Hey there,
So 2 1/2 weeks in and am not noticing much of a difference in consumption levels. I still have not fully committed to the 50 mg dose as the side effects have been brutal to say the least. In fact this last weekend was such a bender, that I initially forgot to take my Nal on sunday, but quickly took in the middle of my drinking session in hopes that there would be some benefit. The next day was AF, mainly because of an oppressive hangover (have had 3 AF days in the past 2/12 weeks). I plan on easing out the rest of the week on 25mg, and then upping to 37.5 for a few days, and then onto the full 50. Also, I have decided to try and maintain 2 AF per week, and keep my units at no more than 6 per session (I'll keep you posted on how that works out).

I feel like I'm doing something wrong, but I guess that everyone's chemistry is different and can require a period of adjustment. Oh, and as my wife pointed out, it's not a race -- the important thing is that I am taking steps toward controlling this.

Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated, as it has been a tough ride.
thanks!

Sounds awful! What side effects are you suffering?

hey there MichaelPD,
still experiencing that spaced out feeling, nausea, anxiety (though this could be due to the amount I'm drinking). Feel at a loss and am so hopeful that this stabilizes.

It is causing me concern as I haven't started taking the nal yet. (Not been delivered!)

I guess it gets easier as time goes on?

you will see that these are very common side effects by prowling through these boards (doesn't make it any more fun though!). Good luck, everyone's different, so maybe it'll be a bit smoother for you. Plus I am VERY sensitive to meds.

Thanks! Same goes to you, too!

Hey there pkrosec,

Sorry to hear that you're having such a rough time of it. For some people the side effects can be brutal, but they do usually wear off after a while. It's sensible to go to a lower dose and work up slowly...I didn't up my dose until my 3rd week, so I wouldn't worry too much. Nausea was the worst thing for me but I found that Motillium (an over the counter anti sickness tab) made a huge difference and got rid of it completely. Are you taking anything for anti-sickness?

I don't think that you're doing anything wrong, just make sure you always follow the golden rule of waiting one hour after you've taken your Nal before you start drinking. Everyone reacts differently and there are very few lucky souls who have a mega quick response. I've always liked to view it as a marathon not a sprint and feel that a slow paced moving away from alcohol gives me time to adjust more easily.

Also, I notice that your consumption has dropped.... From 90 pre TSM to 71 in week 2. It may not be a huge difference but it's still going in the right direction and that's at the reduced dose. Have you noticed a difference in your reaction to drinking? Is there any kinda weird feeling when you're drinking? Are you stopping before you usually would? It's important to look at all the signs of change as it's so easy to get a bit hung up on the numbers.

Keep with it,

Ruth.

thanks ruthy,
You're words have been ever so encouraging since I joined. Really appreciate it. I've had to settle for a liquid (nevitrol i think it's called, not the best but helps a bit). Motillium does not appear to available OTC in the US (unless your in the US, and I'm just not looking in the right place ).

I am realizing that it is indeed a marathon and not a sprint, it's just that the book made it sound like the results would be seen much sooner. Much more of a journey than anticipated I guess.

I did notice in the first couple of days (while on 50 mg) that I didn't want to finish that 6 pack, but of course did anyway . Unfortunately, the side effects forced me to dose down,now I don't see much difference, but I'm sure that will change as my dose is increased. And hey, you're right. My numbers have actually dropped a bit!

Sticking with it!

Your numbers look pretty good to me!

It does take a while. I'm excited by my own numbers, but I know it'll take longer to be truly cured. Your consumption is dropping with no conscious effort on your part, and that's a good thing. It's working.

Glad to be of help... I know I've needed encouragement along the way at times too.

The generic name for Motillium is domperidone, which you may find OTC in the US.

Nal on!

Ruth.