Opioid addiction is challenging to beat, but with comprehensive treatment, anyone can recover. One of the most effective ways to treat opioid addiction is using medication-assisted treatment (MAT), an integrated approach combining behavioral therapy and counseling with FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.<\/p>\n
Two of the most popular MAT medications are Vivitrol (naltrexone) and Sublocade (buprenorphine). Both of these are extended-release medications that come in the form of an injection. Although similar, there are some key differences between Vivitrol and Sublocade that may play a role in deciding which one is right for you.<\/p>\n
Vivitrol<\/a> is a medication used to treat opioid and alcohol dependence. It falls under the category of extended-release medications, administered by injection, and contains naltrexone. Vivitrol is designed to help prevent relapse in individuals who have already gone through detoxification and achieved initial abstinence from opioids or alcohol. It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, thereby reducing the pleasurable effects of opioids and the craving for alcohol.<\/p>\n Vivitrol comes in the form of an intramuscular injection. It is typically administered in the buttocks and provides a stable dose of naltrexone that lasts in the body for about a month.<\/p>\n Common side effects of Vivitrol<\/a> are:<\/p>\n Many people experience little to no side effects whatsoever.<\/p>\n Sublocade<\/a> is another medication used in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Sublocade contains buprenorphine, a medication that belongs to the class of medications known as partial opioid agonists. Buprenorphine is also found in other medications like Suboxone and Subutex, but what sets Sublocade apart is its extended-release form.<\/p>\n Administered as a monthly injection, Sublocade gradually releases buprenorphine into the bloodstream over the course of a month, reducing the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that individuals with OUD often experience. Sublocade is given as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it is injected just below the skin.<\/p>\n After the shot is injected, it turns into a gel-like substance under the skin called a \u201cdepot.\u201d The depot slowly shrinks throughout the month as buprenorphine is released into the body. By releasing a gradual, yet steady dose of buprenorphine, clients can avoid the ups and downs that are common when taking daily oral forms of buprenorphine.<\/p>\n Common side effects of Sublocade are:<\/p>\n Vivitrol and Sublocade share some common characteristics, primarily because they are both used in the treatment of opioid dependence. Additionally, both medications are administered as monthly injections. This extended-release method ensures that individuals do not need to remember to take daily medications, which can help individuals adhere to their treatment plan.<\/p>\n Because both medications are designed to be administered once a month, they maintain consistency and prevent the daily fluctuations associated with oral medications, promoting a more stable and controlled recovery process. Both Vivitrol and Sublocade are administered by a healthcare provider in a medical setting, so there is virtually no risk of abuse or dependence.<\/p>\n Finally, Both medications are typically initiated after a patient has undergone the detoxification process and achieved initial abstinence from opioids. This is a critical step to avoid precipitating opioid withdrawal symptoms in the patient. Taking either Vivitrol or Sublocade too early can result in severe precipitated withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n While Vivitrol and Sublocade share commonalities, they also have several differences that may influence the choice of medication in an individual’s addiction treatment plan. Key differences include:<\/p>\n The choice between Vivitrol and Sublocade often involves individual patient preferences, the severity and duration of their addiction, and the recommendations of their healthcare providers. It’s essential for individuals to have open and honest discussions with their healthcare team to determine the most appropriate medication for them.<\/p>\n Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)<\/a> is a powerful tool that can be used to combat the opioid epidemic, reduce heavy drinking in people with alcohol use disorder, and help people who are struggling with addiction achieve a higher quality of life. While medications treat withdrawal symptoms and cravings, therapy and support groups can help you establish a foundation for your recovery.<\/p>\n To find out if you are eligible for MAT, speak with an admissions coordinator at Arise Treatment Center. Our team is dedicated to helping you find a treatment program that meets your needs and can set you up for long-term recovery. Call now to get started.<\/p>\n References:<\/p>\n Opioid addiction is challenging to beat, but with comprehensive treatment, anyone can recover. One of the most effective ways to treat opioid addiction is using medication-assisted treatment (MAT), an integrated approach combining behavioral therapy and counseling with FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Two of the most popular MAT medications are Vivitrol (naltrexone) and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3288,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n<\/span>Vivitrol Side Effects<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/span>What is Sublocade?<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Sublocade Side Effects<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/span>How are Vivitrol and Sublocade Similar?<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Exploring the Differences Between Vivitrol and Sublocade<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/span>Learn More About Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)<\/span><\/h2>\n
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