Naltrexone

Yes, if you are still drinking 12 hours after your first dose of Naltrexone, you should take another dose and wait an hour before you continue drinking. That is the latest guidance that I've read from Joanna on this subject.

In due course, the idea is to work to make the first session start later in the day so that eventually one tablet will be all that is needed to cover you.

Because firstly it seems to have far less side effects associated with it, especially later when you are going weeks without drinking.

And secondly because it is only a one hour wait.  If you have an unexpected situation crop up that triggers a craving, then only having to wait one hour will be less inconvenient.

It seems this is the easier medication for people to get on the NHS, because it is some how 'more' approved than naltrexone. Also the medical prfession seems more comfortable with it.

But, I have read more people saying that the initial side effects of naltrexone are less than Selincro. The downside is, it is two hours instead of one to wait, plus you should be having periodic LFTs.

The big one for me, would be that you are already taking naltrexone and from what I have read, it seems to be 'working' well with you. Personally, I would always stick with something that I was familiar with.

naltrexone = one hour wait, periodic LFT's and the majority seem to suffer less side effects.  Usually only prescribed to help manage cravings in those already abstinent so difficult to get on the NHS if you are still drinking.

nalmefene (selincro) = two hour wait, no LFT's and most seem to suffer more side effects, speficically when only usually occasionally as their drinking lessens.  Easier to get on the NHS as it is approved to help reduce drinking.

When you get to see the doctor, it does mean they are going to precribe you medication, but the doctor has to see you in person and will probably want to ask you, what I would call common sense questions. Also he may discuss your blood tests, but usually only in passing.

One word of warning, it is highly likely, that after your chat and you are on the home run, they will pull out a breathalyser and ask for a breath test. I am not suggesting that you drink in the morning, but if you did, that would be one day not to.

The other annoying thing they do (I can only talk for my alcohol service centre, but maybe others do it), is only give you two weeks worth. They'll give you four weeks prescription, but split it into two, with the second one dated, so you have to go back to the pharmacy and collect it, which is not local for me. Then they expect me to collect mine on a monthly basis, when I have an appointment. I have explained the problems with this and I'm currently getting them to transfer the prescription over to my current doctor.

Addaction still take responsibility, my GP is merely writing the prescription, so it is automatically available each month with my other prescriptions. Addaction were totally happy with this.

Then we went through the whole discussion and were almost right at the end, when they pulled the breathalyser out. I had been six weeks sober by then, so I knew there was nothing in my system - but it still gave me a jump. I hate to think what it does to someone who has to have a can in the morning to steady their nerves.