Hi All -

My name is Sam, and I am a 34 year old alcoholic. I started TSM on Monday, and so far have been pretty impressed. By typically consumption is roughly 6-14 units/night, and I am already down to a max of 3. I realize this may vary and to not get too excited, but for a now a new question.

I had a scratched retina this morning (weird, I know) and went to Urgent Care - because it really hurt and I wanted to make sure I didn't go blind, lol. The doctor prescribed me Vicodin. I told her that I was on Naltrexone, which she was familiar with, and tried to explain that I was doing TSM, which she was not familiar with. She told me, "Just don't take the Naltrexone today or tomorrow because the Vicodin won't work."

Ummmmm..... ok. I will definitely not drink if I don't take my Naltrexone. But, if I do skip my Naltrexone today and tomorrow in order to take the Vicodin, will that destroy my TSM? I could get "buzzed" off the Vicodin, and while it's not alcohol I don't want anything to disrupt my TSM. I am waiting on the book from Dr. Eskapa to come in the mail, so I apologize if I'm asking an obvious question.

Thank you!

Hi Sam and Welcome

You've joined at a time when there are a good number of us who are in the early weeks of TSM.

You will see the mention of the GOLDEN RULE again and again and as long as that rule isn't broken you can pretty much go with the flow.

Golden Rule = Take Nal one hour before and then drink as normal.

If you don't take Nal because you are taking Vicodin. As long as you don't drink then you're following TSM and you will be fine.

Others will be able to explain the science better than I but keep the golden rule and you will be ok. Just don't drink without taking Nal.

Good luck and I hope you make a speedy recovery regarding your retina.

Thank you so much thistime2014!

I echo thistime in saying if you are taking AF days because you are taking Vicodin, then you are fine on the protocol. Hec, even if you have an AF day without Vicodin, whether taking Nal or not you are still fine with TSM. In fact, as you continue with the protocol many will suggest you do not take the pill if you plan an AF day. Some live their "cured" life this way as long term TSM followers. The Golden Rule is tied to drinking. Take a pill an hour before you drink. Period.

Oh and your doctor is obviously correct. From WebMD:

Medical warning:

Severe. These medicines may interact and cause very harmful effects and are usually not taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.

How the interaction occurs:

When these two medicines are taken together, naltrexone may decrease the effects of the opioid analgesic.

What might happen:

You may experience withdrawal symptoms from your opioid analgesic while taking naltrexone.

Cheers!

Welcome scram, good to have you on board with the rest of us on TSM.
Keep us updated and reading posts here really helps.

Hey Sam, Welcome to the board and TSM! I concur with the other's statements. Again, just remember the Golden Rule. As I'm just into my 3rd week of TSM your post and question is a good reminder to me as well.
Hope you heal well and keep us updated.