Nal has 2 potential effects:

1) it can make you drink less the night you take it, and

2) long-term, it can decrease your general craving for alcohol.

Some of us feel effect #1 the first time we take it, most or every time after, and after a couple months really notice effect #2. Some will get a mix of benefits. Some people, unfortunately, will never experience anything from NAL (i.e. TSM won't work on them).

You should give TSM more time and see what happens. Don't expect to be cured overnight.

I have changed my attitude since reading more and more on the forum. Now I know I should not expect a quick fix. After all, It's taken about 30 years for me to get to this point. Also, I have started on 25 mg. I think my ego told me I wouldn't need the 50mg. Next weekend (my bingeing pattern is Fri-Sun) I'm going to try 50mg.

Hi Brum,

I had been ready to send you a long post but thought better to say welcome...We're a good Lot

If you want to get to know me on this blog,..I'm Jim Clark.

Thank you Jim, I'd love any information and help that you can offer!

Hi Brummy,

A word about dosage: In the book, Dr. Eskapa recommends that you start at 25mg for two days, then go to 50mg for the long term. My doctor had me on 25mg for 2 weeks, then 50mg after that. When I asked why, she said that was protocal she had successfully followed with others. I am now up to 100mg in my 24th week, also on her advice. At each increase, I did have side effects, but they were gone with an a day or two.

The intial 25mg dose is to let your body get used to Naltrexone. But the studies indicate that most people should be fully "protected" at 50mg.

Hope that helps!

YG

Thanks Yogagirl it does help. I was going to ask you what side effects you had but if I ask you I'll be looking out for them instead of them just 'happening'!

Hi Brummy and good for you that you've done more reading here and are settling in a bit. We're looking forward to hearing good things from you!!

By the way, I got all cheap for a while when I was making good progress with Nal so I went back down to .25 Nal. But I found I did not have the same coverage that I needed so went back up to .50. Be careful. Once you begin to take .50 don't change without good reason. You want as much coverage as you need for the long haul.

Good to have you here.