Naltrexone User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)
Brand names: Vivitrol
Naltrexone has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 from a total of 602 reviews on Drugs.com. 73% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 16% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Naltrexone
- Mel...
- April 2, 2014
For Fibromyalgia "I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia for 12 years (took 5 mg of hydrocodone daily). I was able to work, function as a normal person, and pain was manageable. In June, I had several pulled muscles and a rotator cuff injury - pain was off the charts. The doctors in Tucson will not write pain meds under any circumstances, cut me off cold turkey, and I pulled a neck muscle. For 6 months, my pain level was a 15 (scale of 1-10), suicidal pain with no relief in sight. I was referred to a country doctor in Wilcox, AZ - he said he would write me pain meds, but was I willing to try an alternate prescription that would possibly get rid of my pain. I started out with 4.5mg daily at night and within 4 weeks my pain went down to around 2-3."
- Mem...
- November 29, 2019
For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2013. I tried the traditional medications, and none helped, and I suffered from horrible side effects. I stopped medical treatment in 2016 because I was so frustrated with spending money and getting no improvement. In November of this year, at the advice of my primary care doctor, I saw a rheumatologist. He listened and recommended LDN. My pain level dropped tremendously. I suffered from burning, aching pain in my back and legs. I have been on the medication for about 3 weeks. I have not experienced any side effects."
Frequently asked questions
- What is low dose naltrexone (LDN)?
- 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?
- Sta...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 8, 2019
For Alcohol Use Disorder "3 days on Naltrexone and what a difference! I am (was) a pass out drinker... drink 'til I pass out and then start all over once I wake up. But with Naltrexone, I'm just not interested in drinking. I used to be desperate to get that booze, but now it's like 'Meh', don't really feel like drinking... unbelievable! I was totally addicted to alcohol... a DUI, jail time, job loss, wrecked relationships, and I still couldn't stop... 'til now! Naltrexone is my light at the end of a terribly dark tunnel. Many thanks to my physician who specializes in Addiction for persuading me to at least try it... Naltrexone is saving me from this terrible addiction."
- Yve...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 12, 2018
Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "It's a blessing and a miracle!! I have been drinking for 35 years, arrested 18 times, homeless, raped, baker acted (involuntary commitment), lost dogs, almost died of alcohol poisoning. None of that stopped me! Vivitrol is the only thing that has taken all cravings away. Good luck to you all."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Dr...
- May 5, 2017
For Fibromyalgia "I have a patient with fibromyalgia in Kent, UK, who was given low-dose naltrexone by another physician. Her energy improved, and her pain reduced so much that she was able to return to working 20 hours a week. I am currently trying it on a second patient."
- DSC...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 24, 2018
Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "I'm 39 and been drinking practically daily for 25 years. Mostly just beer but it got to the point where 15 beers a night was the norm. Wife and I decided to quit and she did cold turkey (of course) but I didn't go so easy. My med doctor recommended Vivitrol and I thought 'what the hell'. Took a shot in the butt that day and when I left I decided to test it. Drank as normal but magically the pleasure of drinking just wasn't there. I would physically feel the effects but it was not pleasant and the hangover as if I were in high school. That was the last time I drank...nearly two weeks ago. Cravings are very sparse and I'm seeing the world differently. I feel better, people say I look better, and my social anxiety doesn't seem anywhere near what it used to be. Essentially I just feel more confident. This is a miracle drug at this point as I haven't been sober this long since before I was allowed to drive. Good luck to you all."
More FAQ
- Does naltrexone cause weight gain?
- Acamprosate vs naltrexone: How do they compare?
- How long does naltrexone take to work?
- How does naltrexone make you feel?
- Ex-...
- June 17, 2014
Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "I was a heroin addict for four years. I went through inpatient rehab twice and outpatient once. My family was at the end of their rope. In a final 'Hail Mary,' my parents decided to give Vivitrol a try (in conjunction with group and individual therapy sessions). I have been clean from all opiates for 18 months now. The turnaround I've made in my life is remarkable. Medication used to treat addiction is tricky because it will not work unless the patient truly wants to get clean. Nothing will stop an addict who wants to use from using. The only side effects I've experienced have been mild sleep disruption, but I am glad to be awake and sober rather than sound asleep and an addict."
- Non...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- August 20, 2013
For Fibromyalgia "Since I began taking 5 mg naltrexone at night, I fall asleep quickly. I sleep very well for 8 to 9 hours. I wake up refreshed and without pain. I no longer take antidepressants, sleeping pills, anxiety, or pain medication. My mental functioning is much better but not back to pre-CFIDS standard. I don't have normal energy or drive, but my life is so much closer to normal than it was a year ago. I have no complaints. The only other medication I take is for high blood pressure. The only side effect I have is a slight headache when I wake in the morning, but it always goes away soon after I get up. I would take this medication if the only thing I got from it was good quality sleep."
- Peo...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 2, 2019
For Fibromyalgia "Diagnosed 30 years ago with fibro. Pretty miserable. I tried antidepressants, opiates, muscle relaxers, as well as non-medical therapies. For me, the LDN (low-dose naltrexone) gave more energy and less burning pain. It's also much less expensive than Lyrica with fewer side effects."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 19, 2019
For Fibromyalgia "After 4 weeks of low dose naltrexone (LDN), it has reduced my fibromyalgia pain from an 8 to about a 2-3. I have fatigue I still struggle with, but it has also given me a boost in energy as well. I am able to keep my full-time job that I almost had to quit and have been able to do more and more outside of work than I was for years. I’ve had fibromyalgia for 4 years and tried many medications, and this is the only one that has helped. I had to go online to finally find a doctor to prescribe it. I currently take 3.0mg and it is absolutely worth a try."
- Bro...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 25, 2019
For Alcohol Use Disorder "I'm 44 and been drinking heavily since I was 20. I hated the way alcohol made me feel: fat, bloated, pains in my abdomen and unable to exercise. I also have complex PTSD arising from severe childhood abuse. My psychiatrist prescribed naltrexone and you have to take it slowly. Cut the 50mg tablet in half and only take half for the first 7 days. Yes, there are side effects: it takes away your hunger, you also can get very sleepy and sleep excessively at first, but this will fade. Naltrexone can also make you feel anxious. With my illnesses, it's always been hard saying 'no' to alcohol as I am surrounded by alcoholics who bring home alcohol almost every evening. That is, until I found naltrexone and started taking it properly. Now, on naltrexone, I am offered wine and I will refuse or only drink a glass or two. My mind is, for once, telling me this is not the person I want to be. I don't want to be the alcoholic. There is no willpower involved, it just happens, like magic."
- kyl...
- November 9, 2011
Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "I just received my second Vivitrol shot. I am so glad that I did. It has helped curb my cravings, and I have had no side effects. I've been a heavy drinker for 16 years and have struggled with relapsing for a few years. I know this isn't a cure, and this is a daily disease that should never be put on the back burner, but not having the cravings where the only thing I can think about is that next drink helps a ton. To anyone that is thinking about trying Vivitrol, I would say stop thinking about it and do it."
- Tom...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 17, 2014
For Alcohol Use Disorder "So far it is nothing short of miraculous. I had to beg my psychiatrist to try this. He is a shrink at an addiction clinic and he seemed to know nothing about this. Anyway. I started an IOP a week before but I was still drinking a bottle of vodka a night. I was getting hopeless so I did my research about this medicine and went in to see him. Long story short...He gave me a two-month prescription for 50 mg. I took it before I was out of the pharmacy and about a half an hour later I had no desire to drink AT ALL. That was 5 days ago and I still feel the same. I was a pretty bad drunk and have had really bad withdrawals in the past. This time... I still have some side withdrawals but nothing too bad and no desire to drink."
- jac...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 8, 2015
Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "I took my 1st Vivitrol shot around 9/10/14, 2nd - 3rd - 4th - and the fifth shot 01/04/15. By injection 30 days apart. I can honestly tell you that I have not had any cravings for alcohol since the very 1st day of the shot. I can personally tell you that I have not had any side effects. Some people may have, but I have not. I now speak at my rehab center (Clarity) where I was at. I'm a firm believer in Vivitrol. Saved my life. I will take it for a year."
- Aru...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- November 26, 2016
For Fibromyalgia "I developed a condition that had symptoms like fibromyalgia, MS, lupus after a surgery. I was at my worst when I discovered this drug. Low dose naltrexone helps me a lot. I'm on 1.5 mg. I skip doses once in 3-4 days when I start feeling wired and over-stimulated. Works great. Made me feel better, helped with skin conditions no doctor able to cure. Only bad part is that it kind of overstimulates you once in a while. Makes you feel all wired. Have to stop the dose for a day or two and it gets normal."
- asp...
- May 11, 2021
For Alcohol Use Disorder "Early I know. Took my first pill (50mg) this morning for alcohol dependence. Right away I started noticing an increased energy level. I thought at first my coffee was really good. Once I got in the car to leave for work, I could really notice an energy feeling, almost too much so I knew it was the Naltrexone kicking in. I was also becoming nauseated and a little dizzy. I have a long drive to work, so I was becoming concerned that I was not coherent enough to drive. However, after about 30 more minutes, I started feeling fantastic! The energy feeling leveled out somewhat, nausea went away, and I had a feeling of euphoria. Very happy, calm, and pain-free. Just feeling in a great mood, no bad side effects... yet. So far, it has also suppressed my appetite. If this makes me feel like this every day, I would want to take it forever. We will see how it does with my alcohol desire. As of now, I could care less about alcohol or food. I will update the review if anything changes."
- Jax...
- November 9, 2019
For Alcohol Use Disorder "I have been a severe alcoholic for 10 years and also suffer from bipolar with manic depression. I have come close to death multiple times. I am on multiple medications and will stop my meds to drink because I feel it helps me more than my medication. My family and doctors are very afraid that I will die soon. I was started on naltrexone 2 months ago and have stayed sober and gotten back on track with my medication. I have only had some fleeting thoughts about alcohol but it quickly goes away. I get very drowsy but it’s better than drinking. I would definitely recommend this medication naltrexone for alcohol problems. Sending good vibes to all who suffer ☮️"
- Jqn...
- November 13, 2015
Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "I am a 28 y/o male. I used all drugs from about 12, but only opiates and then IV heroin for about 10 years straight. I went through at least 7-8 rehabs and detoxes, and endless county jails. In all those years, I never had been able to stay clean for more than a month on purpose. I've been clean now for 1 year, 8 months, and a day. Vivitrol saved my life without a doubt. I was on it for 13 months with intensive outpatient treatment and as many NA meetings as I could get to in a week. I had some issues sleeping with the first shot, but after that, the side effects were only a headache here and there. Freedom from active addiction is worth any cost. Give it a try, if I could do it, I promise anyone can."
- Han...
- May 29, 2014
For Alcohol Use Disorder "I noticed its effects the same day. At first, I thought it was just a placebo-type of effect. I was told it would work, so I thought it would work. But when I read up on it, I read that the medicine would work that quickly. I no longer think of when and where and how much I can drink. My dreams are no longer haunted with the same thoughts. I feel like a real person again. I don't feel dependent on alcohol. Even if the alcohol is there, I don't feel as if I need to drink it."
- CCZ...
- August 21, 2013
Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "I do not obsess over alcohol like I used to. On occasion when I have wanted a glass of wine, I take it approximately an hour prior and can actually drink like a normal person (1-2 glasses vs. 1-2 bottles). This medication is a godsend."
- Cou...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 6, 2020
For Alcohol Use Disorder "This drug naltrexone changed my life. First day I started taking it, it started working. One week after I started, I went on an all-inclusive trip. The most alcoholic drinks I had in one day was three, when usually on an all-inclusive vacation I would have had three just for breakfast. This medication is godsent, and I’m forever grateful for this opportunity to no longer be dependent on alcohol. I’ve had zero side effects also."
- non...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 9, 2019
For Alcohol Use Disorder "My problem drinking began in my adolescence. Lately, about 6 or 7 drinks a night, 3 or 4 days a week. The frequency and amount increased steadily over the past 15 years. I sought counseling, and I was told I should go to AA meetings. AA is not for me. None of the people I consulted mentioned naltrexone. I never heard of it until by chance I read an article in The Atlantic titled 'The Irrationality of Alcoholics Anonymous'. I recommend this article. Two weeks ago, I asked my doctor for a prescription. It is for a daily 50mg dose, but I am using the Sinclair method of taking 50mg an hour before drinking. I have only used it twice so far. No side effects. For me, it completely stops the high. Naltrexone is giving me my life back. I have no difficulty stopping after two drinks. I may never drink again without taking it first. I needed this 30 years ago. I cannot say enough how wonderful it is that I have it now. It should be mentioned in the media much more often than it is."
- Gre...
- March 17, 2016
For Fibromyalgia "I have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome/Regional Sympathetic Dystrophy. I started LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone, 4.5mg) during a Stanford double-blind trial in January 2016 and received a month's supply. During the first week, I felt some of the muscle cramping associated with Naltrexone, but that and my nerve pain subsided after about a week. The next three weeks sailed by, and my activity level increased as I was essentially free of CRPS/RSD nerve pain. The chronic pain in my lower back was significantly decreasing too. When my supply ran out, I experienced some of the CRPS/RSD pain, but not at the level I'd had before. That wasn't the case with my chronic lower back pain, and that came rearing back. It was a month before my doctor could get me the compounded LDN. Again, my pain has dissipated. Weaning off Gabapentin soon!"
- Rap...
- August 4, 2019
For Alcohol Use Disorder "I echo the success stories that predominate this board. The one thing I did not see mentioned was the ability to eventually stop taking naltrexone and stay sober. You definitely can. After about 90 days of drink-free life, I was able to stop taking naltrexone daily. The trick is, you must not have any alcohol without taking a dose of naltrexone an hour prior. If you don’t plan to have a drink and are in control of that fact, then no naltrexone is needed. But absolutely no cheating allowed. If you do cheat, you’ll open the Genie bottle again (no pun intended). You must start back on naltrexone immediately if you do to reestablish your control. Otherwise, if you are dry and comfortably in control of all drinking temptations, you can skip the naltrexone. Don’t test this by just having that ‘one’. You’ll be back where you started in a short time. Take my word for it."
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For Fibromyalgia "I have never been this functional before. Eight months ago, my functional capacity was at 50%. All I was doing was work, recover, and burn through an excessive amount of sick, vacation, and banked time. At home, I was almost zombie-like. I would spend all of my time curled up on the sofa in pain, fog, or fatigue. Thanks to LDN: Today, I was able to pool run for 30 minutes! I did laundry and sorted all of the socks. Yesterday we had friends over to hang out for the first time in ages. I was able to go to a movie. I was tired after it all, but it wasn't an all-encompassing thing. I flirted with my fiancé."