Hi everyone,
I am so glad to have found this board. I started NAL 2 years ago and for the first year i took the medication 50 mg religiously one hour prior to drinking with virtuouly no side effects. The results were nothing short of a miracle. However, i made a very stupid mistake...i stopped taking the medication thinking i have it all under control, and I guess i did for the first few months as my drinking had reduced to a normal level. However, as expected old habits resurfaced and i have found myself back where i started. I'm trying not to beat myself up too much, but now that i'm trying to go back on NAL i'm getting terrible side effects of nausea and headache which lasts up to 2 days. I didnt have this issue before. I have tried cutting the dosage to half but still experienced side effects. I'm now taking 4-5 days of complete sobriety and then plan on starting with 12.5 mg and build back up slowly. My question is will this work for me again the second time around or has my body built some type of a resistance against it and that's why i'm having these side effects? I would appreciate your feedback, i have beaten myself up enough over my stupidity to stop taking the meds. Thank you in advance.

Hi bepresent,

Yes, it will work if you are willing to do the work it takes(which I know you have so you will). I just posted something for someone else there is no resistance; however, they are unsure as to how nal. works. I did read somewhere that it will work quicker the second time around (I am not sure if that was from research or someone's post).

There is someone else on this forum that has returned recently and I think an old-timer that has returned as well (you can search the recent post for insight).

I am sorry for the side effects. I believe if you keep at it they will dissipate in a week or two. Sometimes our body is fine taking a drug one time and then you take it later it causes problems. It just happens! I could go into a long winded explanation but who needs that. You are here! Welcome! I started out with 1/4 a pill and work to 1/2 and then a whole. SO as long as you take the nal. 1 hour before you drink you will be fine.

I hope the side effect subside quickly,


Jaba

Thank you Jaba for your encouraging words. Have a great evening.

Bepresent - so sorry that you are back - but welcome ! I think it is good that you are back and telling your story - a lot of folk do what you do I think and so it is a really good reminder to always take the Nal once you are cured. Your are a perfect example of what happens when you don't !

I think taking 12.5 for a while is a good idea and yes I do think the Nal will work second time round for you !! Just stick around and post - I am sure that having been through it you can help others - how long did it take you last time ? I have been taking Nal since January and now and then get discouraged because I am still not cured !!

Hugs, Maggie x

Bepresent, yes there have been others who have been here the second time around. Retread comes to mind, it worked for him the second time BUT I think he said it took nine months. Others have success in shorter times, others longer. Just keep taking the nal.

Your story IS important because most of us have thought of not taking nal at some point. Thank you for letting us know.

XOXO Newlife

Thanks, Bepresent, for the cautionary tale. If I ever get cured (and I will) I will think of your story should I consider not taking nal. I am sorry about the side effects and hope you can successfully manage them. I am sending lots of positive energy your way.

Dee

Bepresent,

I was just wondering how things have been going for you.

Jaba