Hi Dr. Eskapa,

I am so excited about TSM and have read The Cure several times. I am not on day 11 of NAL and experienced small side effects at first but starting at day 9 I have had fairly major anxiety issues. I have a history of anxiety that has been effectively kept under control with Zoloft, which I am still on (50mg). I would love to know in your experience how many patients are unable to take NAL due to anxiety side effects. Is this normal? Will the anxiety dissapate over time? The NAL has already been very effective in helping to control my drinking, but I am afraid I am going to have to stop because of the anxiety. I would appreiciate any help you can provide.

thank you!

I am in NO WAY a medical professional, but, you can try 2 tabs of, believe or not, BENADRYL, at night time. if you are sensitive to dyes, the dye free children's brand is available, take adult dosage, at bed time. Just read the back to make sure u r not on aything adverse or check w ur doc that nothing would be adverse (tell em u r having allergies if u r embarassed) I am not kidding, look it up online, it really does work for anxiety! but check out u r not adverse first, please. most mild form of drug relief for anxiety sans SSI or benzos! Same ingredient as advil nitetime and tylenol sleep! works wonders for sleep and works well into next day! also a multivitamin plus a b complex with lots of WATER works wonders with moderate EXCERCISE and 3 meals and 2 snacks PER DAY, heavy on protien, fruits, veggie, lite on carbs (think nuts or lite cheese, like cottage, for snacks), and cutting out caffeine (sub chamomile tea w a bit of honey if u r a coffee drinker, but don't eliminate your java in the morning, if u love it, that would just be plain mean!!!:), and talking/sharing/honesty with supportive friends and family is good stress relief. hope this helps! I also make a practice of doing yoga and visualization/meditation, and make sure I have a healthy 'love life' with my partner, but that is something that has to come from a desire within, I think;) But it helps relieve stress and anxiety for sure!