People in Moderation Management share experiences of naltrexone use

Serena's initial experience with NAL - MM @ maelstrom.stjohns.edu - 6/1/2001

I have recently commenced a course of Naltrexone (Tuesday evening to be
exact) and thought I would share some of my observations with the group. My
physician also prescribed Prozac (for an underlying depression) so not
quite too sure what I should attribute to what (it is my understanding that
it takes a couple of weeks to notice any effects from Prozac, however).

I commenced my abs 14 days prior to my appointment with my physician. This
was very difficult for me as my previous physician, who had been following
me for my condition, has since retired. I decided that I would provide my
doc with an overview of my symptoms and concerns as well as my thoughts as
to possible treatment options. I included 4 or 5 articles on Naltrexone.
As I expected, his experience with the treatment of dependency is virtually
"admonished the sinner" and asked me if I was aware that any person who
drank more then 2 drinks a day was by definition an alcoholic (DUH). I
much prefer to consider myself Endorphin Challenged....(Alex and Fred will
get a chuckle out of that one I am sure).

To my amazement and relief, he prescribed a two month course of Naltrexone
50 mg and Prozac 20 mg OD. I have gone for baseline liver enzymes and I am
booked for an abdominal ultrasound as I have been experiencing right upper
quadrant discomfort (hope it is just my gall bladder but of course I am
concerned about liver/pancreatic problems).

I took my first pill Tuesday evening around 6 pm and then I retired early,
so I really did not notice too much of anything. I took my next pill in
the morning with my Prozac and a light snack (I was warned of the potential
for nausea from each of these drugs). I have experienced SLIGHT nausea
(nothing compared to the ones associated with hangover however) and a
decreased appetite (now that is a GOOD thing as far as I am concerned). I
have had an intermittent dry mouth but outside of that, I have not
experienced any other side effects. I doubt the Prozac has kicked in yet,
as I have not noticed any lifting of my mood.

Let me describe how I feel when I am having a craving. It is almost a
physical/visceral sensation for me - a feeling in the pit of my stomach of
uneasiness/anxiety. I still think about having a drink....especially when
I come home from the office (that is my worst hour of temptation) however,
the craving (almost physical in nature) is not there - gone - period.

My physician asked me if it was my intention to quit drinking "forever" as
moderation was not an option for a 4-5 glass/dy wine drinker (more on
weekends). I was very honest with him and said that I simply did not know
the answer to that question. The idea of never being able to have another
glass of wine is just too painful an imagery for me right now - so I am
choosing not to go there. My intention however is to do an extended abs (I
figure if I do a year then I will have experienced every holiday/vacation
in a state of sobriety).......during this time I hope to learn the coping
skills necessary to deal with the reasons why I turn to ETOH in the first
place. I don't quite have a handle on those yet (guess that is where the
therapy part comes in, eh?)

I fully intend to test the Naltrexone waters with a glass or two of wine
(doubtful Thomas that I am)......but seeing as I don't have any compulsion
to do so, it is not a priority on my list. I will keep you all updated as
to my progress or lack thereof, and thanks for tuning in and listening.