Hi all,

I started Nal 18 days ago, taking it 1 hour before drinking as prescribed. Started at full dose for a day or 2, minor side effects, a bit keyed up, so went down to 1/2 (25 mg). Did that for about 5-6 days, drank a bit more than usual (by about 1-1.5 drinks a day) felt a bit of a tremor in my hand, then went up to 50 mg for a few days, then all of a sudden, I can't sleep. Every time I start to doze off, I startle awake, over and over and over. I am also itchy all over, but not all at once. And itch in weird places, like the back of my hand, my big toe, back of head, top of elbows, side of my nose, etc. So it goes and finally drift off at about 2:30, wake up around normal time 8:30. This happens twice, so I drop back down to 25 mg, and sleep just fine. Then the next night, whamm-o same crap, itchy, can't drop off to sleep, finally doze off at 2:30, wake up at 8:30, same SEs as on 50 mg.

This is maddening--I honestly don't think I can deal with this. And the itching! AH! I tried taking the Nal at 6 pm so that it would be out of my system sooner, but it's like it kicks in after I go to bed!

As for my drinking, I average 4-6 drinks a night, and I've been on the low side this week, but still pretty much my normal amount.

Has anyone else dealt with this itchy, can't sleep crap?!?

I haven't heard of itching as a side effect of nal per se. However it is an anxiety reaction that some people get. I used to have it as a child, and it is horrible, maddening. Maybe your anxiety over the nal and the side effects, and the not sleeping, are bringing it on.

Hang in there, though, as nearly everyone has reported that the side effects do go away within a couple of weeks.

Sorry for what you are going through. Hugs from Newlife

I have no idea if the itching is from the Nal - maybe split the pill into 1/4s and try that for a while ? Try the 1/4 tab for a week then the half for a week then go up to 50mg just for a day - then back down - you get the picture. It doesn't matter how long it takes for your body to get used to it - it took a while to get where you are so bear with it, as to me, Nal is the only option left!

hugs, Maggie

Thanks. I did try 1/4 a pill tonight. Honestly it's the wakefulness that's really driving me bonkers, but there's also a lot going on right now.

I've noticed that I'm generally itchy during the day, so I may notice it more at night. Hope the smaller dose helps.

Really do want to stick with it!

AL used to help me sleep - and I cannot remember when that changed - maybe it was when I started the Nal but these days if I drink, I do not sleep! And the more I drink the worse it is. I am looking forward to sleeping well tonight as I have been AF today !!

Hugs, Maggie

The itching could just be a sign of withdrawal. You could try an antihistamine. I use them if I get itchiness. I put it down to the kidneys and liver being in overload, but I'm not a doctor, I'm just guessing. The antihistamines do help, and also LANACANE TALCUM powder. Sprinkle that on before you got to bed. That also helps. Hope this is of some help?

Good luck.

Summer x

There is no race to get to 50mg. You took a long time to get here, now you're going to take awhile to get out. Patience. Take a 1/4 tablet for a week, or even two, -until you tolerated it and hardly notice taking it. Then move to 1/2 a tab for as long as it takes to tolerate. Only then move on to 50mg.

Tried 12.5 mg yesterday, got a small rash on my chest, but it went away. We'll see how it goes. I did sleep, but drank on my high side of the range (5.5). I did wonder about withdrawal, except I haven't been drinking that much less than usual, plus my consumption is high (4-6) but rarely more than 6 per day unless I have been flying (I hate flying). I've quit before with no affects, but who knows.

I'll stick with 12.5 and go from there.

hi BLB,

it sounds like you're experiencing "Hypnic Jerks":

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnic_jerk

I get these if I haven't drunk anything/much before bed after a period of drinking, although it does lessen if I can string a few AF days together. I used to experience the same before I'd even heard of TSM, so I've always considered it a detox symptom rather than anything Nal-related, at least in my case

hope this is of some use & you get over the symptoms soon!

all the best

-badger

Very well said!