Hello all,
Started TSM last Wednesday 11/3/2011. Right away saw lack of interest in the next drink. Started Nal at 25mg and had some side effects, spacey head, nausea one day, etc. The only problem I have encountered is yesterday when I upped the dosage from 25mg to 50 mg. Had family over to the house for an afternoon in the pool. Had 2 magaritas and after two I did not want anymore, but also did not want to eat. I have noticed this carries on till the next day. I cooked some steaks and was not able to stomach anything. I noticed my intestines were restless, and felt a bit nauseous. This did subside and a I was able to socialize again.

I think I should drop my dosage back down to 25mg, as it seems to work there and try to bring it up to 50mg if I feel I am sliding.
What do Y’all think?

All in all it seems to be working, little buzz from drinking and I truly have cut way back from my high of 60 units a week.

My drinking habits were I started with 1 unit nursed it to two then after three I was on my way. The rush was so good I would drink until I went to bed or passed out which ever came first. I never was a sloppy drunk, handled quite well. Nal seems to block that sensation before it gets started. I really want to drink socially without loosing control.

So far so good, I will keep you posted.

Following my 'cure' over nine months ago, I cut back to 25mg and saw no increase in my units or in my desire to drink. I make sure I only drink within a brief window of opportunity. Your impulse to cut to 25mg and monitor your level of craving and track your units, will work. You may yet be in your honeymoon period, so be prepared to increase the dose if necessary. Hopefully, by then you will be well adjusted to the Nal.

I would try again a few times with 50mg before cutting down - I got a lot of great results being on 50mg even if it made me nauseous/throw up quite a few times as well. I am now experimenting with taking only 25 mg in some situations, but it DEFINITELY does not cover me as well, espeically once the honeymoon is over. Since I'm a small-ish female, I'm guessing that 50mg is likely required for most men to cover them fully. I'd try and ride it out for a bit first and see if the side effects don't fade.

Thanks for the feedback.

Did 25mg Nal last night and had 3 and wanted more. Up untill now with NAL when I hit 3 the 4th was easily turned down. I will up dosage to 50mg and tough out the SEs.

I did notice I had a slight hangover this am with the NAL. Usually 3 is no bill deal.

One good thing I have gone over a week with no passing out or major hangover and 1 AF day. Have not had one of those for awhile.

NAL on.........

Good luck Iowa. Keep posting so that others can learn from your story. All the best!

Hey farmboy-

For me the queasiness and lack of appetite is just something that has to be soldiered through. You could try to do some titration to work your ways up. I just took 50mgs at the gate and got through the worst of the stomach trouble in the first 3 weeks and its gradually getting better.

Best of wishes for your progress,
Phil

Just ending my second week and had two AF days in a row. Was on 25mg NAL and found myself drinking too much. Actually had blackout one night. Want to up to 50mg next time I drink. Actually went AF because I did not want to deal with the SE of 50mg. I guess that is one way to stop drinking. Really do not like the way NAL makes me feel, but I will not drink again without it.

After being on this site and analyzing how I feel after about 3 drinks, the opiates kick in. Early on NAL I stopped at 3 then all of a sudden I wanted more, so have to go to 50mg. Did notice however that the SEs are dimishing. No vomit and feel a bit better after, but still have no appitite when on NAL.

AF this weekend, and only thought about drinking a couple of times. Already I am back to doing other thinks, working on house, chores, planning better. Thinking about drinking is already diminishing.

But I know as you all have said TSM takes at least 3-4 months. I know it is working and WILL NOT drink without it.

Have DWI court case coming up Oct. 5. Starting to get anxious about it. Has been delayed and delayed for almost 2.5 years. Hope I can hold it together, as that is when I want to drink the most when I am worried or depressed about something. Feel the anxiety as I write this.
NAL on everybody.

One last thing,

What is the number of safe units that you should have in a week. I have heard 2 units a day for 14 units total, as well as 3 units a day for 21 a week.

What is the definition of a moderiate drinker?

Most health experts I've read say that for normal weight men 2 drinks per day or fewer is healthy. That's the goal I'm going for as a maximum, but hoping to mix in AF days as well down the road.

Hang in there!

Levels vary by country, but in America they say 14 units per week for men (and 7 for women, harumph!). But yes, it's also about how it's distributed. More than 3 (maybe 4?) drinks in one sitting is also considered binge drinking, so it's still not healthy if you only drink 10 units a week but they're all one night
Good luck with 50 mg - the side effects can be bad but it really is worth it to gain control over your drinking.