Starting over again after a hard few months

[Ardent]

Hello everyone,

I recently had a friend, more of a Sister, of 20+ years commit suicide and after 4 months of being clean the situation lead me to gradually increase drinking again to making bad decisions and drinking to the point of passing/blacking out. This has concerned both myself and my partner greatly.


Over the past few months since my friend's passing I have let life priorities slip. Missing work, not studying my Degree, lack of caring to pay bills etc. Feeling quite lost and off track to say the least. My smoking of cigarettes is over the top as well. I have lost 15kg in 3 months. Clearly my self care has suffered.

Unfortunately the situation with my dear friend has thrown me off the rails. She lingered in a coma for 10 days and I dropped everything to support her 5 kids, husband and Mother in another state. Seeing her like that was heartbreaking to say the least.

It took a toll, mentally, emotionally, physically and financially that is only hitting me in this past month.


I have ceased drinking 2 days ago after a particularly messy night on wine that left my poor man up checking on me all night to ensure I didn't die in my passed out state. So unfair of me to put him through that.

I visited my physician yesterday and he has set up a treatment plan for me and wants me to revisit him every two weeks to check in on my progress.

My physician recommend Valium to taper down for a week and then beginning Naltrexone and psych visits, which thankfully are subsidised. He was so understanding and helpful.

I would like some information on Naltrexone and any possible interaction it may have with my antidepressant Lexapro as I do need to take my 10mg dose daily or I lose the plot completely.

I am concerned about side effects and any interaction with my Lexapro. I don't want to risk falling deeply into depression again as I was suicidal. I can't go to that dark place again. I won't.



Inpatient rehab isn't an option for me as I am a contract worker for a large agency. I only started 2 weeks ago and have already missed 2 1/2 days of work citing a flu illness. That is not a fabulous way to start out in a new role.

I remained abstinent for 4 months from September to Jan so I know it is possible and I was so happy and together, productive and looking positively towards a future. I didn't use Naltrexone to do it just Valium taper for a week then sheer determination.

Any advice would be welcome and so appreciated. Feeling pretty defeated and incredibly disappointed in myself for falling off the wagon. I have been beating myself up quite badly.

Apologies for the ramble on. It all just came pouring out!

TLDR: I have relapsed and am on Valium taper and prescribed Naltrexone. Would like advice from those that take it as to side effects, especially with antidepressants.

Thanks

[paulywogg]

Re: Starting over again after a hard few months

Welcome Ardent,sorry for the loss of your friend,that's very sad I don't have much info on Naltrexone I have a prescription but never took it,just wanted to say that I also am prescribed Lexapro(never taken it either) but they're prescribed by the same doctor so I dont think there's any interactions or else I doubt she'd have given both,I know Naltrexone reacts with opioid medications but I dont think AD's,welcome again

[Pavati]

Re: Starting over again after a hard few months

Welcome, and I am so sorry for your loss.

I have no knowledge about medications, but I wanted to say hi. Quitting alcohol is SO worth it. If you want to, join a more active thread and you'll get responses more quickly.

Pav

[ssd858]

Re: Starting over again after a hard few months

I am so sorry the loss of a dear friend. My heart goes out to you. You were there for her and her family at the end - shows what a caring person you are. Please don't continue to beat yourself up for falling. Now is the time to give yourself the care and attention.
I cannot help with the meds but please join in at the Newbie's Nest and any other thread that sparks your interest. We are here for you. The crew here seems a bit quiet right now, but if you reach out someone will be there for you.
:hug:

[narilly]

Re: Starting over again after a hard few months

Ardent, glad you are here. Check out some of the links on MWO. The tool kit has lots of tips on how to stay sober and like ssd says, join us on Newbies Nest, we have some great discussions there.

We are here for you.
Take it day by day, you will get there.

[Guitarista]

Re: Starting over again after a hard few months

I would like some information on Naltrexone and any possible interaction it may have with my antidepressant Lexapro as I do need to take my 10mg dose daily or I lose the plot completely.

I am concerned about side effects and any interaction with my Lexapro. I don't want to risk falling deeply into depression again as I was suicidal. I can't go to that dark place again. I won't.

TLDR: I have relapsed and am on Valium taper and prescribed Naltrexone. Would like advice from those that take it as to side effects, especially with antidepressants.

Thanks

Welcome Ardent. Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend.

Here is a link to an older thread here on Naltrexone, but might be worth a read. Enter Naltrexone in the search box for similar threads. The poster 'UK Blonde' is now known as 'You kay bee' and i believe a trustworthy solid source of info plus also now a few years sober.

https://www.mywayout.org/community/medication-research-and-support/72171-ukblonde-sinclair-method-journey.html

[empyr3al]

Re: Starting over again after a hard few months

Sorry for your loss.

Nal is a shock right off the bat as you don't feel yourself and nothing seems to make you feel happy. It works for some and not for others. I'd recommend stepping it up slowly or using on demand. For me, as with every drug it takes time to get a grip on it. I was shocked it nulled something important in me temporarily until I started using it out of desperation and eventually balanced out. I managed 6 months without a slip according to who is watching me and my bank statements daily using it without a lapse. Campral, food, nal, vitamins. The valium taper is hardcore and effective but leaves you without anything in the end. Thats where some other drugs might have to fit in to prevent other things. Mirtazapine is cheap and an option but makes you sleep and gain weight. Smoking nulls its effects so your dosage might have to be different. Even with it I suffer from hardcore depression. I lapsed hard for a couple days after hearing something I did not want to acknowledge *Denial. I understand trauma and emotion and feel for you. I also before the lapse started stock piling alcohol, likely subconsiously as I knew what was coming. Went through a very very hard time emotionally and ended up pouring them out and smashing one. But that didn't stick for more than the day or so and I slipped (temporarily). The Nal took only a portion of the experience away. Trying to over drink the med is kind of pointless and hurts in the end.

Hoping you have a bright and prosperous future and luck in sobriety. Look up the differences between slip lapse and relapse and take some good advice from it as you are not at the end of the world if you take a drink. There are ways out of it without shame.

[empyr3al]

Re: Starting over again after a hard few months

Valium and gravol (many names for it but its technically Dimenhydrinate) so you can eat. You mentioned you lost weight which could be good or bad depending on your situation. My BMI is now spot on and everything in order despite losing my mind for a day. Dehydration can show weight loss also so water or something else. Mirtazapine was given to me for cross reasons so I'm not suggesting it unless you need weight and you have cross related issues. Gain weight and as a cheap anti depressant.

Not a doc.

[Tabbers (a.k.a. KTAB)]

Re: Starting over again after a hard few months

Hello Ardent and welcome. The loss of you 'sister' is really so tough, and I can feel the pain in your post. The words 'Clearly my self care has suffered' hit home with me, I would at a guess assume your friend wouldn't have wanted it to be so and clearly you deep down you don't either. I too have no experience of using meds but I know for a fact they work for some folks here. Good luck on your journey, it can be done and there is lots of support and advice here if you just reach out.

[Lost Soul]

Re: Starting over again after a hard few months

I am so very sorry for your loss

Welcome back :hug: and congratulations on your day 3

you deserve sobriety. Take care
LS

[Blossssom]

Re: Starting over again after a hard few months

I wish you the best. Sorry for your loss. Hopefully, others can offer true assistance and support. Thank you.