Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder User Reviews
Brand names: Vivitrol
Naltrexone has an average rating of 8.5 out of 10 from a total of 307 reviews for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. 83% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 11% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Naltrexone
- Cherr...
- June 16, 2019
Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I have struggled with alcohol for 15 years. Major depression & severe anxiety. Nothing took the craving away. I am surrounded by alcoholics & my husband is an alcoholic. I got a promotion at work and one morning I went to work and thought I was going to die. I couldn't take it anymore & told them I had to go to the hospital. I detoxed at a great facility. They were incredible. They saved my life. I had previously been asked if I wanted the vivitrol shot & I declined. This time I begged for the shot. Best decision I ever made! I got my 4th shot last week. I have no cravings. I have mental clarity. I'm off antidepressants. I have lost 27 pounds. Side effects...my body aches but I'll take it. I have no appetite so when I do eat. I eat healthy. Except for chocolate. I am extremely grateful for Vivitrol. I know it has saved my life. I actually died on my birthday a couple years ago from severe alcohol withdrawal & critically low potassium. Didn't stop me from drinking again. Vivitrol did."
- Jarrod
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 8, 2020
"I have been a heavy drinker - carton a day for 10 years, then a little less as I got older. 25 years of solid everyday drinking. Blackouts are normal - I do shots till I am muted. Locked up 4 tines drunk and disorderly - AA for 22 weeks - failed. Get the picture ! day 5 of naltrexone- had to cut my 50 mg pill into 1/4 . I was whacked as on a full pill for 2 days ! Could not function at work on it - Forced to drink last night by my work mates at a party and my beer tasted weird and it made me queasy managed to down 3 and I left the party. Everyone was shocked as I am normally an animal and last one standing - I don’t feel like a drink at the moment ! - so far so good - my advise only take a portion of the pill if it whacks you out too much - good luck all my fellow comrades"
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?
- Wren
- August 4, 2019
"I am 42, struggling with alcoholism for years but the cravings won out every time. I figured I’d eventually get cirrhosis and drink myself to death. I was starting to hate myself. Until naltrexone and the Sinclair Method. One month in and I haven’t passed out from drinking nor gotten wasted. I’m actually making plans and doing things that don’t factor alcohol. It takes 2-3 days to get through a bottle of wine now (!) I’ll drink 1 beer and feel done with drinking for the day. I went on a camping trip with friends and woke up fresh every day because I stopped drinking when everyone else did for once. My husband feels excited for our future for the first time in years. I can sense the grip of alcohol starting to let go. I feel like this pill is my miracle and I cannot for the life of me understand why the world hasn’t embraced the Sinclair Method. I feel sorry for everyone who thinks a lifetime of AA and rehab and shame and guilt is the only way to go. This naltrexone pill is literally my lifeline."
- lolly...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 2, 2021
"I am on day 7 of 50mg Naltrexone for alcohol addiction/binge drinking. Day one - four I had one beer which I actually struggled to drink. I drank them so slowly and with such disgust they actually got warm. Why I continued to drink them? I'm an alcoholic, who knows? Day 5 and 6 I actually did not drink anything and had no desire to drink. I am on day 7 and I really hope this pill continues to work its wonders. I have had mild side effects. Mostly a little nausea and a spaced out in the head type feeling but nothing that isn't manageable. I'm very please with this drug and wished that I had started it sooner."
Are you taking this medicine?
- sober
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 24, 2020
"I was drinking from morning till night when not working. This had gone on for about 2 years when it started to become unmanageable. I admitted myself to rehab. Went thru detox for a week and then rehab for weeks. Went to thru an intensive out patient program for 3 weeks. I really tried hard for about 45 days but I felt like I was constantly craving it. I started drinking again and fell right back into the same pattern for 2 months. I began to regret and hate myself again. I decided I couldn't take it anymore and gave Naltrexone a try. 25mg 1xday. No cravings. Makes me sick thinking about it. Day 3 and still don't want a drink. I am pretty tired though but that's way better then being drunk and hungover. I highly recommend it."
- bella
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 30, 2019
"I never in a million years would of imagined my life without a drink in my hand I have been an alcoholic now for about 6 years as the years went on my habit became worst, drinking any time of day could of been 7am , 7pm , time didn't matter but my drink sure did. When I talked to my doctor about the situation he suggested me to start taking naltrexone and I started on a dose of 25mg and now on to 50mg and wow IT REALLY works. I have been sober now for 10 days. Hey for me thats pretty damn good I've lost over 6 pounds and I feel fantastic I had absolutely no side affects except NO desire to drink and alcohol tastes like rubbish if you want a second chance and want to help yourself stop drinking then naltrexone is definitely the first step ;) I wish everyone the best of luck it truly is a miracle pill ❤️❤️"
More FAQ
- Does naltrexone cause weight gain?
- Acamprosate vs naltrexone: How do they compare?
- How does naltrexone make you feel?
- How long does naltrexone take to work?
- Anony...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 6, 2019
Vivitrol (naltrexone) "Imagine your favorite food. Let's say it's pizza. Now you're at your favorite restaurant that serves pizza just the way you like it. But something is different and you're just not in the mood for pizza so you order something else. That's exactly what Vivitrol is like. You can think about drinking but you're just really not in the mood for it. Also if you're an alcoholic you've probably been prescribed an SSRI by now and with those it takes weeks to start working but Vivitrol is pretty immediate as in it only takes maybe an hour two to become really effective. If you're reading this you've probably tried all the unless things out there and it just can't reach that itch. Vivitrol is about as close to a magic shot as you're going to get for alcohol problems"
- Hawkeye
- October 21, 2019
Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I have been sober 2 months with my first VIVITROL shot! Alcohol was my poison. Nothing could stop me from going to any convenience store to buy my daily 24 pack. Since the first day, ALL of my cravings have disappeared! I have " debated" with myself to "test" this injection, however, I immediately lost all interest. No explanation other than that! Just zero interest. After 30 years of this poison - poof!! Just like that! If you struggle with addictions of all sorts, VIVITROL is your answer!! No joke! It works!!!"
- GRATE...
- November 27, 2015
Vivitrol (naltrexone) "After battling the bottle for 30 years I am so Grateful that I found this. I tried everything from AA to SMART Recovery and to be honest while each program has it's good points they did not take away that urge to drink. This did. Instantly. Vivitrol has really been a blessing because it not only blocks the urge to use but it goes the extra step of blocking the high if you do drink I was just a Garden variety alcoholic. I drank around the clock. I would even drink in the shower. The funny thing is I never bought into the disease model even while I was sober for years at a stretch. I would eventually pick up a drink because the urge, that voice, the Beast was always there. Not anymore! Vivitrol stopped the brain imbalance that MADE me drink."
- Krist...
- July 10, 2014
"I've been a active alcoholic for 10 years. Started socially. I went through treatment once and relapsed. Alcoholism for me has given me depression, anxiety, insomnia, OCD, stress, and the worse of them all racing thoughts. Classic right? I'm on day 4, but noticed the difference RIGHT away. It made me a bit queasy and in a daze of some sort, but I slept wonderfully and woke up at EASE and I have been everyday since I started. I have NO cravings whatsoever for alcohol, the thought of it actually repulses me. Anyways, I agree with everyone saying that this medication is God sent. Remaining steady with my thoughts has helped me already socially, with my kids and my job. I have happy tears to of finally found something that held onto me for YEARS"
- MHAP
- January 27, 2020
"I was prescribed Naltrexone 3 days ago and I literally cannot believe the difference it has made to my life in such a short time!! I have been drinking 2 bottles of wine every night for over 10 years and close to that for 20 years before that. I had a miserable lonely life, doing nothing but working and closet drinking. I didn’t see anyone and ignored my kids. I just lived for my next drink, regardless of what it was doing to me. I had resigned to the fact this was how I would die - and the sooner the better. I finally feel free, and it has been no effort at all!! I have zero desire to drink and even my appetite has been suppressed! (Great side effect!) I am enjoying my kids and can get in my car whenever! I had moderate nausea on the first day, but my Dr prescribed anti nausea medicine which quickly fixed that. I have had a little trouble staying asleep but not too bad. I am taking 25mg, and don’t think I will need to go to 50mg, but 25mg works."
- Stuman
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 8, 2019
"I was a heavy (beer) alcoholic for 40 years. My new wife told me about Naltrexone and I opted to give it a try because I don't ever want to lose this amazing woman because of my drunken stupidity. I had gotten my first ever DUI in 2018 and it was most embarrassing both for my wife and myself. I started taking it Nov 2019 and that same morning after I took it, I usually would have about 2 beers when I first get up. I took the pill and of course, with a beer. I didn't feel like having another beer for several hours. I was so thirsty though and began drinking tons of water that day. My wife then introduced me to the many flavors of Gatorade (to my surprise, I love them all). It's now Dec 12/2019 and I crave maybe 2 or 3 beers a day instead of 10-12. My wife said if I can just be a casual beer drinker, she's okay with that. Me too. I feel so much better already. I had no idea how clear life really is.. when Sober. Thanks Naltrexone. You saved me and my new marriage."
- Holli...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 31, 2015
Vivitrol (naltrexone) "After partying almost 30 years in a successful, trouble free life, I began taking antabuse pills a few years ago without a recovery program. I was told about vivitrol and it interested me in quitting my prescription hydrocodone, benzo, and drinking. My 1st shot was 10 days ago and it does make your mind content. I can tell the drug is wrapped around my receptors. If I where to attempt to take a drink....it feels like I already had one. Not taking pills is no big deal either. I still take a sleep aid at night and Aleve or Ibuprofen for anything else. I. Am now experiencing eating and sleeping like I've seen normal people do all my life. A spiritual feeling should come along with that for those of you who are willing to make a change."
- Stare...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 8, 2019
"3 days on Naltrexone and what a difference! I am (was) a passout 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, jailtime, 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."
- Trans...
- March 28, 2013
"I started drinking in high school, alcoholism runs in my family and I started early. I tried AA and 5 rehab facilities but always started drinking again. I never had any will power or control, but alcoholics rarely do. Over 10 years ago now a doctor asked me if I wanted to try this medication and it worked from day one. It took away my cravings, changed the way I functioned, my entire life. At 46 years old I was sober and staying sober for the first time. I now have a little over 10 years sobriety. Run don't walk to your doctor to try this medication. It can give you the life we use to only dream of. Good luck!"
- Mendee
- March 24, 2017
Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I started going to a clinic to get extra help on top of AA. My alcohol use had gotten to a very, very dangerous level. I would flirt with sobriety through AA, getting almost to 30 days, then a bad craving would hit and I couldn't resist. Then I found out about vivitrol. After my first shot it cut my cravings down ten fold. Now 4 shots in I rarely have a craving and when I do it's manageable. This has allowed me to concentrate on my recovery without also battling cravings. I'm 95 days sober today and so grateful."
- Yvette
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 12, 2018
Vivitrol (naltrexone) "It's a blessing and a miracle!! I have been drinking 35 years arrested 18 times ,homeless, raped, baker acted (involuntary commitment), lost dogs, almost died of alcohol poison. None out that stopped me! Vivitrol is the only thing that has taken all cravings away. Good luck to you all."
- aspen...
- May 11, 2021
"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."
- DSC
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 24, 2018
Vivitrol (naltrexone) "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."
- Broken
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 25, 2019
"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."
- Court...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 6, 2020
"This drug naltrexone changed my life. First day I started taking it it started working. I week after I started I went on an all inclusive trip. The most alcoholic drinks I had in one day was three, when usually at an all inclusive vacation I would have had three just for breakfast. This medication is god sent and I’m forever grateful for this opportunity to no longer be dependent on alcohol. I’ve had zero side effects also."
- Jax
- November 9, 2019
"Hi everyone, 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 alcholol problems.. Sending good vibes to all who suffer ☮️"
- Tomit...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 17, 2014
"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 the 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's. 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."
- nonce
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 9, 2019
"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 drink 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 media much more often than it is."
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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Vivitrol (naltrexone) "Hi, I'm a 40 year old that has been a drinker since age 13. I've drank hard liquor, malted liquor, beer, anything alcoholic. I've used drugs in the past, a lot, however booze is always my gas to get the motor going. The only times I did not drink was when either I was in prison, unsuccessfully rehab stays, or detoxes. Other than that, I was drinking. I wanted to try this injection, because I had tried naltrexone pill form in the past and I got massive migraines from it. Needless to say I been out of prison and off parole for 7 years, got my own apartment but kept drinking, and getting into scuffles without police in the middle. I drank my last drink on a Monday, and called to ask for this shot Tuesday. I got it And the rest is history. I had no symptoms. No withdrawals, no side effects, no bad dreams, nothing but the good things that came with it. Sobriety, and free of cravings, free of thoughts, free of desires."