Hi there-- I'm definitely quite new to the program, but I have to tell you that I've gone through the very same rush of emotions, fear and panic that you are currently going through while on the pill. Trust me, your system will completely return to normal and you will feel just fine. Once that happens, I suggest you try to take a couple of days off-- by which I mean, no drinking!-- before trying again. If you're very afraid of the side effects, you might want to even try starting off with 12.5mg, then building up to 25mg, and once you're comfortable, 50mg. Now, I'm certainly no expert, given that I've only just begun TSM, but I'm going by what I've read from other members on the board, and what worked for them.

Hang in there, sweetie.

As Pixidoll has said try to relax. Though the initial side effects are not by any means pleasant and vary from person to person they usually subside after taking it 5 or 6 times. 12.5 mgs is also probaly a good idea if you are very uncomfortable with 25mgs.

This is a method that will take anywhere from 6-12 months to be in the controll stage with alcohol so really you need to be prepared for a long haul.

I know waiting around for people to reply when you first start is frustrating but make sure you read other peoples progress threads. You will most likly find that every and all questions you have will be answered in many of these threads.

All the best Mario

Hi Alexan,

I can respond as someone who suffered horribly with side effects. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, etc, etc. I went down to 25mg and have stayed there ever since. I've tried to go back up to 50mg three times and all three times the side effects were overwhelming. I'm 20 weeks in now, and doing great, so if you are suffering, 25mg may be okay for you. Take the 25mg an hour before you have a drink. I take mine around 3pm. Take some crackers or toast with it, the carbs will help with the nausea. If you are only drinking for a few hours, the 25mg should have you covered. You would only need to take a second dose of 25mg if you are still drinking 8 or more hours after you have taken the first dose. It will take a little time for side effects to pass. Honestly, it took me several months, but finally, they have lifted and you will feel the desire to hit the gym again. Good luck and hang in there!

Thanks Everyone!
As a post-script to yesterday, I did end up taking only 12.5 mg (a quarter of the full tablet) after the first 24 hours were over, had a few drinks and then went to bed. I am really hoping that today will be better. I am going to not drink for the next couple of days now and instead go to the gym. I might however take a maintenance dose of a quarter tablet (12.5 mg) for the next few days around bedtime to build up tolerance even though I don't plan to be drinking at all.

I don't know how I forgot to mention that I was NOT suffering from any detox/withdrawal symptoms PRIOR to starting this program. I had been sober a few days up until probably the night before starting this program but I still hadn't drank so much that night that I was hungover the next day. So I'm not sure if you're only supposed to keep drinking to lower the number of drinks and ease the withdrawal symptoms or if you're actually supposed to drink 'actively' on purpose to 'train' your brain. Because if I had no withdrawal symptoms, would I still have needed to actively drink anyways?

Thanks Again! Please chime in with your thoughts.

Hi alexan

The purpose of drinking while on Nal is not so much to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, although I suppose that could be a beneficial side effect for heavy drinkers... but rather to allow pharmacological extinction to take place. It won't actually HURT you if you take a pill and don't drink. I did this for a few months on the (somewhat misguided) advice of my GP, who believes that Nal is an effective anti-craving drug and that is it's main purpose. However this doesn't actually help your drinking problem at all, as when you go off the drug and return to regular drinking, the cravings are strong as ever.

As the book says, you should combine Al and Nal for the best results.

And don't worry if it takes a day or two for people to reply around here - they always do eventually, with great support, empathy and advice.

Best of luck to you