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Alcohol withdrawal

Posted , 14 users are following.

raymond46072
raymond46072

I recently visited my doctor and after a number of tests it seems I have a fatty liver and (occasionally) high blood pressure. As a 34 year old man I know this isn't a good sign. I am already taking 10mg Citalopram a day for anxiety and I'm not stupid - I know that the anxiety is probably linked to the booze I drink (between 13-25 units daily in the evening) and I know that if I don't do something about the drink now it will only get worse. I have been a heavy drinker for 15 years. I never drink in the morning and very rarely during the day.

I'm getting little help from my GP in terms of withdrawal decided to cut the amount I am drinking as I know that completely stopping isn't something I am going to do straight away. To do this, I've found a low alcohol beer (1.2 units a can) which means that I'm reducing my units down to 4.8 if I only have 4 cans a night. I know this is still above the recommended daily amount but it's a start. So:

Sunday night: I drank 4.8 units

Last night: I drank 3.6 units

This is dramatically less than I have been.

I managed on this and was able to sleep without any sleeping pills but the problem is that I feel so groggy in the morning - I can't wake up (after 8 hours of sleep) and I feel really 'heady' today. I just find it really hard to get going.

Can anyone give me any ideas has to what is causing this feeling?

4 likes, 49 replies

49 Replies

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  • angela2014
    angela2014 raymond46072

    Posted

    Citalopram, Effexor, both notorious for creating alcohol cravings.   I now read references to it everywhere.  I gave up effexor, suddenly the cravings have gone.....
  • angela2014
    angela2014 raymond46072

    Posted

    Oh also, I had poor liver function,Stage 3a kidney disease, high blood pressure, hih cholesterol.  I was drinking one bottle of wine a night.   I gave up the drugs before the drink..  and guess what.. all back o near normal, wasn't alcohol at all, was the drugs..
  • lorna01155
    lorna01155 raymond46072

    Posted

    Hi. I'm new here too and found this really helpful. I wonder if someone could advise on my specific circumstances.

    I underwent a detox as an outpatient in may but unfortunately fell off the wagon in august. Stupid I know.

    I really want to sort it out but I'm scared. Have been drinking 2 bottles of wine per night. I tried to switch to cider but four cans isn't enough to prevent withdrawal in the form of sweats and severe anxiety.

    I have six doses of 2mg diazepam left from may. Will this be enough to get me through the worst of withdrawal or should I try to cut back first? Badly don't want to go back to the docs if I can help it.

    • PaulJTurner1964
      PaulJTurner1964 lorna01155

      Posted

      Hello Lorna. Unfortunately, six doses of 2mg is not enough to help much. You do need to see your doctor again.
    • lorna01155
      lorna01155 PaulJTurner1964

      Posted

      Thank you. I think I'll try the old fashioned way of cutting down first. Appreciate your time in replying
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