Hey all. I just started today. I have read up alot on this site and read the book. I average between 8 to 10 drinks per day and at 37, I have been drinking within this range for most of my adult life. As seems typical, I tried Antabuse a few times and had short term success. Ready to end this once and for all.

OK so I took my 50 MG nal at 400 and within 45 minutes I was all sweaty and anxious as hell. I had to literally lay on my bed under a fan for an hour and calm myself from the anxiety.

After that wore off though I went to drink and couldn't even get through a half a beer so that's promising.

Shall I just reduce my dosage....still in a fog as I write this. Thanks

Steven -

Where did you get your Nal?

Yes, typically one starts out with half a pill till the side effects become tolerable, if you have any at all. Check this post for more info:

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

Are you taking any other meds aside from Naltrexone? If you're using any kind of opioid pain meds (for instance), even anything with codeine in it, Naltrexone will send you straight into withdrawal.

Got it from my doctor. I think you are right. I just need to take half a pill. I will try that tomorrow! Thanks

Check out the link, some good info in there.

Have at least a small meal and then take the half pill with plenty of water too. After the side effects fade, you can take the pill on an empty stomach.

Do you know about the Honeymoon effect?

Welcome to the community, btw! Glad you came by to tell us about your launch and we look forward to your progress reports!

Welcome Steven - yes probably a good idea to have half a pill for the first few times of taking it. I did and the only SE I had was some nausea which I staved off by not taking the nal on an empty tummy. I also took half a tab for the first 4 or 5 days.

Keep us posted,

Hugs, Maggie

Welcome Steve,

I hope 1/2 a pill keeps the side effects at bay. Like Maggie said, eating something before you take your pill may help and is recommended.

I was afraid of the side effects, so I started with 1/4 of a pill for the first couple of days and then went up 1/2 for a few and a whole pill by the end of the week. If you have issues with 1/2 of a pill you could try that, or just wait it out, for most side effects do dissipate within a few days.

This is a marathon not a sprint, so do not be in any hurry. Getting use to the pill is the most important thing. Some TSMers do not go up to the entire 50 mg. That is not recommended; however, the side effects are just too unbearable for some and they seem to be doing just fine on a lower dose.

I wanted to also make sure you are on naltrexone, for nalmefene cannot be cut in half.

Keep us posted,

Jaba

welcome Steve,

I started with a whole pill and experienced a "speedy" rush of some intensity, but experienced almost nothing after the first day. as others have said, many people go to half pill and it really seems to help. there will definitely be a learning curve for your body, but TSM has helped a ton of people and I hope it works for you, too.