The first week had lots of nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, foggy brain, night time hot flashes and intestinal issues. I was worrying that I would not be able to continue this indefinitely. I started at 25mg (1/2 pill). Went down to 1/3 of a pill because of side effects and finally today after 7 days I had no side effects. So a few more days like this and I will then go back up to 1/2 a pill. I think I will then stick with 25mg for a while and see if that is enough for me. I have always been very sensitive to medications. I figure there is no rush on this road, since I plan on doing this for a long time. I am taking it slowly.
I think I must be in the honeymoon period everyone talks about. At first I thought I didn't want as much to drink just because of the nausea. But tonight I felt good, and had one glass of wine and felt done. There is definitely a different feeling. I do not feel that initial "ahhhhhh" that I get from my first drink. I am happy about the direction things are going.

Sorry you had such a rough first week, but it sounds like the worst is over. Good for you for sticking with it and adjusting your dose to minimize the SE's, excellent headspace wrt leaving room for the honeymoon effect! It sounds like you're getting a great confirmation that the Nal is actively killing the craving for you.

Steady as she goes, Q, if you see your intake increasing, then use Joanna's mindful drinking method to get your conscious mind involved in the experience:

http://optionssavelives.freeforums.net/ ... hints-tips

Another way to approach it would be to pour that first drink and take a sip, then walk away from it for a bit and get busy with some little task. It really doesn't matter so much how much time the task takes at first, just getting in the habit of distancing yourself from that first drink and not cruising through it per usual will do the trick.

All in all, this is sounding good, Q. Very good indeed.

Thank you for the your support and the link Joe. I was thinking of looking in to some cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to go along with the medication. These mindful drinking techniques are a perfect start. I notice it states that if you take Nodict you should wait 90 minutes. I have been only waiting an hour. I wonder if it still seems to work for me because I break the pills? So the contents get released quicker? Hmmm.

I have read about a few instances where people using Nodict broke the pill and got better results, so I think you're on the right track there.

welcome and keep up the good work! 25mg might be right for you, though after a few weeks your body MAY be ready for a full tab. sounds like the Nal is doing its work though. all the best to you.

QW,

I like the way you are going slow and doing this for the long run. I felt the same way and over time it has done amazing things. It has had its up and downs but all in all it has been steady improvement in my quest to get control over AL. The fact that it is a slow and gradual response makes it more palpable as well. I tried quitting straight out a lot! In fact, almost every morning for months at a time!

So take your time and understand there will be a few set backs along the way - just keep following the GR.