Side effects

If only it was that easy Paul. I think most people here in the UK are prescribed Selincro by their GP. Even if they agree , like mine did, they will have to refer on to a 'specialised' to initiate a prescription. I think someone on this forum disagreed with me on that point but as Joanne stated what GP will take on that responsibility when it is not Licenced in the same way as Selincro. If they are already under a 'specialised' then it seems more likely that a change can be made without so many hoops to jump through.

Thanks for all your thoughts and comments. It sounds like I would experience problems in being prescribed Naltrexone! I used an Internet pharmacy to purchase nalmefeme and have not approached my GP, 

i wonder whether it might be worth taking Nalmefene for a week (including non drinking days which are most in the week) to see if my body will adjust again. Prior to new year I was only taking it 2x weekly with no major issues. I had gradually reduced to this though??? Not sure what to do next? Feeling a bit despondent about it all! 

All the advice I have seen on here, has been, to only take it when you are going to have a drink and not take it if you're having a sober day.

Kathryn, Natrexone is a lot cheaper to buy than Selincro. I have the same problem with the side effects the less I take the drug. I was recommended Naltrexone and obtained some. I only took three doses over three days and even though I took the full dose the first day ( half dose recommended ) the side effects were nothing compared to Selincro. If you are interested in buying them online either message me or Joanna who will provide a recommended source. 

Sorry to hear of your side effects Kathryn.  As Paul mentioned, this does seem to be an issue with Selincro.  Having tried both, my own personal preference is most definitely for naltrexone for a couple of reasons - one being (for me) far, far less side effect issues and secondly the fact that the waiting time with naltrexone is one hour and not two.

If you are going to try take the nalmefene for a week to try adjust to the side effects, this is okay.  In fact, a few doctors recommend this to a their patients and then revert back to your normal drinking (as per TSM) once the side effects have settled.  However, if you do wish to do this PLEASE take a drink after the two hours.  It only has to be one drink. Not just because each time you do this you move a step forward so you may as well get some benefit out of the week, but because the medication has been formulated to be drank on. 

In addition, eat well about an hour before the tablet and drinks lots and lots of water.

In terms of prescribing naltrexone, the online pharmacy you used cannot use their online doctor consultation service to issue a prescription for naltrexone in the same way as it does nalmefene, as naltrexone is approved for use only by those who have already stopped drinking.

You must have a prescription to obtain naltrexone, unless you are planning to visit Spain in which case it can be purchased legally over the counter.  That prescription can be issued by either the alcohol services unit in your area, or a private doctor.  In some cases, a psychiatrist will prescribe as per TSM as they seem to be more settled with the idea of TSM.  It is categorised a 'red' medication meaning that though your own GP could prescribe if he/she felt comfortable doing so but if they did they would have to take responsibility for it and so they are more likely to follow their local health authorities guidelines which say to refer 'red' medications to specialists for prescribing (ie alcohol services in the case of naltrexone).  But do keep it in mind that even then, it would take an open-minded prescriber at the alcohol service unit to prescribe it for you if you tell them you are drinking.

Naltrexone is very inexpensive compared to nalmefene, so it might be worth ringing a couple of private doctors in your area and asking what they charge for a consultation and prescription.  It could be that the cost of that would be about the same as what you are already paying for getting nalmefene!

Private message me if you find you are still struggling with Selincro and need any further information resources about naltrexone.

I agree Rayboy. Even to get Selincro, most patients have to see a specialist first and, considering that even the specialists know nothing about TSM, that is often a waste of time.

I was just thinking it is worth Kathryn asking because at least her GP had the insight and initiative to consider prescribing Selincro in the first place so he/she may be willing to listen if they already know that the method is working well for her. It's hopeful, but worth a try

 

Thank you so much for the reply and advice Joanne. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply but I really have been. Unwell! Not like me at all. Unfortunately I did take a tablet yesterday but then couldn't face a drink I was quite sick! I've had two horrendous nights and can't stand to take it anymore. I have been on this medication since last Easter and it has really worked. I drink no more than 10 units per week now over 2 nights. It took me about 6 months to get to this stage and was only taking the tablet twice per week on drinking days with little to no side effects. It has been the dry January that has blown it! The side effects are so much worse this time? I don't understand! I didn't know about the eating an hour before! Anyway, I'm going to give not drinking at all a go as I actually have been slowly losing the desire. If this doesn't work I am certainly going to look into naltrexone and will likely message you if this is OK.  

Many thanks again for taking the time and for caring enough to respond to me. 😀

Thank you and of course, contact me any time if you need to :-)

ah thanks Missy. I'm feeling a little better now 😀