Naltrexone and Tiredness: What Users Say

• sob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2020

For Alcohol Use Disorder "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 through detox for a week and then rehab for weeks. Went through an intensive outpatient 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 1x/day. 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 than being drunk and hungover. I highly recommend it."

• Ger...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2020

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I just wanted to thank all the people for their comments. Reading these positive (mostly) reviews made me see the doctor and get naltrexone. I have only had 25mg for 4 days now but it is so good! I was drinking way too much about 4 nights per week and once I started, I couldn’t stop. Now I don’t feel like a drink at all. I had a sip of wine on day 1 and it was awful. Fortunately for me, minor side effects - bit tired, bit of diarrhea, night sweats and some very trippy dreams! Good luck to everyone. I highly recommend."

• Akr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 1, 2013

For Alcohol Use Disorder "Naltrexone is very effective and quick-acting: prior to commencing treatment, I would drink 2 bottles of wine each and every evening without fail. Naltrexone helped me break this habit very quickly - it starts working from the very first tablet you take. After 4 weeks of Naltrexone therapy, I could pass 6-7 days without touching a single drop of alcohol. This medication has helped me rebuild my life. The side effects from Naltrexone are minor: tiredness and anxiety and sometimes heart palpitations. For best results, take the Naltrexone around 4 or 5 pm - this is a few hours before the usual time I would start drinking alcohol."

• Pal...
• March 9, 2019

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "I've struggled with alcoholism for 10 years. Vivitrol was suggested before but I couldn't afford it. I was able to find a clinic that got a federal grant for Vivitrol. The first 4-5 days I was tired, leg cramps up through my buttocks (felt like the flu), hip and ankle pain, irritable, sad, nauseous. Side effects eventually went away after 1 week. Cravings have been minimal to non-existent. Yesterday I was irritable; had a bad day at work which triggered me. Decided what the hell and see if the drug really did take away that feel-good feeling. I drank about half the amount I usually do and it didn't do anything other than the physical side effects. I ended up pouring the rest out and went to bed. This is a miracle! I am so grateful! Looking forward to continuing using it for this year while I complete my 12 steps in the AA program so I will not only be physically healthy, but mentally and spiritually too! THANK YOU VIVITROL AND THANK YOU TO MY CLINIC AND GRANT MONEY!"

• Dus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2013

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I read about the Sinclair Method a few years ago, but it took me several doctors to finally find one to prescribe Naltrexone. It is only FDA approved for use with abstinence, which is why most physicians aren't likely to prescribe it per the Sinclair Method. I finally found a psychiatrist who agreed to try it with me. I split the tablets for the first two days to get used to it. I noticed its effects immediately. I take one tablet one hour before I feel like drinking something, usually in the late afternoon. I don't really feel any different after I take it, except that I have a much lower 'craving' and I drink about 30%-80% less now. Sometimes makes me a little queasy or tired, but I haven't had a blackout or a hangover since. I love it!"

• mid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I started taking a daily dose 3 days ago. I poured myself a drink today as an 'experiment' and noticed right away that the smell of the alcohol seemed different and was a real turn-off. I nursed the drink for almost an hour, which is almost unheard of for me (I'm a chugger). I finished the drink more out of obligation to the experiment than anything, and I never got the usual 'buzz' I'd get. Now I have a slight headache, and I'm a bit tired. Honestly, if any future drinking feels like this, then I can definitely see how this will curb my drinking as there is no reward anymore. And I've been trying to gain control of this for 10+ years: therapy, counseling, rehab, AA, etc."

• Ren...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2016

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I fell into alcohol dependency a few years ago to try to cope with a bad marriage - was drinking up to two bottles of wine a night. Doctor put me on naltrexone to help me get control. I lost the desire to drink on the first day of taking it. It's been two weeks now, and I'm doing well. It's a great first step. The only side effect I've noticed is that I'm very tired, but it seems to be getting better. Now to deal with the emotions and other stuff that led me to drink in the first place. Good luck to you all."

• bab...
• January 22, 2016

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I am 43, been drinking since I was 13, really heavily-16 beers a day or so the last 3 years. I've been trying to not drink the last month. For the same reasons most probably do, I'm about to lose everything, and I just got tired of feeling like shit. I made it about 10 days and couldn't take the internal debate anymore and gave in. Been sober for 3 days, but still, it's tiring constantly fighting yourself. Took this about 9 hours ago. I am not having any thoughts or urge to drink at all. I am still scheduled for rehab in a week or so. I'm surprised it worked that quick, the doctor said it would, though. I do feel really tired, though."

• Mar...
• February 7, 2019

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "I came 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 inpatient 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 lobbyists to get it approved and into the court systems, etc. If it works for you, great. For me, not so much."

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2019

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I started naltrexone 25 mg (for my dependence on alcohol) yesterday around 11 am. I was hit pretty hard with nausea, feeling spaced out, a headache, and tiredness. Part of this was probably a hangover from 2 plus bottles of wine the night before. Also, I took it on an empty stomach. I just rested and felt better around 2:30 pm. My doctor told me to taper off drinking and not to just stop. So I got a glass of wine around 4:30 pm, and when I took the first drink, I didn’t get the pleasure rush. I got a second glass and couldn’t finish it. This is really unusual because normally I finish the bottle and a lot more. I also slept really well all through the night. Today I’m going to eat before I take it and hope the side effects lessen. I would like to take it at night, but I really need it to be effective to help with the drinking. Does it still work if you take it at night?"

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2018

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "I'm on my 4th month of Vivitrol. I haven't drunk at all. I only think about drinking again when emotionally triggered. I think the drug is doing its job and will continue. I am tired and depressed, but that's just part of this whole cleanup process. A+ Vivitrol."

• thi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2023

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "OMG. I feel like I'm dying of apathy at best, and a shaking, sweating, angry ball of anxiety at worst. I had gone through alcohol and benzo withdrawal a month ago, then got this horrible shot and immediately felt like I was going through it all over again, plus other weird side effects like ringing ears, insomnia but exhaustion, lack of motivation, and no interest in anything... at all. Today is only a week since I got the shot, and I can't stand to think that the next 3 weeks will be like this. Do your research, unlike me. If you have depression or anxiety, think this over. Yay, I'm not drinking or thinking about drinking, but I feel like I wouldn't get off the couch if the house was on fire, either. I would do benzo withdrawal twice over rather than deal with these awful side effects. Never again."

• Hob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2019

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "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."

• Max...
• August 20, 2019

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "Vivitrol is a lifesaver for sure, but the mental aspects, such as the depression, lethargy, lack of motivation, and 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 to know this. In the end, I have a love-hate relationship with Vivitrol. It gave me the time to heal, but the depression and lethargy the shot causes I wouldn't wish on everyone."

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

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "I just want to let everyone know Suboxone withdrawal can happen days after the 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 take several months for your body to recover back to normal. That means having energy, a good appetite, sleeping normally, regular bowel movements. And that can all happen even if you're 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."

• Sez...
• February 21, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I have been on naltrexone now for 16 weeks and not had a drink, not even wanted one. Crazy to say I drank from morning till night. Only thing I feel: really weak and tired and sleep is rubbish. But it has stopped me drinking, so 100% worth it. xxx"

• Try...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2019

For Alcohol Use Disorder "This is a very powerful drug. To start off, I am a 6'0" 180 lb male. I was prescribed 50 mg once daily, however, I was hesitant, as in the past, I have been hospitalized due to reactions from other prescription medicines, so I started on 25 mg instead. This hit me like a truck, I was extremely tired and in a fog. I felt like a zombie, so I dropped it down to 12.5 mg. I still was extremely tired and out of it. After almost giving up, I went down to 6 mg, which is an eighth of a pill. I found this to be the right amount for me. The first few days, I had a little headache, minor stomach pain, and was a little tired, but this all has passed. This drug did give me the ability to stop after one drink. It makes it easier to 'take it or leave it' when it comes to alcohol. I would recommend at least trying it and experimenting with which dose works best for you."

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2018

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "I was drinking a lot every day and taking about 20 to 30 drops a day, plus other things. I woke up one day and decided that I needed to do something about it before I ended up dead. It was hard to do, my wife had no idea for the last 14 years I was an addict. The first thing I did was come clean with her, which was the hardest thing to do when you spend so much time covering your tracks. It's hard to humble yourself and come clean, but that is the first step. After that, I had to be clean for five to seven days before I could get Vivitrol. Days before I got the shot, I remember sitting in the living room in tears, wondering if I'll ever be right. But getting the shot is the best move, it does not hurt bad at all, it's like a flu shot, and all of this about no energy and whatnot, I did not experience. I felt great the night I got it, I had more energy and more of an appetite. It has now been two months, and I have not had a drink or any opioids. If I can give you any advice, get the shot and get your life back."

• Ies...
• September 25, 2020

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "I received the Vivitrol injection yesterday morning and have felt tired, (like can’t really get enough sleep) tired. I was worried until I read comments on this platform. It seems to be a common feeling for the first 4 days. I’m hopeful."

• Lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2018

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "I received the Vivitrol shot 3 days ago for alcohol dependency. So far, it has helped with the craving to want to drink. The side effects that I have are I’m constantly tired and have no motivation. I just feel blank and withdrawn from the world. I hear this lasts for only 4 days or so, I truly hope that’s true. Hopefully, my body adjusts to this medication (injection) so I can get up out of bed and enjoy life again. I’m just so not used to being down, I’m normally full of energy and have motivation to do things. Fingers crossed."

• Anonymous
• September 15, 2011

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I rate this medicine a 10 because of the fact that the craving did go away almost instantly. I am taking the low-dose tablet. I've only been on it for 2 days. I do have to say, though, it has made me tired, moody, and I've had a hard time concentrating, especially when driving."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2022

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "Made me extremely ill. Not an opiate user. Got the 30-day shot. Feel anxious, problems with my digestive system, headaches, trouble sleeping, and overly tired somehow. Fatigued all day, and my body aches. It's awful. I feel like I have the flu, and simultaneously, all the joy has been sucked out of my life. I can't take pleasure in anything during the day."

• Smi...
• October 17, 2016

For Alcohol Use Disorder "27 y/o F, full-time musician, been a heavy drinker for 7 years. At first, it was all for fun, then it became a necessity to escape myself. My primary drink choice was wine: 2 bottles a day on average. Today is my 9th day sober! I have a sponsor and am working the 12-step program in conjunction with Naltrexone. So far, this drug has been AMAZING. It does make me tired, so I take it at night before bed. The few times a craving has come forward, it has been quick and easy to push aside. Alcohol is the answer, not the problem, therefore, I believe if you don't work at the root of your problem, this drug will be nothing more than a temporary crutch. Best of luck to you all in your recovery! We can do this!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2019

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "The first couple of days after I get the shot, I feel a little out of it, like “blah” and tired, but that goes away. This shot significantly helps my cravings to get high. There’s no obsession anymore. It’s just a thought, and then it passes. Plus, after a while, it resets your dopamine levels back to normal, and your brain heals. I recommend it to every opiate abuser out there and alcoholic!"

• Bek...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2018

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "I have been getting the shot for four months now. I love how it helps with cravings. I have noticed, though, that about a week before I'm due for my next shot, I get very irritable. I also feel more tired than usual. I can deal with the tiredness, but the irritability can be unbearable."