Hello all, first week here. Here is my story:

I am a binge drinker & the time between my binges are getting shorter. I am a female, 55, been at this most of my life, starting with weekend “parties” as a teen. I had six days AF last Sunday but succumbed to anxiety & cravings and drank about 11 beers. Monday I went to the doctor & he prescribed the nal. I drank that night pretty heavily (10 or 11 beers) then picked up my script Tuesday morning. He started me at half dose, but me knowing how strongly I react to meds, decided on the 12.5. I took it when I arrived home because not only did I want to make sure I didn't have a reaction, I just assumed that I would carry on with my binge. I didn't drink anything, as I didn't want anything.

The next day I was fine, had a bit of anxiety & a crave or two so I took another 12.5. I didn't drink then either. Up until then I hadn't felt much beyond a little head buzz from the nal. That evening my blood pressure skyrocketed & it felt like I was on amphetamines. I wasn't alcohol thirsty though, just felt a little odd in the head. This morning, the same, except worse. My anxiety & BP was through the roof. I had to take an anti anxiety to get myself under control.

I have no clue how to proceed. No clue whatsoever. Did I start this in the middle of a withdrawal session I wonder? Binges do a number on my BP and anxiety anyway. I do take BP meds and it is high even when not drinking, most likely due to chain smoking.

My questions are : Has anyone else had any BP issues with the nal? And have you all ever heard of anyone starting with such a low dose? I don't weigh very much either, another reason why both the doctor & I started on such a small dosage. And how about the amphetamine effect? Usually if I take amphetamines & drink, I drink sooo much more than usual.

Right now I am just a tad afraid of the medicine. But I don't think I am done. I think I should address the BP issue with my doc first then decide how to proceed.

After you took the NAL did you drink? If you didn't you may be experiencing some withdrawal symptoms. The usual advice is to take NAL one hour before drinking, and then drinking as you normally would. Anyway, welcome!
Best wishes,
Tweed

No I didn't drink because I lost the craving to drink. Thanks for the welcome!

welcome Mason, and good on you for taking control.

I haven't heard of BP issues per se but horrible anxiety has been mentioned. High anxiety and BP would go hand in hand I think.

Yep, that seems to be the issue. I have come to a plan. I have full intention of sticking with TSM, even if I can only tolerate the very small doses for now. I do have anti anxiety meds on hand if needed. But first the BP will have to be dealt with. I will monitor it for a few days while af, and maybe have my medicine upped. I just read the entirety of plantpr0's thread. Ain't no way I am backing out now. Consider me a bonafide member of the golden rule.

Come hell or high water.

Good for you Mason! I'm sure a super slow ramp up in dose and that determined attitude will work wonders for you!

Mason, I think most of us started out and smaller doses, either 12.5 or 25 mg so you were doing the right thing there. Many people do experience side effects, but it appears to me that they don't usually last that long, so I would hang in there. I also think hangover/withdrawal was probably a lot of what you were experiencing.

I am just 1 year younger than you. Good for you for finding TSM and doing something to take control. For me, this has not been the quick fix that I was hoping for, but I still have faith that it is working and helping me gain control. Hopes and prayers that it will work for you.

Keep posting and let us know how you get on!! Hugs from Newlife

Thanks Newlife! I bought a 12 pack today, ate some food before taking the nal, then decided I was too full to drink & didn't take the nal. To me, eating & drinking doesn't go together. Unless I get really drunk and decide I need a carb fest before bed. So...I'm thinking that my next craving I will just have a 1/2 pb sandwich & a ginger supplement to go with the nal. I bought a whole shitload of ginger stuff in case of nausea. Ginger supplements, ginger candy, ginger tea, ginger ale.

I have pretty bad hangovers the way it is and am not looking forward to a hangover & the side effects of nal in the morning. So as of right now, it is the fear of the side effects of nal that is keeping the cravings beat down.

I'm sure that will change over time.

Sounds like a good plan!


I had to laugh at that. I guess it's a sign of my addiction: I would keep ginger ale on hand in case I was queasy from a hangover but wanted to keep drinking with "Jack and Ginger."