I started Nal last night for the second time. Just like the first time, over a year ago, after only three drinks I felt real groggy, almost painfully so then threw up. Almost like I hadn't slept for days. The beer tasted like crap almost metallic. I did sleep over nine hours, restlessly however. If this is how I am going to feel for the three to four months I would rather not try it. It has an almost antebuse effect on me. Has anyone had the same experience?

Because I had some unrelated medical issues come up, I had to stop nal a couple of times and restart.

For me, the side effects you talk about really minimize after a week or two. I will usually do a half dose for about a week before ramping up to full dose, and that really helps a lot for me.

To some extent, with nal I do tend to always feel a little groggy after a few drinks compared to without. But...I think that's actually the way it is for people that aren't getting the endorphin spike from the alcohol that causes the trouble for us. That grogginess is more than offset for me by the realization in the morning sun that I don't have a massive hangover! Best of luck.

What dosage are you taking? Do you eat with the pill or take it on an empty stomach?

Sickness and vomiting are a common side effect, especially for the first doses. Good news is this wears off after the initiakl week or so. Can also say the grogginess can be used to your advantage. A lot of normal drinkers tell me a glass of wine or two often makes them feel sleepy, and I used that feeling as a sign it was time for me to either stop drinking or simply go to bed early. Latter definitely a good thing since it's a natural response, and also not compatible with drinking. Anything which reduces drinking in my opinion is a good thing!

Yes- Nal makes me very groggy too and hope to be free of both it and the influence of alcohol soon. Noticed when I was working on some freelance that had to be done quickly I felt entirely different as I was avoiding both and able to accomplish a great deal. A bit of a walk helps too . Can scarcely stay awake until 10 pm these days . Can't even describe it as depression - just feels like a part of me just fails to respond. In spite of all this , there is an impressive documentary "Rain In My Heart" available on line which demonstrates how alcohol can absolutely destroy you . Pretty grim stuff and you had better work up your nerve to see it. Hope you gain something from all of this. I can't preach- just working my own way through this whole process.