My brother was prescribed naltrexone, but for as long as he took it [oral formulation/pill] he didn't really have any side effects. At least, as far as I could understand cause he would complain about his stomach, but then again he wasn't eating properly, so I guess the an upset stomach was only natural.

So, what are the side effects your son mentions?

He mentioned feeling spacey and having anxiety, heart palpatations and just feeling drugged. He has been clean for the 28 days. I talked with someone who went through it and they said that the vivirol shot was less intense. We would like him on the vivitrol shot just because it's a choice everyday to take pill where the shot is in him for 30 days...Just wanting this to work for him. Thanks for your input.

You're right about the pill being a choice. It doesn't always work. My brother somehow managed to full my father back in the days.

Naltrexone doesn't make you feel drugged, though. But lets not forget that it takes time for opioids to leave the body entirely; not to mention the need to take them. Anxiety is to be expected when cutting off from opioids.

I wish you find a way round this. If he is really willing to give himself a chance, he'll do it.

My son received the Vivitrol shot on 2 consecutive months. His major side effects were: headache, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, and extreme soreness in the injection site. The first time he had the shot the symptoms only lasted 2-3 days. The second time, the symptoms lasted close to a week and were more severe. I hope this therapy works for your son. I think it's hands down a much more effective treatment for heroin addiction that anything available out there. Good luck.

Thank You Both for your words. Pen I wish so badly he could just walk forward and never look back. Finding addiction is a long difficult road. We are hopeful this time He Will Do It. He is a Good Kid just made a really bad decision that has lead us here. He felt better with the naltrexone in the morning...Thank Goodness. He is due to take the naltrexone again tonight. Bean...I wish he would do the vivitrol shot. He has this thing about being in control and feels he is not in control of his life if we force him to do the shot. I just told him it is just a tool to use until his brain starts working properly again. We never expected our lives to be here...Can only Hope this is the start of better choices and a better journey in life with our children. Thanks Again

"He has this thing about being in control and feels he is not in control of his life if we force him to do the shot."

After almost 10 years of experience with a heroin addict brother , I can assure you that your son's statement has little to do with control. Most likely, it's fear and denial talking. Skipping a pill is easy. A 30day long no-way-out, is much more definite.

Stay calm and strong..

my son used naltrexone, short term ( which I personally is the Key) no side effects. There was a remarkable study done about 3 months ago from the New England Journal of Medicine of this drug. It' s worth reading because it's use especially in pain management is very promising for Addicts.

I dont know so much about the sideaffects,but I have heard sucess stories about this and other forms of treatment including Vivirol. Reamber there are no quick fixes,and as a rule thease methods have to be combined with treatment, therapy ,meetings ect.Its not just about not using,but also finding the tools to prevent relapse. If he is agreable to a longer stay in a structured program that is always a plus. It helps them and it helps us

Mumsy: The reason my son agreed to Vivitrol was that he was released from jail after 6 months and we told him that the only way we would accept him back in our home was if he agreed to this treatment because WE wanted the peace of mind that he would not us while under the effects of the shot. He agreed to another shot the following month, but the third month he decided he wanted to see if he could do it by himself. Part of the Vivitrol treatment requires him to attend a 3-hour intensive outpatient program 4 days a week, but he only has a couple of weeks left of that. Because he's been clean and sober for 8 months, we told him we'd support his attempt to stay clean on his own, but that if he felt strong urges or felt he wasn't ready, we'd agree to finance more Vivitrol treatments. I wish he had agreed to staying on it for a minimum of 2 years, because that's how long I've read it takes the addicted brain to return to normal brain function. The ball is in his court either way. There's really no valid excuse for him to use again. Good luck and all the best to you and your son.