If you have a dependence on alcohol or opioids, your doctor might suggest Vivitrol as a treatment option. (With dependence, your body gets used to a substance and needs it for you to feel as you usually would.)

Adults use vyrotic to help:

  • treat alcohol dependence in those who have quit drinking and are not being treated in a hospital
  • prevent opioid dependence in those who have detoxed (had opioids cleared from their system)

A complete treatment program should include Vivitrol, education, counseling, and support groups.

naltrexone is an active ingredient in the drug. This is the ingredient that makes it work. It is part of a group of drugs called Opioids.

Vivitrol comes as an injection (shot) that’s given into a muscle of your buttocks by a healthcare professional.

This article describes the dosage of Vivitrol, as well as its strength and how it’s given. To learn more about Vivitrol, see this in-depth article.

Note: This chart highlights the basics of Vivitrol’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail. And keep in mind that this article covers Vivitrol’s standard dosing schedule, which is provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But your doctor will prescribe the Vivitrol dosage that’s right for you.

Vivitrol form Vivitrol strength Vivitrol usual dosage
powder in a vial that is mixed with a liquid to make a solution 380 milligrams (mg) per vial 380-mg injection every 4 weeks

The recommended dose and schedule for Vivitrol are described.

What is Vivitrol’s form?

A solution is created by mixing a certain liquid with a certain amount of powder.

What strength does Vivitrol come in?

A single-dose of vyretrol has a strength of about 400 milligrams.

What is the usual dosage of Vivitrol?

The most common recommended dose of vyrot is below. Your doctor will decide the best dose for you.

The recommended dose of the drug is one injection a month. This is given to someone.

Is Vivitrol prescribed long term?

It is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor agree that it is safe and effective for you, you will likely receive it for a long time.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the drug.

Does Vivitrol come in a form I can take orally (by mouth), such as a pill? If so, what’s the oral dosage?

No, it is not a pill or an oral form. It is an injection drug given to a healthcare professional.

Naltrexone is the active drug in Vivitrol, and it comes as a tablet that you swallow. The recommended dosage of naltrexone tablets is 50 milligrams (mg) daily for opioid or alcohol dependence.

How long does Vivitrol take to work?

After your injection, vyritrol usually starts to work. The drug works in your body until your next dose. The levels of the drug in your blood begin to decrease about 2 weeks after you received it.

Will my dose be different depending on how much I weigh?

The dose of vyritrol is not based on your weight. The size of the needle used to inject you will be determined by your body size. The needles are different sizes with each one. This is to make sure the drug reaches your muscles.

You’ll receive your dose of Vivitrol from a healthcare professional. Right before you receive your dose, they’ll mix the medication into a liquid solution and inject it into a muscle of your buttocks. You’ll receive a dose about once each month.

If you miss a appointment, you can call your doctor to get a new appointment. It is important to follow your schedule to keep the drug in your body.

If you need help remembering your Vivitrol appointments, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Vivitrol itself does not cause withdrawal or dependence. But opioid withdrawal can happen while you’re receiving Vivitrol if opioids are still in your system.

You must stop taking drugs before starting to use it. If you have taken an opiate within 7 to 14 days and also received a dose of vystil, you can experience sudden withdrawal.

You may be more sensitive to the drugs after treatment with vystral. If you take any amount of opioids while being treated with vystral, your risk of overdose can increase. Opioid overdose and withdrawal can be life threatening.

Your doctor will tell you the correct dose of the drug. There is limited data about overdoses with vystil. High doses did cause some symptoms, but they did not cause serious problems.

If you get an overdose of the drug, your doctor will decide if you need treatment.

It’s important to note that your risk of opioid overdose may increase if you take opioids while you’re receiving Vivitrol treatment (see “Vivitrol dependence and withdrawal” just above for details).

Symptoms of overdose

There are symptoms caused by an overdose.

  • injection site reaction
  • nausea
  • There is belly pain.
  • It is too sleepy.
  • dizziness

What to do in case you receive too much Vivitrol

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve received too much Vivitrol. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

The drug manufacturer gives the usual dosage. If your doctor recommends it, they will prescribe the correct amount of the drug.

Some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

  • Will my dosage of Vivitrol be different if I have liver problems?
  • Will my doctor change my dose of vystil if I have alcohol or opiate cravings?
  • Is the dosage of vylist different if I switch from oral to injections?

If you have questions about your current dose, talk to your doctor.

Q:

Is the dosage of Vivitrol different if it’s prescribed for alcohol dependence as opposed to preventing a recurrence of opioid dependence?

Anonymous

A:

The same amount of Vivitrol is used for the treatment of alcohol dependence and for the prevention of a repeat of opiate dependence. The recommended dose is about once per month.

In studies, the same 380-mg dose was given to people with either opioid or alcohol dependence. Opioid and alcohol dependence involve the same system that controls reward, pain, and addiction in your body. Vivitrol works by blocking the effects of opioids. Exactly how Vivitrol works to treat alcohol dependence isn’t known for certain.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.