Nalmefene
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hi. I took my first nalmefene tablet yesterday lunchtime. By bedtime I had only consumed 1 bottle of wine instead of what would usually have been 2. After taking the tablet I felt spaced out and quite dizzy I fell asleep briefly and woke with a headache . I also have had a continual urge to stretch my body, both yesterday and throughout my restless nights sleep. My query is this, I desperately want to reduce my alcohol consumption. Since Christmas I have been trying not to drink Monday to Friday. Im hoping the side effects wont persist, but if I am only taking the tablets 3 or 4 days per week, is that enough for my body to build up resistance or will I have to suffer the side effects every time. Many thanks in advance of any advice.
0 likes, 7 replies
Joanna-SMUKLtd Brenda2121
Posted
Yes, the side effects are only temporary for most people - the first time is always the worst then they should reduce over the next 8-10 tablets. What you describe is absolutely normal.
To make things a little easier in the meantime, make sure you eat a decent meal before taking the tablet and drink plenty of water - before the tablet, with the tablet, and throughout the evening.
Once you are used to it, you will be able to take just with a glass of water but most people tend to keep having something to eat first (even if only a small) amount because doing so will help towards the overall goal of not overindulging in alcohol.
Any short term side effects are more than worth the long-term benefits that nalmefene gives.
Brenda2121 Joanna-SMUKLtd
Posted
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I must admit I did take the tablet 2 hours before food and wine. I will take the next one after food, thank you. I was scared to take the tablet and I was concerned when i felt so strange and had the need to keep stretching my body, which continued throughout the night. Because the tablets work on the brain receptors I was worried I may have started some other condition.
Gnillo Brenda2121
Posted
Are u advised to take the medication daily? Ur symptoms sound on par when starting the medication and r usually worse when u first start the meds. Hope ur eventually able to not drink at all, but I personally know how hard this can be.
Brenda2121 Gnillo
Posted
Thank you for responding. I have bought the tablets privately. I prefer that my doctor doesn't know because as mentioned in an earlier post, I was worried that this could impact on my life insurance policy. I too would like to think that I could eventually stop drinking altogether but in the meantime I would be happy to get it under control. I was concerned that i felt the way I did after taking the tablet, especially the need to keep stretching my body. I haven't read that this could be expected as a side effect.
Gnillo Brenda2121
Posted
Completely understand so thank u for clarifying that. I sure hope ur able to get it under control. I know first hand how hard this can be after years of drinking myself. My twin brother just had a liver transplant February 6th and is still recovering in the hospital and working on re-learning the most basic physical things we take for granted. Despite him being diagnosed with ESLD in 2019 at the age of 31 I didn't put the bottle down. Talking to him now and hearing how grateful he is to have another opportunity at life is more than words can explain. Wishing u all my best and to a life of sobriety. Sober cheers!
Brenda2121 Gnillo
Posted
Thank you very much for your input and i wish you all the best for the future. I also send my best wishes for your brothers full recovery x
Gnillo Brenda2121
Posted
Thank you for ur well wishes. All my best as well.