Day 4 of Naltrexone – experience
For those still undecided if Naltrexone is right for them; here’s my experience to date. Female in my late 50’s; been drinking a bottle of wine a night for years (10+), more on the weekends. Have been wanting to cut back for years, not quit altogether (yet), but have some NA days. Tried on my own white knuckling it, but would only last a day or two, then back to normal routine. I found that once I started, I couldn’t stop at just one glass.
Had been watching the Oar commercials for awhile and been reading up on Naltrexone. Even asked my primary care for a prescription a year ago, he told me to go to an AA meeting. Thanks Doc!
So I took the plunge and ordered through Oar. Received 90 – 25mg dissolving tablets for ~$250.
Day 1 – Took first dose (25mg) after having my first drink; I know you not suppose to, but it arrived via UPS at 5pm; was anxious to try it, I had made up my mind. I’m giving this a go. Took the first pill and didn’t finish my wine, it tasted like shit. One, the dissolving tablets are very strong and would recommend taking with food. Gave me a bit of nausea and made me very drowsy. Went to bed, slept okay, not great, but I slept.
Day 2 - reduced dose to 12.5 mg took about an hour prior to having a drink. Felt pretty nauseous and had no appetite to eat. Poured ½ glass of white wine, drank it, but it didn’t taste very good. Poured ½ glass of red wine; drank it, but again, didn’t taste great and had zero buzz effect. I guess that’s the point. Okay, must be working.
Day 3 – took the 12.5 mg again but right after lunch with a full stomach and with lots of water. Had almost no nausea. Went out to our favorite casino for a short trip; casino is a trigger for me. I always overdrink and can’t play unless I have a drink in my hand. Ordered one glass and it lasted the entire 2 hours we were there. Left for home and normally I’d be dying for a glass as soon as I’d come in the door. I wasn’t and I didn’t drink anymore the rest of the night. Had an appetite, but once I made my dinner, only ate ¼ of what I served myself.
Day 4 – Just like prior day, took 12.5 mg again right after lunch. No nausea or other side effects, except constipation. I didn’t see constipation as a side effect, but it’s the only thing I can think that caused it, I normally pretty regular. Took some gummy metamucil and problem solved. Hadn’t decided if I was going to drink this day, but witching hour passed and I hadn’t grabbed the wine, so I figured, what the hell. Let’s try a NA day.
Honestly, the pull was not that bad. I made dinner and typically, I ALWAYS have wine while making and eating dinner. Kept dinner simple and managed the routine without a glass in hand. Sat down after dinner for a bit of news, which is usually my night cap, will have one or two so I drift off to bed, good and buzzed, but not stumbling. Had a “Moment” beverage instead and was calm and relaxed. Went to bed at normal hour, slept good, not great, but pretty good considering I didn’t have wine to fall asleep.
Sharing this with you all, knowing while I’m super early on my journey, I’m feeling hopeful and optimistic and hope this helps anyone else that is struggling to take that first step.