Suboxone vs Vivitrol: What are the Differences?

Opioid use disorder is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment and support. People with opioid use disorder can face severe, long-term health complications, including physical dependence.

Heavy or ongoing opioid use can change how the body and brain work. These changes make it very hard for people to stop taking opioids when they want. Treatment programs include medical interventions, behavioral therapies, and more to address the complex roots of their substance use.

Opioid use disorder treatment programs provide comprehensive support, including prescription medications, to keep people safe while detoxing. Research has proven medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs to be more effective than other forms of treatment.

Suboxone and Vivitrol are two of the medications commonly used to address opioid dependence. This article will explore the differences between Suboxone and Vivitrol. You will learn:

• The effects of Suboxone
• The effects of Vivitrol
• The differences between Suboxone and Vivitrol
• How to determine which medication is right for you
• Where to find comprehensive treatment

If you or someone you love lives with a drug or alcohol use disorder, you are not alone. Find the treatment and support you need at Blue Star Recovery. Contact our intake coordinators to learn about our programs or to schedule an appointment.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -approved medication. It contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Doctors may prescribe Suboxone to patients with opioid use disorder.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. This means that the drug binds to the brain’s opioid receptors. It works by activating these receptors, which can “trick” the body into believing opioids are present.

People ingest Suboxone by taking a sublingual film each day. This film dissolves under the tongue very quickly. This lets the active ingredients reach the bloodstream quickly.

Naloxone blocks the pleasurable effects of opioids, reducing the risk of continued opioid abuse. Taking Suboxone can minimize opioid withdrawal symptoms, including cravings. It can help people work toward long-term recovery from opioid use disorder.

Potential Side Effects of Suboxone

Like all prescription medications, Suboxone has the potential to cause side effects. Some potential side effects of Suboxone include:

• Excessive sweating
• Body aches
• Depression
• Back pain
• Redness or burning in the mouth
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Constipation
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Elevate heart rate

In most cases, these side effects will improve or resolve after someone has been taking Suboxone for several days or weeks. People must take Suboxone as prescribed and only under careful medical supervision.

Suboxone can reduce cravings and other effects of opioid withdrawal. People who take Suboxone also benefit from comprehensive treatment programs that include therapy, education, and mental health care.

What is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is an FDA-approved prescription. Vivitrol contains naltrexone, an opioid agonist that blocks the effects of opioids. Doctors may prescribe extended-release Vivitrol to patients with opioid use disorder. People may also receive Vivitrol during treatment for alcohol dependence.

People receive a monthly injection of Vivitrol. A medical provider gives the Vivitrol shot into the buttock muscles.

People must complete detoxification before receiving Vivitrol. If people have prescription or illicit opioids in their system while receiving Vivitrol, they may experience severe opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Potential Side Effects of Vivitrol

Like other prescription drugs, Vivitrol has the potential to cause side effects. Some of the potential side effects of Vivitrol include:

• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• High blood pressure
• Itching or pain at the injection site
• Headache
• Toothache
• Common cold symptoms
• Pneumonia

People can also have a severe allergic reaction to Vivitrol. While this is rare, it can have life-threatening complications that require immediate medical intervention.

Vivitrol can reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. It is not habit-forming or addictive. The FDA has approved Vivitrol for long-term use, meaning people can take it for a long time to maintain their abstinence from opioids.

What are the Differences Between Suboxone and Vivitrol?

Suboxone and Vivitrol can both help to reduce the risk of opioid abuse. However, there are some differences between these drugs. Here are some of the most significant differences between Suboxone and Vivitrol.

Suboxone is FDA-approved only to treat opioid use disorder. Vivitrol is approved by the FDA to treat alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.

Suboxone has the potential for physical dependence. People taking Suboxone must have medical supervision when stopping Suboxone. Vivitrol does not have the risk of addiction. People may stop taking Vivitrol without the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

People must finish detoxing before starting Vivitrol. People may start Suboxone treatment shortly after withdrawal symptoms begin–usually 12-24 hours after their last dose of opioids.

People must take Suboxone every day. People taking Vivitrol receive a monthly injection.

Suboxone and Vivitrol can both help people with opioid use disorder maintain abstinence. It is critical to work with medical professionals who can find the medications that work best for your unique needs.

Suboxone vs Vivitrol: Which is Right For Me?

If you or a loved one lives with opioid use disorder, you are not alone. Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists to determine the medications and therapies that can help you overcome this condition and move forward.

Reach out to our intake team to learn more about our treatment and recovery support programs or to schedule an appointment.

References:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone)
2. FDA: Vivitrol (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension)
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Substance Use Disorder Treatment Options
4. National Institute of Health (NIH): Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder Research Report