VIVITROL®

Vivitrol® Treatment at Texas Clinic

At Texas Clinic, we offer Vivitrol® (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) as part of a comprehensive treatment program for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Vivitrol® can help prevent relapse and support long-term recovery when combined with counseling and behavioral therapy.

What Is Vivitrol®?

Vivitrol® is a prescription injectable medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to:

Treat Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) — after the patient has stopped drinking.

Prevent relapse to opioid dependence — after complete detoxification from opioids.

Vivitrol® is not an opioid, not addictive, and does not cause physical dependence. It is administered as a once-monthly injection by a healthcare professional.

(Sources: FDA, SAMHSA)

How Vivitrol® Works

Vivitrol® contains naltrexone, an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors in the brain. By doing so, it:

Reduces cravings for alcohol

Blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids

Helps prevent relapse when patients are committed to a full recovery program

To start Vivitrol® for opioid dependence, patients must be completely detoxed—typically at least 7–14 days opioid-free—to avoid sudden and severe withdrawal symptoms.

(Sources: SAMHSA, CDC)

Important Safety Information

  • Opioid Detoxification Required: Patients must fully detox from opioids before starting Vivitrol®. Starting Vivitrol® while opioids are still in the body can trigger sudden opioid withdrawal.
  • Overdose Risk: Because Vivitrol® blocks the effects of opioids, patients who attempt to override this blockade by taking large amounts of opioids are at increased risk of overdose or death.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Patients and families should have access to naloxone (an emergency treatment for opioid overdose) and call 911 immediately in the event of an overdose, even if naloxone is used.

Vivitrol® has not been studied extensively in children and is currently approved only for adults.

(Sources: FDA, SAMHSA, NIH)

Common Side Effects:

  • Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Decreased appetite
  • Joint pain

Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Attention):

  • Severe injection site reactions (including tissue death)
  • Liver damage or hepatitis (symptoms include abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  • Allergic reactions (rash, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
  • Depression or suicidal thoughts

Patients and healthcare providers are encouraged to report any side effects to the FDA MedWatch program.

(Sources: FDA, SAMHSA)

Vivitrol® and Whole-Person Care

At Texas Clinic, Vivitrol® is offered as part of a full recovery plan that includes:

  • Individual counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Medical evaluations
  • Ongoing recovery support

Medication alone is not enough—Vivitrol® works best when paired with therapy and other structured recovery services to address the underlying causes of substance use.

Our dedicated team is here to guide each patient toward a healthier, more stable future.

Vivitrol® is a registered trademark of Alkermes PLC.

Call Now: 713-694-8100 or fill the contact form.