Vivitrol vs. Suboxone: Which Is Right for You?

Complete Healthcare Team

Opioid addiction is a complex and challenging condition, and finding the right treatment can be critical for long-term recovery. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has become a cornerstone in managing opioid addiction, with two widely used options being Vivitrol and Suboxone. Both medications are effective in helping individuals recover from opioid addiction, but they work in different ways and come with distinct benefits and drawbacks. If you’re considering MAT, understanding the differences between Vivitrol vs. Suboxone is essential for choosing the right treatment for your needs.

What Is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is a brand name for the injectable form of naltrexone, a medication that blocks the effects of opioids. Unlike other opioid addiction treatments, Vivitrol does not contain opioids or produce a physical dependence. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids target, but it does not activate them in the same way. Instead, Vivitrol prevents opioids from attaching to these receptors, effectively blocking their euphoric effects.

Vivitrol is typically administered as a once-monthly injection, making it a convenient option for those who struggle with adherence to daily medications. This extended-release form allows the medication to provide continuous protection against opioid use for an entire month, reducing the temptation to relapse.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors in the brain but to a much lesser degree than full opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that works to prevent the misuse of Suboxone by causing withdrawal symptoms if it is injected or abused.

Patients typically take Suboxone as a sublingual film or tablet, which dissolves under the tongue. Unlike Vivitrol, patients must take Suboxone daily. It alleviates withdrawal symptoms and cravings by stabilizing the brain’s opioid receptors. It helps individuals gradually taper off opioids without the intense cravings that often lead to relapse.

How Vivitrol and Suboxone Differ

The main difference between Vivitrol and Suboxone is how they work within the brain and the body. Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids altogether. This makes it an effective option for individuals who have already completed detoxification and want to prevent relapse by eliminating the pleasurable effects of opioids.

In contrast, Suboxone is a partial agonist. It partially activates opioid receptors, which can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without causing a high. This can be helpful for individuals who are still in the process of withdrawing from opioids and need medication to help manage their symptoms while transitioning to recovery.

Benefits of Vivitrol

• Once-Monthly Injection

One of the major benefits of Vivitrol is the convenience of the once-monthly injection. Many individuals find it difficult to adhere to daily medication regimens, and Vivitrol’s monthly dosing can help reduce the chances of missed doses. For individuals who may misuse medication or have difficulty staying consistent with treatment, this can be a significant advantage.

• No Risk of Abuse or Dependency

Since Vivitrol is not an opioid and does not produce any euphoric effects, it carries no risk of physical dependence or misuse. This makes it a good option for individuals who have a history of abusing medications or are concerned about the potential for developing a dependence on their treatment.

• Blocks the Effects of Opioids

Vivitrol can help prevent relapse by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids. Even if an individual were to attempt using opioids while on Vivitrol, they would not experience the typical high. This “safeguard” can be powerful in supporting sustained recovery and reducing the temptation to use opioids again.

Benefits of Suboxone

• Helps Alleviate Withdrawal Symptoms 

Suboxone is particularly effective in alleviating the withdrawal symptoms that can make opioid detoxification so difficult. The combination of buprenorphine and naloxone works to stabilize opioid receptors in the brain, helping to prevent cravings and manage discomfort during the early stages of recovery.

• Gradual Tapering of Opioid Dependence

Unlike Vivitrol, which blocks opioids entirely, Suboxone allows individuals to reduce their dependence on opioids gradually. Buprenorphine’s partial agonist properties make it easier to taper off opioids without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. This can be helpful for individuals who are not yet ready to stop using opioids completely and need a controlled way to transition.

• Flexible Dosing

Suboxone comes in different strengths, and its sublingual form allows for flexible dosing. This can be an advantage for individuals who need adjustments in their medication regimen as they progress in their recovery journey. This flexibility can help healthcare providers fine-tune the treatment plan to suit the individual’s needs.

Potential Drawbacks of Vivitrol

• Requires Complete Detoxification

Since Vivitrol works by blocking opioid receptors, individuals must be fully detoxed before starting the medication. If a person is still using opioids when they begin Vivitrol treatment, they may experience withdrawal symptoms that are more intense than usual. For this reason, Vivitrol is not suitable for individuals who are still in the active stages of opioid use and need a medication that helps manage withdrawal.

• Limited Effectiveness for Early Recovery

While Vivitrol can be highly effective in preventing relapse after detoxification, it may not be the best option for individuals in the early stages of recovery who need more comprehensive management of withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Potential Drawbacks of Suboxone

• Risk of Misuse

Suboxone contains naloxone to reduce the potential for misuse, but patients can still abuse it if they do not take it as prescribed. Some individuals may attempt to inject or misuse Suboxone to achieve a high, which poses risks, especially if they bypass the naloxone component.

• Daily Dosing Required

Unlike Vivitrol, which patients receive monthly, Suboxone requires daily dosing. This can be a challenge for individuals who struggle with adherence to daily medication regimens or who need a more structured treatment plan.

Which One Is Right for You?

The choice between Vivitrol and Suboxone depends on a variety of factors, including your stage of recovery, your personal preferences, and your treatment goals. Vivitrol may be a better option for individuals who have completed detoxification and are seeking to prevent relapse without the risk of developing a dependence on their medication. On the other hand, Suboxone can be a more suitable choice for individuals who are still in the early stages of recovery and need help managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Ultimately, the best treatment for opioid addiction is one for your individual needs. Consulting with a healthcare provider who specializes in addiction treatment can help you determine which medication-assisted treatment option is the most appropriate for your unique situation.

Conclusion

Both Vivitrol and Suboxone are effective medications for managing opioid addiction, but they serve different purposes and are suited to different stages of recovery. Vivitrol is a good option for individuals who have already detoxed and want to maintain long-term recovery without the risk of misuse or dependence. Suboxone, with its ability to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, may be a better choice for individuals still in the process of detoxification or those looking for a gradual tapering method. Working with a healthcare provider can help ensure that you select the right option for your path to recovery.