What are the common, non-concerning side effects of Vivitrol (naltrexone) injection?

Common Non-Concerning Side Effects of Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Injection

The most common non-concerning side effects of Vivitrol (naltrexone) injection include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, and injection site reactions, which typically resolve without intervention. 1

Common Side Effects by Body System

Gastrointestinal

• Nausea (10% of patients) 1
• Vomiting (3% of patients) 1
• Abdominal pain/cramps 1
• Decreased appetite 1

Neurological

• Headache (7% of patients) 1
• Dizziness (4% of patients) 1
• Fatigue (4% of patients) 1

Psychiatric

• Nervousness (4% of patients) 1
• Insomnia (3% of patients) 1
• Anxiety (2% of patients) 1
• Somnolence (2% of patients) 1

Musculoskeletal

• Joint and muscle pain 1
• Low energy 1

Injection Site Reactions

• Pain or tenderness at injection site 2
• Mild swelling 2

Time Course of Side Effects

Most side effects of Vivitrol:

• Occur early in treatment 1
• Are mild to moderate in severity 3
• Are transient and resolve without intervention 1, 3

What Makes These Side Effects "Non-Concerning"

These side effects are considered non-concerning because:

1. They typically resolve on their own without medical intervention 3
2. They don't require discontinuation of treatment in most cases 4
3. They don't indicate serious underlying medical problems
4. They're expected based on the medication's mechanism of action

When to Seek Medical Attention

While the above side effects are generally non-concerning, patients should be aware that certain symptoms warrant medical attention:

• Severe injection site reactions (extensive swelling, hardness, increasing pain)
• Signs of liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain)
• Severe or persistent depression or suicidal thoughts
• Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness)
• Severe or persistent nausea/vomiting that prevents adequate hydration

Practical Management Tips

For patients experiencing these common side effects:

• Nausea: Take with food, eat smaller meals
• Headache: Over-the-counter pain relievers as approved by provider
• Insomnia: Practice good sleep hygiene, avoid caffeine
• Injection site reactions: Rotate injection sites, apply cold compresses
• Fatigue: Maintain regular sleep schedule, moderate exercise as tolerated

Remember that these common side effects typically diminish with continued treatment as the body adjusts to the medication 1.