Interactions of Vivitrol with other medications, alcohol, and additional substances
In the realm of medication, it's crucial to be well-informed about potential interactions. This article sheds light on the possible connections between Vivitrol, a drug used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence, and cannabis or CBD.
Vivitrol, also known as injectable naltrexone, works by blocking opioid receptors, reducing the rewarding effects of substances. On the other hand, cannabis can cause central nervous system (CNS) effects such as sedation, impairment of judgment, and psychomotor skills.
When combined, there may be additive CNS depression and impairment, potentially heightening side effects like drowsiness or cognitive slowing. This theoretical risk is suggested by a drug interaction report concerning buprenorphine/naloxone and cannabis, although specific data on Vivitrol and cannabis interaction is sparse.
Regarding CBD (cannabidiol), current research indicates a lack of well-characterized drug interaction profiles with Vivitrol. CBD may affect enzymes involved in drug metabolism and has some neurogenesis and anxiolytic properties at certain doses, but clear evidence on interaction with naltrexone is not established.
It's important to note that a patient report noted severe psychiatric side effects (suicidal depression, anxiety) while on Vivitrol, but it's unclear if cannabis or CBD use was involved in this case. Ongoing clinical studies are investigating Vivitrol for treating cannabis use disorder but do not explicitly report adverse interactions, suggesting safety evaluation is still in progress.
Given these findings, individuals on Vivitrol should use caution with cannabis or CBD and consult healthcare providers due to limited specific interaction data and potential CNS effects.
To ensure safety, it's recommended to take Vivitrol exactly as prescribed, avoid drinking alcohol, and inform your doctor and pharmacist about any other medications, supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. If Vivitrol doesn't come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy.
It's also worth noting that an interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected. For instance, if Vivitrol is taken, opioid drugs may be less effective or not work at all. Furthermore, certain pain medications, diphenoxylate/atropine (Lomotil), and guaifenesin/codeine may interact with Vivitrol.
In the case of guaifenesin/codeine, containing the opioid drug codeine, it's not safe to take more to treat your cough while on Vivitrol. There were no reports of food interactions with Vivitrol.
In conclusion, while the interactions between Vivitrol and cannabis or CBD are not fully understood, caution is advised. Individuals on Vivitrol should be aware of potential additive CNS depression or impairment when using cannabis, and interactions with CBD remain largely unstudied. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
- In light of the potential interactions between Vivitrol and cannabis or CBD, persons on Vivitrol should exercise caution when using these substances.
- The combination of Vivitrol and cannabis may lead to additive central nervous system depression and impairment, potentially increasing side effects such as drowsiness or cognitive slowing.
- Current research suggests that CBD may have a minimal impact on Vivitrol's drug interaction profile, but the interaction remains largely unstudied.
- It's essential to take Vivitrol exactly as prescribed, avoid alcohol, and inform healthcare providers about any other medications, supplements, or substances being taken, due to the limited specific interaction data and potential CNS effects.
