Naltrexone and Nausea: What Users Say

• Jar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2020

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I have been a heavy drinker - carton a day for 10 years, then a little less as I got older. 25 years of solid everyday drinking. Blackouts are normal - I do shots till I am muted. Locked up 4 times drunk and disorderly - AA for 22 weeks - failed. Get the picture! Day 5 of naltrexone- had to cut my 50 mg pill into 1/4. I was whacked as on a full pill for 2 days! Could not function at work on it - Forced to drink last night by my work mates at a party and my beer tasted weird and it made me queasy managed to down 3 and I left the party. Everyone was shocked as I am normally an animal and last one standing - I don’t feel like a drink at the moment! - so far so good - my advice only take a portion of the pill if it whacks you out too much - good luck all my fellow comrades"

• lol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2021

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I am on day 7 of 50mg Naltrexone for alcohol addiction/binge drinking. Day one - four I had one beer which I actually struggled to drink. I drank them so slowly and with such disgust they actually got warm. Why I continued to drink them? I'm an alcoholic, who knows? Day 5 and 6 I actually did not drink anything and had no desire to drink. I am on day 7 and I really hope this pill continues to work its wonders. I have had mild side effects. Mostly a little nausea and a spaced out in the head type feeling but nothing that isn't manageable. I'm very pleased with this drug and wish that I had started it sooner."

• Kri...
• July 10, 2014

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I've been an active alcoholic for 10 years. Started socially. I went through treatment once and relapsed. Alcoholism, for me, has given me depression, anxiety, insomnia, OCD, stress, and the worst of them all, racing thoughts. Classic, right? I'm on day 4, but noticed the difference right away. It made me a bit queasy and in a daze of some sort, but I slept wonderfully and woke up at ease, and I have been every day since I started. I have no cravings whatsoever for alcohol, the thought of it actually repulses me. Anyways, I agree with everyone saying that this medication is Godsent. Remaining steady with my thoughts has helped me already socially, with my kids and my job. I have happy tears to have finally found something that held onto me for years."

• MHA...
• January 27, 2020

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I was prescribed Naltrexone 3 days ago, and I literally cannot believe the difference it has made to my life in such a short time!! I have been drinking 2 bottles of wine every night for over 10 years and close to that for 20 years before that. I had a miserable, lonely life, doing nothing but working and closet drinking. I didn’t see anyone and ignored my kids. I just lived for my next drink, regardless of what it was doing to me. I had resigned to the fact this was how I would die - and the sooner the better. I finally feel free, and it has been no effort at all!! I have zero desire to drink, and even my appetite has been suppressed! (Great side effect!) I am enjoying my kids and can get in my car whenever! I had moderate nausea on the first day, but my Dr. prescribed anti-nausea medicine which quickly fixed that. I have had a little trouble staying asleep but not too bad. I am taking 25mg, and don’t think I will need to go to 50mg, but 25mg works."

• asp...
• May 11, 2021

For Alcohol Use Disorder "Early I know. Took my first pill (50mg) this morning for alcohol dependence. Right away I started noticing an increased energy level. I thought at first my coffee was really good. Once I got in the car to leave for work, I could really notice an energy feeling, almost too much so I knew it was the Naltrexone kicking in. I was also becoming nauseated and a little dizzy. I have a long drive to work, so I was becoming concerned that I was not coherent enough to drive. However, after about 30 more minutes, I started feeling fantastic! The energy feeling leveled out somewhat, nausea went away, and I had a feeling of euphoria. Very happy, calm, and pain-free. Just feeling in a great mood, no bad side effects... yet. So far, it has also suppressed my appetite. If this makes me feel like this every day, I would want to take it forever. We will see how it does with my alcohol desire. As of now, I could care less about alcohol or food. I will update the review if anything changes."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2017

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "I have been on Vivitrol since November 2016. I have remained sober for 5 months. The urge to drink went away, and it felt good knowing that even if I drank on the shot, I wouldn't feel the warm fuzzy feeling that I was so addicted to. So recently, I did drink, and I feel so terrible - shakes, sick to my stomach. Alcohol withdrawal is terrible, and it really sucks. Now I know why I love feeling sober. Vivitrol has not only kept me sober, it truly saved my life because I know that I have control of my life. I would recommend this to anyone who has a problem with alcohol. It truly takes the cravings away and helps you find yourself."

• Fee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2016

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I started drinking 10 years ago, and drank 10-15 per day. After 30 days on Naltrexone, I've had 2 beers, the last 3 weeks ago. What the drug did was take away any 'reward' from alcohol, so drinking a beer is no different from drinking a cup of tea. In this way, it gave me the choice back. I didn't think I'd ever be able to quit, and suddenly drinking is no longer interesting to me. I had some minor side effects for the first week, including loss of appetite, restlessness, and a little nausea - but all of those subsided quickly. I am sober for the first time in my adult life and I can't believe how much better it is. If you know you need to break up with alcohol, look into naltrexone, it changed my life."

• Pal...
• March 9, 2019

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "I've struggled with alcoholism for 10 years. Vivitrol was suggested before but I couldn't afford it. I was able to find a clinic that got a federal grant for Vivitrol. The first 4-5 days I was tired, leg cramps up through my buttocks (felt like the flu), hip and ankle pain, irritable, sad, nauseous. Side effects eventually went away after 1 week. Cravings have been minimal to non-existent. Yesterday I was irritable; had a bad day at work which triggered me. Decided what the hell and see if the drug really did take away that feel-good feeling. I drank about half the amount I usually do and it didn't do anything other than the physical side effects. I ended up pouring the rest out and went to bed. This is a miracle! I am so grateful! Looking forward to continuing using it for this year while I complete my 12 steps in the AA program so I will not only be physically healthy, but mentally and spiritually too! THANK YOU VIVITROL AND THANK YOU TO MY CLINIC AND GRANT MONEY!"

• mce...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2015

For Alcohol Use Disorder "Been fighting mild alcohol dependence, binge drinking, for a number of years and heard about naltrexone. I took it for a bit last year using the Sinclair method with some success but I wasn't disciplined and under some abnormal life stresses, I lost my path. I have again taken it up in the last two months and my alcohol consumption has reduced by 2/3rds. No hangover in 2 months, which is miraculous. I get the urge to drink a couple of times a week, usually after a stressful day at work. I take the pill, wait an hour, and start drinking a beer. Midway through the second beer, the desire to continue drinking has gone. Some nausea but much preferable to alcohol effects. If you are a borderline alcoholic, it can work wonders."

• SDO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "This is seriously amazing, I will always remember the day I took it. I had a moment of realization that the craving had gone, the constant battle in my head had stopped. I was a heavy habitual binge drinker. The only thing I would say is you have to want to quit drinking or there is no point. Take it daily. I took it thinking I could still have a drink if I wanted one if the craving got too much, but in all honesty, I just don't want to drink. I would have to force myself, I think?! 5 weeks in and I haven't drunk, no stress or anxiety, I've been around alcohol, parties, bars and I just don't want it. It's brilliant! Early side effects of dizziness and nausea, odd dreams but that passes in 2 weeks! Do it!"

• Jam...
• September 22, 2019

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "Vivitrol injection on 9/19/2019. Can you drink? You can, but it doesn’t feel good. We know alcohol is a depressant. I always enjoyed the euphoria and was too drunk to recall the depression. Drinking now makes me feel heavy, dull, and a bit nauseated. I failed the oral dosage because an hour before drinking, I was salivating for the buzz! Now, I only have to be strong once a month while my resolve is strong. Now I can drink like a normal person if I want. I’ve been sleeping long hours of good sleep. I had been living on vodka, smoothies, vodka smoothies, and whatever junk was deliverable after I was intoxicated. I’m eating better now. I have an 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. Sucks, but I won’t have a towel nearby for 6 a.m. vomiting. I also won’t be up for a morning run, but I will awaken unafraid to check my texts."

• Dus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2013

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I read about the Sinclair Method a few years ago, but it took me several doctors to finally find one to prescribe Naltrexone. It is only FDA approved for use with abstinence, which is why most physicians aren't likely to prescribe it per the Sinclair Method. I finally found a psychiatrist who agreed to try it with me. I split the tablets for the first two days to get used to it. I noticed its effects immediately. I take one tablet one hour before I feel like drinking something, usually in the late afternoon. I don't really feel any different after I take it, except that I have a much lower 'craving' and I drink about 30%-80% less now. Sometimes makes me a little queasy or tired, but I haven't had a blackout or a hangover since. I love it!"

• Cla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2019

For Alcohol Use Disorder "5/10 as it is only day 7. Day 2, I was super dehydrated. Days 2, 4, and now - nauseous. No appetite today. I know I need to eat but am not hungry and am too tired to care. The worst is the extreme fatigue. On day 2, I woke up and could not open my eyes for a few hours. My doctor and other sources said this could last up to 6 weeks. I hope not because, while I am a fan of a good sleep, the ongoing level of fatigue makes me incapable of doing things I need and want to do. I have been told it will pass and to ride it out... I am a daily drinker, 8-20 standards, red wine and vodka. I have noticed the buzz is disappearing and it just tastes like, well, nothing really. So hope that is the naltrexone working and I will get to what TSM says is 'extinction.' I will try and update again. I wish you all well on your battle with alcohol/substance use disorder. It can be damn difficult. I hope you all find something/s that work for you."

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2019

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I started naltrexone 25 mg (for my dependence on alcohol) yesterday around 11 am. I was hit pretty hard with nausea, feeling spaced out, a headache, and tiredness. Part of this was probably a hangover from 2 plus bottles of wine the night before. Also, I took it on an empty stomach. I just rested and felt better around 2:30 pm. My doctor told me to taper off drinking and not to just stop. So I got a glass of wine around 4:30 pm, and when I took the first drink, I didn’t get the pleasure rush. I got a second glass and couldn’t finish it. This is really unusual because normally I finish the bottle and a lot more. I also slept really well all through the night. Today I’m going to eat before I take it and hope the side effects lessen. I would like to take it at night, but I really need it to be effective to help with the drinking. Does it still work if you take it at night?"

• Syd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "Began Naltrexone about 2 and a half weeks ago. After 3 days, had to stop for a day or so and then start back on 25 mg due to really bad nausea. Took 25 mg for 2 days, had virtually no side effects, and then back up to 50 mg. I have the rare headache, but am sleeping well and feeling fine. My drinking has decreased incredibly. Some nights, I can only manage a glass of wine, this is amazing since I was a bottle-a-night drinker. Weight is slowly dropping, which is great, but have started craving dark chocolate."

• Cam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2019

For Alcohol Use Disorder "It’s only been 4 days on naltrexone, but I’m sure I’ve only drunk one quarter (if that) of what I normally would’ve, and the urge to drink is really gone. Normally, if I only had one bottle of wine, I would get antsy and go get more booze because I didn’t think one bottle would do enough. It just is kind of unappealing now. I hope this keeps up. I feel slightly nauseous sometimes, but it’s not overwhelming, and I’m not eating as much food either. I’m super pleased so far!"

• Anonymous
• May 15, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I am a 27-year-old alcoholic. As soon as college came, alcohol took a hold of my life. I started naltrexone 4 days ago and haven't had the urge to drink at all. However, I always have a headache. The nausea comes and goes. Appetite is down and I'm usually fatigued/tired. Hope the side effects begin to taper off soon. If they do, this drug might really change my life!"

• Sti...
• January 9, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I'm so frustrated to see EVERYONE having a positive experience with this medication, except for ME! Although I am happy for those it has helped, it does nothing for me but make me queasy and ruin the taste of my wine. I've been taking it about 2 1/2 months and keep hoping that one day I will look at my bottle of wine and have no desire to pop the cork. Has anyone out there had to wait this long to reap the benefits of this drug? I'm about ready to give up unless someone tells me that it took them a while to feel the effects as well... Still hoping."

• for...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2024

For Fibromyalgia "I had chronic fatigue syndrome and fibro for around 30 years. Tried LDN at 4.5 mg twice without success. Decided to try it one more time. Built up from 2 mg a day to 4 mg a day. Read about someone taking 50 mg naltrexone a day, and it relieved their fatigue. The 4 mg helped me but didn't relieve my fatigue. Dr. agreed to increase my dose to 25 mg. So much improvement now. I may ask to go up to 50 mg a day, but at this point, I'm really happy with results so far. Had some nausea while starting at 2 mg, but none now."

• lam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 22, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "I used to smoke a pack a day, as well as drink 18 beers a day. I started taking (LDN-low dose naltrexone) Naltrexone with Bupropion 3 years ago. Since then, I am unable to smoke or be around smoke without feeling nauseous. I'm amazed at how much money I saved in cigarettes and beer. But better than that, I can breathe!! I can exercise!! I can go anywhere and not have to worry about when I can have my next cig or drink."

• Tip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "-50 mg pill Naltrexone - binge drinker consuming between 40-60 drinks a week - experienced nausea and ended up throwing up, it did not come back with my next dose. - attempted drinking on the 2nd day and found that I had lost interest/craving. Some unexpected positive side effects: - loss of desire to smoke cigarettes - extreme reduction in OCD smartphone use - reduced appetite, but with food tasting great, even water tastes great (weird) - fitful sleep and whackadoodle dreams - night sweats - jittery for the first 30-60 minutes after the dose - I am a better father, husband, and all-around dude"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2020

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "I've only gotten the shot twice, February and March 2020, and I'm not sure what to think. It's good, as a heroin addict, you know you can't get high, so don't even try, 'cause it will just annoy you. But the cravings are still the same as without it, and the migraines every day and nausea are terrible. My sex drive went from very healthy to not wanting to touch my husband of 11 years, and that's not like me at all! And let's talk about the depression - I've never been so depressed in my life, and I already have depression, but it got so bad I would just lay in bed and cry. I didn't realize it had anything to do with the shot until I read more about it and what people have said. I thought something was seriously wrong with me. It's getting better now due to me not having got my dose this month due to COVID-19 and my insurance... but I don't think I'm going to do it again..."

• SoA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I am beyond excited. I have struggled and tried everything. Nothing worked, just worse and worse relapses and sheer hell of a deep fear/shame. Shut myself away. Just started week 4. I had bad nausea, but it left on day 5. I just reduced and stayed on 25 mgs, then up to 50 mgs as instructed by Dr. and the C3 Foundation. The latter is a brilliant support forum in the journey. The first 3 days, a bottle of red wine lasted all that time! I do believe, however, having read Dr. David Sinclair's book: 'The Cure for Alcoholism,' that extinction of much reduction to safe levels does take at least 3-4 months. It is a miracle! Wish I had found it before all my detoxes, nasty punishing treatment center where I was stripped naked to search me, AA, etc. It works."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2019

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I have been taking naltrexone on and off for a month. I am still fighting with severe nausea and vomiting while taking it, even after the doctor adjusted the dosage. I still drink wine at a whole bottle volume and will skip taking the naltrexone on nights I plan to. That behavior is what's holding me back from recovering faster, but I'm drinking 50% less this month than I had in the last 3 years. I used to be a big beer drinker. I loved beer. But I have zero interest in it anymore after drinking it with naltrexone. I'm eating less, but I most certainly have to eat when I take the tablet or I will be hating life for sure. Anyone else struggle with this side effect? I know it's working for me, but the nausea is discouraging."

• Itd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2021

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I have been using naltrexone for three weeks now, and I feel like normal! My mother and father were both alcoholics, and I've been sneaking booze since I was 11. I never thought I would be able to stop drinking 4-5 drinks a night - but I did! I now drink 1 or 2 a night and have no interest in drinking more. The first week, I was nauseous and felt over-medicated. I started taking half the pill after lunch and the other half in the evening, and it helped a lot. Now I take the full pill around 5 and can control myself all evening. It also reduced my food cravings. Naltrexone literally saved my life!!!"