Sorry folks, after 3 years of patiently thinking it was going to work it hasn't. Read the book. Done everything as I should have. Happened to speak to a Finish Alcohol expert (they have the most experience of anyone) and he said he has many patients with a similar story to me - the treatment simply didn't result in a significant reduction in consumption. Of course, for us addicts, when someone comes along and presents a pill that will essentially "cure" you so long as you continue to take it, that is a pretty exciting prospect for us.

My take on it: there are many other important receptors than the the one (or 2) natrexone is active on.

Keep an open mind about it folks and make sure you count your units each week!

Thank you for your post, Naltrexno, it's important for us to see both sides of the story and I am truly sorry that TSM didn't work for you. The fact that TSM doesn't work for a small percentage of people who try it was a big deterrent for me, would I be one of the 10% (I think) of people who, despite following the protocol correctly, would not regain control? I took the chance and I was one of the lucky ones.

To the best of my knowledge, it's not fully understood why TSM doesn't work for a small minority, I sincerely hope that further research will be done to discover why, and provide an alternative.

I have been hearing good things about Baclofen, it might be a solution for you.

I hope you find a way to end your addiction and thank you again for posting.

Curi

So sorry to hear it didn't work for you. There is a sizeable minority (about 20% I think) of people who just are not receptive to naltexone, from what I understand it has something to do with the opioid receptors in the brain. But maybe baclofen or topamax could be of help?
Wishing you the best of luck,
EL

Well, it works - just differently for different people. That is to be expected for almost any drug. There is always a range of response.

Thanks for the replies guys...... Obviously very disappointing for me and I'm really envious of your success.

I've tried topamax (they should rename DOPAmax) but didn't find it particularly useful and the side effects are awful (poor concentration/tremor). Also tried zonisamide and even had to import it as it is not available in my country. Likewise didn't find it particularly effective and the one randomised controlled trial conducted to date showed only a very modest clinical effect (approx 10% reduction in consumption). Also tried both in combination with TSM.

They only thing that is working is antabuse - take 1/2 tab sat,sun,mon and drink wed, thurs, fri. Problem is I'm craving (+++) by wed pm and I'll still do 30 units over the 3 nights (5 x 500 ml cans beer).

I'm clearly heading for the dreaded abstinence again.

All the best guys.

So sorry Naltrexone did not work. Have you thought about looking into it's cousin, Nalmefene? Sinclair and co are now working with that and, who knows, a chemical cousin might work for you. Has less liver risk and may be more easily tolerated.

Did a search around for info on Baclofen. There is certainly some very good anecdotal info out there (case reports) and at least one very impressive placebo controlled trial in patients with cirrhosis - something like 70% vs. 30% achieved abstinence - I don't don't think any other drug has shown such an impressive result (abstinence is not my ultimate goal but these studies often have to use that as an outcome to get approval to be conducted). A little less encouraging was another trial showing much less impressive results in individuals doing around 30 u/week.

I'm going to give it a try.



Thanks for the suggestions guys........

Hi naltrexNo - so sorry to hear that TSM didn't work for you. Concerning Baclofen, the community at http://www.mywayout.org is very chatty about that particular medication, so they would be an excellent resource if you want to dig into some personal experiences.

I really hope you find something that does the trick.

-H

Hi again, Naltrexno,

I suspect you might be experiencing Alcohol Deprivation Effect as you are drinking now. Antabuse doesn't do anything for craving, it's a deterrent, like a chemical lock-up, you know you will be violently ill if you drink with it, so after 4 days abstinence ADE is probably why you are drinking so much when you do drink.

The 22% of people who do not regain control of their drinking includes people who drop out or who do not take their Nal as they should. Only about 10% don't regain control even when they do everything as they should, as was your case. That sucks!

Did you see any change in your drinking at all? Did you ever try taking 75 or 100 mg of Naltrexone instead of 50? 50 was way too much for me, I couldn't tolerate it, I take 12.5 mg now and it's perfect for me, maybe 50 wasn't enough for you? It's just a thought...

Best of luck! I hope you find a solution.

Curi

Thanks again guys. Yes I did try 100 mg at one stage but no real significant effect. I can't say it has had no effect - after a couple of years I sort of gave up and had the odd night or 2 without any naltrexone - these nights I would fail to lose interest in drinking and just go late into the evening - then big hangover next day. For that reason I have been reluctant to totally abandon. Only side effect I got was mild somnolence and nausea and both went away in a few week.

Interestingly, I have been lucky enough to have email correspondence with a high profile alcohol researcher (Professor) in the U.S. He also suggested I might try nalmephene (?spelling).

At this stage, I have already got a prescription for Baclofen, so going to give that a try. Will probably continue with the naltrexone till it runs out.

I am optimistic that this disease will have a cure for most people within the next 20 years (just like depression when the antidepressants came on to the scene)

Thanks again for your suggestions.