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Vivitrol (Medication Therapy)
Vivitrol is a long-acting opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors to prevent euphoria and reduce cravings in opioid and alcohol use disorders.
Vivitrol is a long-acting opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors to prevent euphoria and reduce cravings in opioid and alcohol use disorders. Used for Opioid use disorder (prevention of relapse), Alcohol use disorder (maintenance of abstinence).
At a glance
| Generic name | Vivitrol (Medication Therapy) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation |
| Drug class | Opioid antagonist |
| Target | Opioid receptors (mu, delta, kappa) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Addiction Medicine |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Vivitrol contains naltrexone, which competitively binds to opioid receptors (mu, delta, and kappa) and blocks the rewarding effects of opioids and alcohol. By preventing the pleasurable sensations associated with these substances, it reduces cravings and supports abstinence. The extended-release formulation provides sustained receptor blockade for approximately one month per injection.
Approved indications
- Opioid use disorder (prevention of relapse)
- Alcohol use disorder (maintenance of abstinence)
Common side effects
- Injection site reactions
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Key clinical trials
- Pharmacological and Behavioral Treatment After Bariatric Surgery: Acute (Stage 1) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- A Multiple Health Behavior Change (MHBC) Intervention for Weight Loss and Smoking Cessation for Pre-Bariatric Surgery Patients (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Development of a MHBC Intervention for Weight Loss and Smoking Cessation for Pre-Bariatric Surgery Patients (PHASE1)
- Combination Gerotherapeutic Interventions for Healthspan Improvement (PHASE3)
- Individualized Pharmacological Approach to Obesity in Patients With Bipolar Disorder (PHASE4)
- Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for Management of Fatigue in Prostate Cancer Patients on Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) (PHASE2)
- Trial of Naltrexone/Bupropion for the Treatment of Methamphetamine Use Disorder (PHASE3)
- The Whole Health Study: Collaborative Care for OUD and Mental Health Conditions (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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