Struggling with opioid addiction is a complex and deeply personal journey, but finding the right treatment doesn’t have to be. When it comes to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), two of the most common options are Vivitrol® (naltrexone) and Suboxone® (buprenorphine)—but how do you know which one is right for you? Whether you’re seeking to control withdrawal symptoms or prevent relapse, understanding the key differences between these medications can empower you to make the best choice for your recovery.
Ready to take the next step? At Porch Light Health, we’ll help you decide the most effective treatment tailored to your unique recovery journey. Reach out today to learn more about MAT options like naltrexone and buprenorphine.
Call: (866) 394-6123 | Find A Clinic
Vivitrol® is the brand name for naltrexone, a medication used to treat both opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) by blocking the effects of opioids in your brain. Unlike other drugs used in medications for addiction treatment (MAT), naltrexone is non-addictive and not a controlled substance, which means there’s no risk of dependency.
While naltrexone is also available as a daily pill, Vivitrol® stands out because it’s administered as a once-monthly injection. This can be a convenient option for those who prefer not to take medication every day. Both forms of naltrexone work by preventing the euphoric and calming effects of opioids or alcohol, helping to reduce cravings.
Learn More: Naltrexone Therapy
Buprenorphine, most commonly referred to under brand names like Suboxone®, Subutex®, and Sublocade®, is an opioid medication commonly used in MAT to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Unlike full opioid agonists, buprenorphine only partially activates opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings without creating the full euphoric “high.” You can take buprenorphine in a variety of ways, such as daily tablets, films, or even monthly injections (Sublocade®), providing flexibility depending on what works best for your recovery.
Learn More: Sublocade® vs. Suboxone®: What’s The Difference?
When it comes to choosing between naltrexone and buprenorphine, the right choice really depends on your situation. Both are effective treatments for opioid use disorder but function differently to support your recovery.
If managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms is your main concern, buprenorphine tends to be the more substantial option, especially in the early stages of recovery.
On the other hand, Vivitrol® (naltrexone) doesn’t directly target withdrawal symptoms but can be ideal for those who are concerned about the risk of dependency.
Vivitrol® shines in preventing relapse by blocking the effects of opioids and alcohol, which makes it an excellent option for individuals who have fully detoxed and are committed to staying opioid-free.
While buprenorphine also helps prevent relapse, it doesn’t completely block opioid effects and can be misused in some instances.
Buprenorphine offers flexibility with options for daily doses at home in the form of tablets or films or a monthly injection.
Naltrexone, the active ingredient in Vivitrol®, is also available in a daily pill form, but Vivitrol® itself requires a healthcare professional to administer it as a monthly injection. Deciding which option is better depends on your lifestyle and what’s most practical for your treatment plan.
Both naltrexone and buprenorphine can have side effects, which is an important consideration when deciding which medication might be best for you.
In rare cases, both medications may cause more severe side effects, such as liver issues or allergic reactions. Discuss any potential concerns regarding side effects with your treatment team at Porch Light Health to ensure you’re on the best path for your unique circumstances and recovery journey.
Learn More: How Buprenorphine Effects Anxiety & Depression
Naltrexone, available in both daily pill form and as a monthly injection (Vivitrol®), can be a great option for individuals who have already detoxed from opioids or alcohol and are looking for a medication that can help prevent relapse without the risk of addiction. Since naltrexone is non-opioid-based, there’s no risk of developing dependency on the medication itself.
Vivitrol® (the injectable form) may be ideal for people who struggle with sticking to a daily medication routine.
The once-monthly injection provides consistent, long-lasting protection without daily adherence, making it especially convenient for individuals with busy lifestyles or those who prefer fewer medical appointments.
The daily pill form of naltrexone offers more flexibility for those who prefer oral medication or may need to stop or adjust treatment more frequently. However, strict adherence is required for effectiveness, making it a better fit for individuals confident in maintaining a daily medication schedule.
Buprenorphine, which comes in forms like daily tablets, films, or even monthly injections, is often a great option for people who are in the early stages of recovery from opioid addiction. It’s particularly helpful if you need strong support to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, as buprenorphine works by partially activating opioid receptors, helping you feel more stable without producing a full euphoric high.
This medication is a good fit if you’re comfortable with a daily routine or prefer having flexibility with how you take it. Buprenorphine can be especially useful for those early in recovery who need help with managing withdrawal symptoms and preventing relapse.
If you’re looking for a treatment that provides ongoing support with flexibility, buprenorphine could be the right choice for your MAT plan.
Learn More: Can You Drink on Suboxone®?
Choosing between Vivitrol® (naltrexone) and Suboxone® (buprenorphine) ultimately depends on your recovery goals, lifestyle, and personal needs.
At Porch Light Health, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique situation, whether you opt for naltrexone, buprenorphine, or another medication. We’re here to guide and support you every step of the way on your journey to recovery.
Ready to find the right MAT solution for your recovery? Don’t wait—reach out today and start your journey to a healthier, opioid-free life.
Call: (866) 394-6123 | Find A Clinic
Suboxone® (buprenorphine) and naltrexone are both effective, but they work differently and may be more suitable for different stages of recovery.
Suboxone® is typically more effective at managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms early in recovery since it partially activates opioid receptors. Naltrexone, on the other hand, is best suited for individuals who have already completed detox and want to prevent relapse, as it blocks the effects of opioids. The choice depends on your specific needs and recovery stage.
While both Vivitrol® (naltrexone) and naloxone are used in opioid-related treatments, they serve different purposes. Vivitrol® is a long-term medication that blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol, helping prevent relapse. It’s used as part of medications for addiction treatment (MAT).
Naloxone, on the other hand, commonly known as Narcan®, is an emergency medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. Naloxone works quickly to block the effects of opioids in an overdose situation but is not used for long-term maintenance.
The Vivitrol® shot works by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol, which can help reduce cravings.
Most people don’t feel any opioid-related effects after receiving the shot, though some might experience mild side effects like nausea, headaches, fatigue, or soreness at the injection site. It doesn’t produce a “high” or any sedative effects, as it’s a non-opioid medication.
Before starting Vivitrol®, you need to be fully detoxed from opioids, including Suboxone® and other forms of buprenorphine (the active ingredient in Suboxone®).
This typically means waiting 7 to 14 days after your last dose of Suboxone®, as Vivitrol® can trigger withdrawal symptoms if opioids are still in your system. Your healthcare provider will assess your readiness before starting Vivitrol® to ensure a safe transition.
1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Efficacy of medications to treat opioid use disorder. Retrieved from: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/efficacy-medications-opioid-use-disorder
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Information about medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medications-opioid-use-disorder-moud
