Vivitrol Side Effects: What to Expect After the Vivitrol Injection

The initial dose of the medication may cause some people to feel lightheaded or drowsy or to feel nervous or have trouble sleeping. If these side effects don’t wear off in a few days, talk to your doctor.

“The first three days, I felt like something had a physical grip on my brain. Feeling a little cloudy, sweaty and emotionless. But, feeling better on day four. Able to go to work and everything. ”​

Nausea is one of the most common side effects of Vivitrol, usually only after the first injection and only lasting for a few hours or days. 

“I had to take two days off work, because I was feeling bad. But, the majority of side effects weaned off after day four for me and never came back.”

“Just the night I got the shot, I felt a little nauseous and achy. It faded from there and I didn’t feel any kind of sick after getting my second shot.”

Does Vivitrol cause stomach problems?

Vivitrol doesn’t usually cause stomach problems, but nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain are possible. Usually, these stomach issues are mild and resolve quickly, potentially the same day.

No, research shows those taking naltrexone seem to eat less and may have reduced enjoyment of eating. Though, the official side effects from the manufacturer report neither weight gain nor weight loss.ⓘ

Is Naltrexone used for food addiction?
Yes, naltrexone can be used for binge eating disorders. Research indicates naltrexone works in food addiction by blocking reward pathways, not necessarily blocking cravings like sugar.ⓘ There is ongoing research on naltrexone as an option for overweight management.ⓘ

Though technically a reported side effect, liver injury is rare with Vivitrol. In fact, research suggests that the rate of liver injury is the same as with a placebo. Naltrexone taken at high doses would be more likely to lead to liver injury, but dosage with Vivitrol is controlled.ⓘ

Many people struggling with alcohol use have liver issues even if they don’t know it. Vivitrol can still be an appropriate medication. Your doctor will weigh the risks of Vivitrol versus the risk of alternative medications or continued drinking, which would be worse for liver damage.

If patients have a pre-existing history of impaired liver function or show signs of liver disease, then blood work to check liver functioning may be ordered prior to initiating Vivitrol.

Can Vivitrol cause hepatitis?

No, Vivitrol does not cause hepatitis and more recent studies even suggest Vivitrol can safely be used in patients with mild to moderate hepatitis infections. Hepatotoxicity with naltrexone can occur at doses 6x greater than the FDA-recommended dosages, but Vivitrol controls dosing by design.ⓘ

Vivitrol injections aren’t particularly painful. As with any shot, there may be soreness or tenderness in the area that lasts for a day or so.

Where is the Vivitrol injection given?
Vivitrol shots are usually given on the side of the buttocks.