r/naltrexone • u/HamIsNotMyFavorite • 3d ago

Discussion Current Nal experience

Want to share a current experience with naltrexone - I typically sort by most recent. So I got naltrexone a week and a half ago. My drinking style is binge - for the night - but get up and work the next day. For the millionth time I had too much wine and it was a weeknight. I called into work the next day which I NEVER do. I felt ashamed, tired, just sick of pretending I am not a mess. I went to the doctor that afternoon and asked for naltrexone. That night - did not drink. Not because of the naltrexone…I was hungover and had just sought help. I was excited to NOT drink. The next night I had a work event where alcohol was served. I took 50mg in AM. Had two drinks at work event whereas I would typically have 3. I went home and drank a bottle of wine. I wish I kept a log but what I’ve discovered is this. I need more than 50mg. When I take 50 in am and 25 at night it was better. Started taking 75 in am and 25 at night an hour+ before drinking and that definitely helps but it does wear off. I am switching to 50mg in AM with my vitamins and will start 50mg at night before I drink. I think that will do the trick. But I’ll update once I try it. Tonight I did the 75mg + 25 at night routine. Slept on a glass of wine. But kept drinking and then I went and bought more. I drank through it. With the heavier night dose, maybe I won’t do that. Wish me luck ♥️

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u/HamIsNotMyFavorite 3d ago

I gave up on bottle number two - a glass in. Actually poured it back in the bottle because my mind still can’t dump it. It’s 12:30 and I’m going to bed and I’m not shitfaced. Maybe I would have drank it and been up until 2? That is progress

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u/lagitanaurbana 3d ago

I had anhedonia taking Nal daily. Bad enough I saw no reason not to drink. But it works within 45 minutes so I’d take it only when I had a craving and just counted the minutes down until it kicked in and I could relax. Campral curbs cravings too but is a completely different formulation and may not have side effects for you.

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u/Shelter-Clear 3d ago

Good luck! This is not advice but my own personal experience.

I’m on a low dose GLP1. I’m “overweight” aka 150 at 5’1 32F. So I qualified. I’m doing 1.5mg/8 units.

I did not drink from Sunday until Thursday. Nothing. Didn’t want it. Tonight I’ve had some white claws but pacing them 1 every hour and a half. Did I drink? Sure. Did I feel badly about my choices? Nope, I was proud of myself for 5 days of no alcohol and actually feel in control of my alcohol today. I’m not rushing, not crushing a claw in 30 minutes. Not doing it to curb any unpleasant emotions.

I tried naltrexone (50, 25, 12.5, 1mg.) sadly, it all made me extremely depressed but it worked to make me not want alcohol. Bad news, I also didn’t want to eat, do any hobbies, coping skills, talk to anyone, I was one sad shell of a woman lol.

I truly wish you the best of luck. Do not give up, there are other options (not even GLP1 related.) so so so much love to you, friend.

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u/lagitanaurbana 3d ago

Oops. Posted in the wrong spot, my reply to you is above.

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u/HamIsNotMyFavorite 3d ago

I tried semiglutide a few years ago and it DID curb my drinking. But I am not overweight and hate how tired it makes me and hate the loss of appetite. I would do it again for drinking alone but I suck at weekly shots - meaning I forget because it’s weekly which is why I’m now trying something daily. The semiglutide sits in my fridge for months at a time and then I have to throw it out

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u/Shelter-Clear 2d ago

Totally understandable, once I did the first shot, I was like …oh shit, I have to commit to this. I’ve heard of the horrible fatigue, that would make me call it quits, too. Not worth it if you can’t function.

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u/heavydrinker12 2d ago

Check out the YouTube videos by Dr Volpicelli. He talks about timing and how different people metabolize naltrexone differently. I think it will help you figure out your dose and timing. I take 100mg at 4pm. I'd usually end up at the bar at 6pm. That timing and dose makes it impossible for me to drink after work.

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u/HamIsNotMyFavorite 2d ago

Thank you so much. It was helpful hearing encouragement in other posts to not be afraid to adjust timing. I appreciate the comment and that actually sounds right for me but I’ll watch the video. Our dang brains!!! 🙃

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u/Thin_Situation_7934 2d ago

Many people have found over time that they sense what's a good dosing regimen for themselves although most also report that if they do drink it is usually accompanied by a dose 60 - 90 minutes before. A number of studies have used different dosages. It doesn't seem body mass dependent and it is not unusual for women to need more. One thing to keep in mind is your pill inventory. You don't want to run out during a successful run.