Hi All

I just found you yesterday. I haven't read any books or materials yet, just ran across some info on the Net about TSM, Naltrexone, etc. I've been trying many different methods to stop/control drinking but always end up back at the beginning.

I am trying TSM and have done so successfully twice. However, the other day I drank without taking the pill and while I couldn't drink as much as usual, I was sick as a dog!

At any rate, here's my question:

I find the Naltrexone to be loaded with side effects. It's really rather unpleasant (nausea, tiredness, restlessness, etc.) 2nd time, I tried 1/2 a pill and it worked on me so well, I never got around to drinking. But the side effects were still there. In fact, I fell asleep and was thankful to do so because I felt like I was going to throw up.

Anyway, the other day, I got very stressed at work (my Achilles heel when it comes to abstinence or moderation) and I side-stepped the pill. I'm afraid this will be my route to failure, so I'm posting to see if there is anyway to reduce the side effects. Last time I took half a pill and it worked very well. Could I take a quarter of a pill? Do the side effects subside over time?

I'm really excited about this cure as I can already see many positive changes in my life. The side effects are a deterrent for me though, so any help, tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

hi rajasmom,

sorry to hear you're having bad side effects

people generally find they get fewer SE's if they don't take the pill on an empty stomach. it needn't be a full meal, but just so long as you have something in your stomach it should help

also, many people start with 1/2 a pill (25mg) or even a 1/4 (12.5mg) for a few days before ramping up to the full dose whilst their bodies get used to the Nal, which helps with SE's

have a read of the information on the forum about TSM here:

viewforum.php?f=3

viewforum.php?f=5

the Golden Rule is that you MUST take your Nal an hour before EVERY time you drink - no skipping EVER!!

good luck!

-badger

Thank you badger1. I will give those ideas a try and get reading the materials you indicated. I think I must have a sensitive constitution which is why, besides alcohol, I rarely take much medication.

Re:



I figured it was something like that, which is why I spoke up. I figured I'd be shooting myself in the foot if I continued doing it.

Thanks again!

Hi Rajasmom,

Welcome to the board! I had milder SEs to begin with and found that even those subsided after the first week.

You should really read up on TSM, there's lots of info out there, and keep in mind that once you start you shouldn't stop. Also, simply taking the pill without drinking will not lead to extinction of the learned behavior.

What is your goal? Eventual abstinence or moderation?

Hi



I figured that, too, which is why I'm here. I didn't intend to take the pill and not drink. I just couldn't because I felt so sick. Then I fell asleep.

I'll start reading, I promise!

---

Moderation or abstinence? I need to lose weight, so I'd like to be able to drink or not drink when I choose. And when I do choose, I'd like it to be in moderation. The weight loss will require abstinence for the most part.

However, since my first pill, I've only drank 3 times in 3-4 weeks. That's a huge reduction for me, so I'm already seeing positive changes. Just need to get the side effects under control so I can get and stay on track.

Hi rajasmom and welcome to the group! This what I wrote about mg & side effects of Nal on the General Discussion board, I suggest you do some reading on this Forum as there is a lot of information here.

The Cure for Alcoholism: The Medically Proven Way to Eliminate Alcohol Addiction book and TSM state that there are no or very little side effects but from my experience and reading others posts on this site,it appears many have some sort of side effects. I am not trying to scare any newbies as they may not have any side effects at all but as I say from what I have been reading some people are giving up in the first week or so without even giving Nal a chance. I am just writing this in hopes that others don't have to go through side effects feeling alone and know that they do diminish in days or weeks.
I am not an expert by any means but my suggestion would be as follows.
If taking Naltrexone I would ease your system into taking this by starting with 12.5 mg for a few days, then upping to 25 mg for a few days and finally taking 50 mg. I would also say to take with food and lots of water at first which can help with any nausea (Nalmefene, cannot be split up). I actually cannot even take my vitamins on an empty stomach or I will be sick.
OK just my 2 cents but hopefully that helps some people new to TSM.

Also I would recommend you read the book "The Cure for Alcoholism: The Medically Proven Way to Eliminate Alcohol Addiction" and as TSM firmly states and everyone else on this Forum to ALWAYS follow the Golden Rule, never Skip Nal before drinking!

Here is a link from the documentary "One Little Pill" that you can either rent or purchase which Claudia Christian made:
http://www.onelittlepillmovie.com/

Thanks Cheetos

I just bought the book. Also, just found your first post. Seems we have some similarities.

I'm sensitive to many things except alcohol. Lost my sensitivity I guess.

Reading the FAQs, I think I went thru a honeymoon phase, because after my first time with Nal, I thought for sure I was cured. The change was pretty dramatic. That is, until the other day when I side stepped the pill.

Anyway, I'm glad I posted and appreciate all the help and advice. I'm hoping I can get the end result!

Have a good evening!

Bad, Bad rajasmom, never forget the Nal, lol!
I am sure if you acclimatize yourself like I did then the side effects will diminish and you can get on with your journey again on TSM.
Glad you posted too, keep at it!
Have a good night!!!!

just t back up what everyone else says, I had bad side effects but these are a distant memory now; in fact I cant even feel anymore that I have taken the pill at all!

Its easy to side step the pill, but a total NO NO !!

good luck and welcome

Re:



Okay, I think I got it everybody! I didn't mean to be "bad". If I did, I wouldn't have posted here asking questions!

Thanks for everything. I think I can manage with the advice I've been given so far, plus reading the book now. I'll let you all know if I have any more questions.

====

Editing to add: Right now, my biggest problem is going to be finding the desire to drink. I have absolutely no desire to do so - and that has nothing to do with avoiding side effects. I just don't want to. Which is why I felt cured so quickly.

However, the other day, when I decide to drink, I didn't want to feel sick, so side-stepped.

But I know to absolutely not do that - the next time I can find the desire to drink.

I think that lack of desire is nearly miraculous actually, considering I've only taken the pills twice. Surely, it's the honeymoon period. I can't possibly be cured that quickly.

Have a good one!