For better or worse, injectable addiction treatments look alike at first glance. Many patients even think that they’re identical and have the same uses, effects, etc. Even so, big examples like Vivitrol and Sublocade injections are different; they contrast with each other and play many distinct roles. You’ll thus need to be careful and discerning when choosing between the two. As for the more precise details, here’s a primer on how Vivitrol and Sublocade injections differ.
How Do Vivitrol Injections Work?
All in all, Vivitrol injections are great at treating opioid and alcohol addictions. They’d help you conquer your addiction and get back to a happy and sober life.
Vivitrol is a special form of naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist. That means it stops molecules from attaching to your brain’s opioid receptors, reducing (or eliminating) your ability to get high. The drug just has to be injected into your buttock muscle once monthly to work. From there, it should remain at a stable dosage throughout your overall treatment.
Notably, Vivitrol has no addictive potential. Its users don’t become dependent, and it won’t cause withdrawal symptoms once you stop the injections.
What About Sublocade Injections?
While injectable like Vivitrol, Sublocade helps you kick addictions in a different way. It follows that you should closely consider it before you decide on your treatment.
Sublocade is a brand-name medicine that contains buprenorphine. As a partial opioid agonist, the drug binds to opioid receptor sites but doesn’t produce a full response. The result is that Sublocade injections reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms for most opioids. It just has to be injected once monthly into the skin below your belly, at a starting dosage of 300mg. (Sublocade is then injected at 100mg dosages.)
Sublocade injections are ideal for treating opioid addictions. In a 24-week clinical study, 30% of participants who got them didn’t take other opioids for 80% of the study’s duration.
Which Injection is Right for You?
Neither set of injections is inherently “better” than the other. As such, the right one for you will depend on your unique situation.
Note that Vivitrol and Sublocade injections have varying upsides and downsides. If you want a comprehensive and withdrawal-free treatment, the first option would suit you. In contrast, those who can endure withdrawals and only need to quit opioids should get Sublocade. It’s all a matter of personal preferences and circumstances.
Vivitrol and Sublocade injections are different, so consult your addiction specialist before you commit to anything. They’ll help you pursue a treatment that works wonders for you!
About the Practice
B&L Medical Group is based in Kansas City, KS. Led by nurse practitioner Laura Lindsay, our practice is ready and eager to help you kick your alcohol and opioid addictions! That means we offer various kinds of medication-assisted treatment, including Vivitrol and Sublocade injections. Using them alongside talk therapy (and similar services) will ensure you become and stay sober long-term! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (913)-713-1238.