Vivitrol for Opioid Use Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Per...
• March 4, 2015

"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 going cold turkey from a nasty prescription pill habit. Roughly 90-120 mg 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."

• Mar...
• February 7, 2019

"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."

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

"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-opioid replacement. Gives me the power back to say yes to the shot once every 28 days (I take oral naltrexone starting daily at day 21), and I have a life again. I'm no longer just a junkie but a daughter, sister, fiancée, friend, and I have an amazing job. I am a RECOVERING addict. Amazing what rehab, meetings, IOP, and this wonderful tool can do for a heroin/oxy/methadone/all opiates IV drug user like me. The only needle in my body in 5 months was lidocaine followed by Vivitrol. I never thought it could happen as much as I wanted to be clean."

• JMJ...
• February 6, 2016

"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 Vivitrol 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."

• Dba...
• July 19, 2016

"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 because it's been super high. I have acne due to the shot. I get leg cramps. It saved my life."

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

"I've been an opiate addict for 7 years. When I first became addicted, OC was everywhere. A few years later, I struggled to find any OxyContin, shortly, they changed from OC to OP, which I 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 years. I kept clean from any other drug throughout my time on methadone but was still an addict because both Suboxone and methadone are opioids. I found an institute, there are many across the country. They do what is called a rapid detox, which was pretty pain-free. At the end of your detox, I got a Vivitrol implant. It's saved my marriage."

• Nev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2016

"Was not given the correct information and was not monitored after injection. I was honest and told the doctor I took Suboxone 6 days before the shot, and he said I would be fine. Well, about 30 minutes after the shot, I started having terrible withdrawals. Sweating, and it felt like my skin was on fire for the entire month. I urinated every 15 minutes. Couldn't sleep and had extreme restless leg syndrome. Constant headache and urinary tract infection to boot. Zero sex drive and a bad mood the whole time. Sought therapy at Calvary House and told all my symptoms. No one cared. At $1,200 each month, why would they?"

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

"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."

• exf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2016

"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 through with a little walking and exercise. No cravings and definitely no thoughts about trying ANY opiates after seeing the results firsthand. The withdrawal it causes is life-threatening. It's not worth it. The naloxone is good for our situations. If you really want to get clean, give it a whirl!"

• Thr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2016

"I was a heavy IV user for 2 years, have been in and out of treatment programs, relapsing every time. My doctor, who was prescribing me subs, told me she had to cut me off because I could not pass a urine analysis. So basically, 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, I was in full-blown precipitated withdrawal. Day 4, feeling better, just can't sleep at all."

• Gyp...
• December 1, 2016

"Have been on the shot for 2 years 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 with."

• ELM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2020

"I've been incarcerated for 47 months, and the treatment center I am going to for outpatient pushed the drug on me, said it would be a safety net for me. I got the shot today at 9 a.m., 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 rehabs 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!!!"

• Max...
• August 20, 2019

"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."

• Pos...
• June 10, 2017

"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 2 pm 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 1 pm (24 hours) I am about 90% 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 withdraw for weeks and even months. Everyone's body is different, but I highly recommend this!"

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

"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."

• Jra...
• July 13, 2016

"Vivitrol 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 helped give me."

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

"I am 2 days in after getting my Vivitrol 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. It's 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, it's really how my head feels that made me want to write this. Is anyone else getting this? If it goes on for a while, I won't get a second shot."

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

"I was addicted to opiates for 4 years before this shot. I finally feel like I'm not living a double life anymore! I was homeless within 6 months of first becoming dependent on heroin (IV from the start), and I've wanted to stop ever since. Willpower 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."

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

"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."

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

"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."

• Sam...
• December 2, 2017

"I cannot express enough how incredible Vivitrol is! I am proud to say I have 4 months clean. All the glory goes to Vivitrol and God! After years spent being in a self-destructive, repetitive, hopeless cycle... My drugs of choice were methamphetamine and heroin (both IV). Now I no longer have cravings for either substance. I am finally working. Got my driver's license and a car. Am working on getting my GED. All things I never would have been able to do if I'd kept going from where I was. I am thankful and blessed to be alive and sober today. I 100% recommend this to everybody still suffering. My brother also got the shot after years of being in and out of jail, living on the streets, he is working now and doing wonderfully! So thankful."

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

"If you want to be sober but can't and have tried and failed at sobriety, then you are the perfect criteria. You failed at sobriety before because a chemical change, a physical dependence 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 and 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 and no longer NEED anything to function. This injection will work and you will have chosen the fastest and most effective SOLUTION to your addiction. You need this..."

• Buz...
• February 24, 2016

"I have been an opiate user for 6 years. I would do 10-30 mg over a few days and go back to subs. I was really close to losing my family, so I thought the Vivitrol shot was my best option. It was really hard staying clean and going through WD for the past week, but I got through it. Got shot yesterday, and I'm not having any side effects. Tossing and turning and not getting a good night's sleep will continue for a while. I think the shot is the best option if you are addicted and you really want to change your life. If I can do it, anyone can!"

• G54...
• June 23, 2017

"I had 10 months clean after being a heavy IV opioid user for years, I 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 summarize, 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, exercising 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."

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

"I've only gotten the shot twice, February and March 2020, and I'm not sure what to think. It's good, 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 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 not having got my dose this month due to COVID-19 and my insurance... but I don't think I'm going to do it again..."