Vivitrol vs Naltrexone

How Vivitrol (monthly injection) compares with oral naltrexone for opioid or alcohol use disorder, including practical tradeoffs.

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Key takeaway

Vivitrol is extended-release injectable naltrexone; oral naltrexone is the daily tablet form of the same medicine class. Fit depends on adherence, cost, opioid-free interval rules, and clinician judgment. Call or text (800) 653-9376 for help verifying naltrexone options.

Last updated: Wed Oct 07 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The search is a formulation question: monthly injection versus daily tablet. Both are naltrexone pathways when clinically appropriate.

Call 911 for emergencies. Call or text 988 for a crisis.

Shared medicine, different delivery

Oral naltrexone is taken daily. Vivitrol is injected about once a month after the opioid-free interval your clinician requires. Sibling: naltrexone / Vivitrol.

Practical tradeoffs

Adherence, clinic visit burden, cost and prior auth, side effects, and whether alcohol or opioids are the primary target. There is no universal winner.

Broker filter

A sales script that pushes only the injectable because it is "stronger" without discussing oral options, cost, or induction rules is marketing, not shared decision-making.

Next step

Prescriber visit, benefits check, FindTreatment.gov, or call or text (800) 653-9376.

Additional Resources

Sources cited on this page:

Common Questions

Is Vivitrol the same as naltrexone?

Vivitrol is a brand of extended-release injectable naltrexone. Oral naltrexone is usually a daily tablet.

Which works better?

It depends on adherence, indication, and clinical context. Injections remove daily pill decisions; tablets can be easier to start or stop under supervision.

Do I have to be opioid-free first?

Naltrexone can precipitate withdrawal if opioids are still in your system. Follow clinician guidance on the required opioid-free interval.

Which costs less?

Oral naltrexone is often less expensive before insurance. Vivitrol needs benefits checks and specialty pharmacy steps. See Vivitrol cost.

Can either treat alcohol use disorder?

Yes. Naltrexone is FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder as well as for preventing relapse to opioid dependence in appropriate patients.