Vivitrol

[Aileen]

Hi! Everyone,

Been viewing threads on this site off and on for months. Think I need to use it more, though. Anyway, has anyone besides myself tried Vivitrol? Had a injection several months back but did not follow through with monthly injections, until last week. Became extremely nauscious and weak. Took the injection Mon., which was a bad idea. With all that said, am slowly feeling better and hope it continues to work. Am going to have blood work next week to insure my liver is still in good shape. My insurance covers it, so think it may be the ticket for me.

[Miso]

Hi Aileen,

Welcome. I have never heard of vivotrol. What is it? What is it used for?

Miso

[Aileen]

Miso,

It is a new injection drug of naltrexene for alcohol addiction. Once a month, injection in the hip. I am getting nervous because this is day 8 and my eyes are so bloody it is freaky. Never even with the worst hangover have I felt this bad. Have done the cold turkey approach several times with no withdrawal symptoms like this. When I contacted my Dr. on Fri. they were real unconcerned and said to go to the Emergency if I were. He has a full lab in his office which by the way is in a hospital. When I asked why go to Emergency his nurse said for blood work. She had already told me that he would probably want me to come in but his schedule was booked and she didn't know if he could fit me in. Plan to find a new Dr., never could feel comfortable with this one. This is humiliating enough without having your Dr. snub you.

[Miso]

Aileen,

I am by no means a doctor, but bloody eyes don't sound good. I would consider going to the ER. After I read this last night, I read more posts and learned that it was the same as naltrexene. You might check out those threads and send a pm to some of those that have taken it. As for the lump on the hip, I wouldn't be too concerned about that, only because that is a muscular area, and if one is even slightly tense when the shot is given, a lump will result (and even when you aren't tense). Having said that, if it is getting bigger or changing for the worst it could be an allergic reaction. Please check back and let me know how you are doing. I wish you the best.

Miso

[Aileen]

Hey! Miso,

Just returning from a day in the ER. Got scared about the eyes and thought I may have damaged my liver or something. Anyway, didn't have a lump on the hip, that is just where they give the injection. I was dehydrated and guess that is why my eyes were so bloody. Gave me an IV drip and ran blood work. My liver and everything else is completely normal. Really happy to know that. Most Dr.s are not even aware of Vivitrol. I found it on the Internet, told my Dr. about it and that is how I came to try it. The ER Dr. today had never heard of it either. I am really sensitive to medications, so, definitely will not do that one again. Must say though, have been so weak, drinking hasn't even been an option. LOL Had also tried PROMETA, about this time last year and had no success with it. It was very expensive and my insurance didn't cover it. I guess these drugs work for some, I hope so anyway. Just didn't work for me. Guess I keep looking for that boost above willpower, which I don't have much of.

[Miso]

Hi Aileen,

Glad you are okay. Didn't realize dehydration could cause bloody eyes. Eewwwee. Sorry about the lump thing (thought it was you) Guess it was something I read in the naltrexene thread, and I'm not even drinking Anyway, glad you got things checked out. You are right about it being time for you to get a new doctor.

Miso