I can totally relate to finishing a glass because I don't want it to go to waste, McDadx2. I usually cover the glass with cling-wrap, so that the alcohol doesn't escape. One of my reasons to believe that TSM is working for me (four months in, now) is that I'm starting to pour leftovers down the drain rather than go thru the trouble of drinking them or messing with cling-wrap. Never thought I would do that!

Brittany - I so understand where you are coming from - I have tried to tell friends about my drinking and they just will not have it - no-one really understands my drinking because I drink at home alone - well, hubs is here but basically alone ... never get drunk and no-one would know from looking at me that I drink .....

I am so happy that you have found TSM - but as Badger said, there IS a honeymoon period - I got discouraged when that was over but had to just keep putting one foot in front of the other and accept that it might take a while for it to work for me ..... glad that you found Nal and great that it is working for you ....

Hugs, Maggie x

It's good to hear other's stories too. Thank you all for connecting and sharing.

Funny side note: I had read during some of my research that nal has been tested/prescribed for weight loss since it potentially can reduce cravings for food... So I had optimism in the back of my head that maybe I would lose a little weight or be magically immune to junk food. But nope, turns out I still like Ben & Jerry 's.

Another side note : I'm a woman and I'm on the smaller side and I think I am finding that 50mg is too much. I've bring cutting the pills into quarters and just taking 3/4 a pill (roughly 37mg) instead of the whole 50mg. It seems to me, that if they would prescribe the same dose to me at 130 pounds that would be prescribed to a big 200 pound guy, then I'm probably doing my body a favor by taking a smaller dose.

Is this just simple logic, or am I crazy? I had the idea to reduce the dose, because the first time I took it I became very ill and was sick for at least 8 hours or until I fell asleep that night. I was determined to keep going, so the next day I cut the pill and tried it again.

I have discovered that a lesser dose works, and that I won't get sick as long as I take it with good heavy carbs. I Had the pill with a banana and apparently that is not good enough. Rice works, though. I'm sure there are a multitude of factors that contribute to whether or not a dose is effective on any given individual. But I think 50mg is too much for me.

Good luck today... Hope it's a wonderful 5th day. You have my support and admiration for starting on this journey!

You bring up an interesting point here. I haven't heard of anyone doing this, but I'm still fairly new to TSM myself. Cutting the pill into quarters seems like a lot of work. I wonder if you could even get away with 25mg based on your size. I don't know. Would be interesting to see what others have to say. Have you tried to take 1/2 and then another 1/2 a few hours later? I'm not offering advice per-se. But I would think we are all unique and some things could work for one but maybe not others.

Thank you brittany! Well it is after 5pm and I haven't had a drink yet today. My craving for one is almost zero. I might have one later but I will certainly take my Nal first. Today is a good day!

Brittanylouis- be careful with reduced doses, as they might not be sufficient. The goal is to block all of the opiod receptors in the brain, and your brain probably is somewhat similar in size (and opiod receptor content) to the brain of a 200 lb guy, even if your body size is totally differant. Yes, there are opiod receptors in other parts of the body (eg. spinal cord, gastrointestinal tract), but you still can't use body size to gauge how many opiod receptors you have.

The 50mg dose is recommended because it covers all of the opiod receptors for most people. Some people have more opiod receptors, and may need a higher dose. If there are any molecules of Nal left over after all of the opiod receptors are blocked, they do no harm, they are just sort of inert. What you really want to avoid is taking too little and leaving those opiod receptors open.

Of course, you don't want to stop taking the Nal because of side effects, so moderate your dose as you need to while your body is getting used to it. But do plan on bumping up to the full dose as soon as you can.

Good point. I didn't think of that. Thanks Random.

Brittany - I had nausea when I first took the Nal so I always had to make sure I took it on a full tummy - but now I am this far in, I am pretty sure it is fine - so yes do split the pill but work your way up to the full dose - just my opinion !! Great that you are feeling so good with the whole thing !!

hugs, Maggie x