Side effects
Posted , 7 users are following.
Oh dear, dry January was a mistake! Prior to this I had reduced my drinking and selincro to twice per week and if I did experience side effects they were so mild I hardly noticed. Trying to resume this habit isn't working. I am having terrible sleep disturbance and that funny feeling of wanting to stretch again. I feel quite unwell today. To be honest I could almost give drinking up but i feel that will be too unrealistic and just would like to be able to drink occasionally taking the tablet first to maintain this loss of desire that I've reached. I know that if I go back to drinking without the protection of selincro, I shall soon be back to square one! (I could never do anything by half! That's my problem!).
0 likes, 12 replies
RHGB kathryn43
Posted
But it may be that your body is getting used to no alcohol and you are suffering some withdrawal syptoms.
PaulJTurner1964 kathryn43
Posted
I am fast coming to the conclusion that Naltrexone is the better option but, unfortunately, that is even more difficult to get for an alcohol problem than Nalmefene is.
It is worth speaking to whoever prescribed it for you and ensuring that they know how well Nalmefene worked for you before explaining about the side effects and asking them to move you onto Naltrexone. The one main difference is that you would need frequent liver function tests (blood tests) if you were taking it often but that is no major problem and the effect of Naltrexone on the liver is very minor compared to large quantities of alcohol.
rayboy250 PaulJTurner1964
Posted
kathryn43 rayboy250
Posted
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!
RHGB kathryn43
Posted
rayboy250 kathryn43
Posted
Joanna-SMUKLtd kathryn43
Posted
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.
PaulJTurner1964 rayboy250
Posted
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
kathryn43 Joanna-SMUKLtd
Posted
Many thanks again for taking the time and for caring enough to respond to me. 😀
Joanna-SMUKLtd kathryn43
Posted
Misssy2 kathryn43
Posted
Find what works for you and stick with it.
kathryn43 Misssy2
Posted