I know about the warnings but wondered if anyone has tried this or knows anyone that has? & how it affected them? I'd be grateful for any responses.
Has anyone had any experience with Naltrexone & alcohol consumption?
Question posted by Delila on 10 Jan 2013
Last updated on 3 August 2023 by Heatbabe
6 Answers
Heatbabe
3 Aug 2023
I have been on naltrexone for 10 days and today we having a family meal and everyone was drinking red wine with meal so I thought one glass would b alright but after I felt really drunk it soon wore off but put me off having any more wine.
Inactive
11 Feb 2020
I've used Naltrexone, off and on for the last 4 years. I go through periods of abstinence from drinking, then start up again. I'm a heavy drinker, 4 cans of beer and a bottle of wine an evening, 7 days a week. Naltrexone helps me 'not' get a high from the drinking, and I feel a bit ill the next day. This is a very effective drug if you stop drinking (which is my problem)
hdwhit
18 Feb 2015
I have used Naltrexone as part of the so-called Sinclair Method. You can find out more about it via Wikipedia or a Google search. There is also a documentary film describing it entitled One Little Pill. You can read more about it on Wikipedia as well.
Following the Sinclair Method, a 50mg dose of Naltrexone is taken an hour BEFORE alcohol consumption.
The Naltrexone then blocks the chemicals in the brain responsible for the pleasure that comes from drinking. The Naltrexone does not block the alcohol itself, so you still get drunk if you drink too much. The idea is that if you don't get any pleasure from drinking then there's less impulse to drink and over time you will drink less.
I have been following the Sinclair Method for some time now and I find that with rare exceptions:
* I take Naltrexone,
* I wait an hour,
* I have a drink,
* I usually pour a second and after about two or three sips,
* I set the second one down and go to bed.
It's not always that way, but even on the rare occasions when I drink "heavily", I find myself stopping with three drinks, the the five or six it used to be.
To me, Naltrexone, the Sinclair Method, One Little Pill and motivational support from the C Three Foundation has made a world of difference.
Delila
19 Feb 2015
Thank you for sharing this
Jipsymuse
14 Aug 2014
Hello, I have the same concern ! I just started on Naltrexone on 8/12/14. Today is my 3rd day on it. I am drinking every day just like always. I am hoping that Naltrexone will make me want to quit doing that !!! I feel like I'm not getting the same effects from the alcohol. I think it makes it hard for you to feel the effects. Last night I had quite a few drinks (rum & coke). When it got late and I was ready to go to bed I noticed that I was having shortness of breath. It was uncomfortable and It took me a while to settle down and feel like I could breath well enough to go to sleep. I have had a headache a couple times but not bad. My stomach is upset and I have had stomach pain. I have had some stomach troubles even before I started Naltrexone though. I think some of the stomach trouble is because of the Naltrexone and some of it is just because of drinking every day. My doctor didn't tell me that I had to completely stop drinking before I start the Naltrexone.
My shrink ( who I get antidepressants from) didn't tell me that either. I asked my regular Dr. if I needed to completely stop drinking for a week or so before starting Naltrexone and she said no. I wish you the best of luck. Wish me luck ! I'm hoping the Naltrexone will just stop the effects of the alcohol and I'll decide to cut down and stop. I hope this helps
Inactive
16 Jan 2013
I tried it for a week but it gave me pins and needles in my feet which was horrible so I stopped. I have a script for Antabuse and posted a question a few days ago to which no one has responded. Does anybody know how soon after ingestion of alcohol I can start it? It's been 36 hr since my last drink but I'm not sure how long I can keep this up.
Delila
16 Jan 2013
Hi, i'm sorry, i haven't seen your question? I am a member of the group 'Antabuse' as well, weird. To answer you question, you can either have your doctor do a breathaliser test to ensure there is no alcohol in your system, or wait a minimum of 48 hours after your last drink. You can buy disposable breathaliser tests to use at home if that makes you feel safer. Did you know that drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause pins & needles? I didn't know, my psych' nurse told me. I've only just realised this answer was also posted several days ago, and i'm only just being notified about it now!? I need to check my settings! How are you doing? Are you taking the Antabuse now?
Delila
16 Jan 2013
Now it says this answer was posted about 4 hours ago? I'm confused!
Dumpster Diver
17 Jan 2013
Not to be negative here, But I have noticed quite a few incosistencies on
this site..yours truly, Dumpster Diver...
Delila
17 Jan 2013
OK, i'm glad it's not just me. Thanks for your input : )
Inactive
10 Jan 2013
Hello Delila, Hope you are doing well. I will research your question and if anything, might beable to quote or refer you to testimonials of people combining the two. Have a good evening, best of health to you, pledge
Delila
11 Jan 2013
Thanks Pledge : )
Related topics
alcohol dependence, naltrexone, addiction, alcohol, medication
Further information
- Naltrexone uses and safety info
- Naltrexone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Naltrexone (detailed)
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