how my head feels that made me want to write this. Is any one else getting this? If it goes on for a while I won't get a second shot"

• Kay
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2020

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "Ive only gotten the shot twice February and March 2020 and I'm not sure what to think it's good can as a heroin addict you know you can't get high so don't even try, cause it will just annoy you but the cravings are still the same as without it and the migraines every day and nausea are terrible. My sex drive went from very healthy to not wanting to touch my husband of 11 years and that's not like me at all!! And let's talk about the depression - I've never been so depressed In my life and I already have depression but it got so bad I would just lay in bed and cry. I didn't realize it it had anything to do with the shot until I read more about it and what people have said. I thought something was seriously wrong with me it's getting better now due to me haven't got my dose this month due to covid-19 and my insurance ...but I don't think I'm going to do it again ..."

• KCano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2019

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I started Vivitrol injections 2 years ago and have been clean ever since! I became addicted to opiates 35 years ago and have tried every kind of treatment imaginable over the years. I used again after 6 months on methadone and only 3 months on suboxone. But Vivitrol works differently. Whereas the older medications kept me in active addiction due to causing euphoria and physical dependence, Vivitrol does not cause either of these. Vivitrol decreases my cravings and blocks the effects of opioids. Addicts won't spend there money on opiates while taking Vivitrol because they know they can't get high. It's been a life saver for me, and in my opinion, it's far superior to the older medications."

• IV...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 11, 2017

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "Taken the Vivitrol Shot for 6 months. It's amazing! I would be dead without it. I was addicted to Heroin for years and nearly died several times. Why is this drug not encouraged for others. It's rarely used? It saved my life."

• G5444...
• June 23, 2017

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I had 10 months clean after being a heavy IV opioid user for years decided to stop on my last case which also prompted me to drug court. Well the judge for some reason put me on vivitrol even with all the clean time and program compliance. To summarise I had planned to exercise and live healthy and that is what was pushing me to stay clean, After getting the shot I felt empty confused, depressed, no drive, no motivation, no hunger, crippled libido, didn't care much about music movies or anything for that matter, excercising was torture. I asked the doctor if it would mess with my endogenous reward system twice and both times he evaded my question, seek recovery with healthy means develop skills to stay clean don't go be a lab rat for big pharma..go to inpatient"

• Jakwn...
• July 6, 2017

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "Vivitrol has made me completely useless. I was taking methadone as prescribed every day for the last six years. I actually cut my dose in half the last 24 months. But, I decided to quit cold turkey to get on vivitrol. Now I am so miserable! I can only get myself to take a couple bites of food a day if I can keep it down. My head is constantly throbbing. I haven't slept more than two hours every night for at least a month. My body is so weak yet I'm constantly freezing and sweating. My hands shake all the time And the ringing in my ears is so loud I have a hard time hearing things sometimes. I find that I don't care about anything. I don't even want to be around my own son anymore. I am not surprised people get suicidal on this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2017

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "If you want to be sober but can't & have tried & failed at sobriety then you are the perfect criteria. You failed at sobriety before because a chemical change, a physical dependance is making the calls putting your life in danger. You KNOW this but can't control it-- that's why you are always having anxiety & negative thoughts. You want to stop but can't manage to do so for very long. GET THE INJECTION! You will eliminate all the want/need/desire for use. Your body will heal itself giving you 100% of your attention for recovery. You will control your decisions again & no longer NEED anything to function. This injection will work & you will have chosen the fastest & most effective SOLUTION to your addiction. You need this..."