Key takeaways
Vivitrol (naltrexone) and acamprosate are both used to treat alcohol use disorder, but they have some key differences. Vivitrol is an extended-release injection given once a month by a healthcare professional, while acamprosate is taken orally three times a day. Vivitrol also treats opioid use disorder, whereas acamprosate is only for alcohol dependence. Vivitrol works by blocking opioid receptors to reduce cravings, while acamprosate is thought to restore balance to brain chemicals like GABA and glutamate. Vivitrol can cause injection site reactions and requires you to be opioid-free for 7-10 days before starting, while acamprosate can be taken without food and doesn't cause a reaction if you drink alcohol. Additionally, Vivitrol is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas acamprosate is available as a lower-cost generic. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea and depression, but Vivitrol may also lead to liver injury and severe allergic reactions.
