I began Nal yesterday with the recommended 25mg dose. Not that it felt bad, but it felt like I had taken a dose of a stimulant. If this is a common feeling I know I will have sleeping problems when my dose doubles. I'm wondering if this how it is every time, and if I should hit my doctor up for sleep meds on top of Nal. I never had sleep problems before (alcohol took care of that for me). Really appreciate any advice and if there are others out there facing a similar dilemma. If so would love to know what sleep med you added to the program.

The most commonly reported side effects is sleepiness. Most side effects with medications go away over time anyway. The safest sleep aid is something like Benadryl

Might be worth waiting a bit, and see what happens with the side effects.

Naltrexone is not a stimulant, but some of the early side effects might feel like it, being shaky and so on. They will pass. More likely, you will feel even sleepier after you drink alcohol...and that is ok. It is a good early sign that you are responding to the Nal.

I would cross that bridge if and when you come to it. most people's initial SE's seem to pass within a few days. as people above have said, the most common longer term SE is sleepiness when taking Nal+drinking

-badger

I've said it before, Benadryl has been VERY IMPORTANT to me in staying sober. The sleep thing is a big hurdle for long-time drinkers.