Aussie Meds

[debruce]

Hi,
Is anyone out there from Aussie and using any of the drugs that are mentioned?
xx

[Flip]

Aussie Meds

Hi deBruce,

I don't use any of them sorry, I get my meds through my Dr and the chemist in the usual fashion.

f.

[debruce]

Aussie Meds

I intend to go to the doctor and do everything in the usual fashion. Was just wondering though if anyone in Aussie is using any of the ones mentioned and what response they are getting.

[broken]

Aussie Meds

Hi debruce

I am from WA and started using topamax 6 weeks ago. I went to my doctor who had not heard of topiramte being used for control of alcohol cravings, but I took along the Lancet study, info from this website and some other research and found her to be really open to monitoriing a trial with me on these drugs. Needless to say I was absolutely desperate and at my wits end trying to avoid drinking. And in the time that I have been taking the medication my life has changed like you would not believe - I had a drink in the first week I started them (my grandmother died) but I managed to limit it to 3 drinks and stop , and I have not had a drink nor felt like one since for 5 weeks. It is nothing short of a miracle.

My doctor is monitoring me closely and I am experiencing some minor side effects but they are tolerable. I also am having to pay full price for the medication as I have to buy them off the PBS as she has to prescribe them "off label" (not for their intended use). I am happy to answer any other questions you want to ask me on this if you like. Best of luck to you. There is hope.
B.

[Flip]

Aussie Meds

Great stuff Broken, you'll be mended in no time! I didn't go down this route because of the whole meds issue here, so stuck with the Campral, but this is fantastic news for all of us here in Oz.

[Benno]

Aussie Meds

Hi Broken,

I'm glad to read that things have changed so much for you in the last 5 weeks. I've ordered the book and hypnotherapy tapes and booking to see a doctor tomorrow. I just wanted to know what the side effects are like. Should I wait until I read the book before seeing the doctor?

Ben

[debruce]

Aussie Meds

Hi All,
Went to the doc today and have been put on naltrexone. Feeling hugely positive, so hope all is good. Will let you know how it all goes.
Good feelings to all

[Flip]

Aussie Meds

Fantastic deBruce, keep us updated ok! We're rootin for you!

[broken]

Aussie Meds

Benno;186258 wrote: Hi Broken,

I'm glad to read that things have changed so much for you in the last 5 weeks. I've ordered the book and hypnotherapy tapes and booking to see a doctor tomorrow. I just wanted to know what the side effects are like. Should I wait until I read the book before seeing the doctor?

Ben

Hey Benno
I think it takes heaps of guts to get to the doctor, so if the time is right, I say go with it and go now. I did not wait for the book, what I read from the site was enough to motivate me with enough ammunition and courage to say what I wanted to say, and I downloaded any hard evidence I wanted the doc to see myself. She in turn wanted some time to look over what I brought along and took some time to read though my stuff and run a battery of blood tests on me before she agreed to let me try the topamax. I think the Lancet journal document (which you can access from this site) was the most useful document I took along. I have since received both the book and the CD's and am using these in conjunction with the topamax and vitamins and I seriously have not even have the urge for a drink. It is amazing. And I feel like a whole new person.
As for the side effects, nothing to serious apart from some slight tingling or pins and needles in my hands and feet, and a feeling of tiredness (I am sleeping like a log - which is actually a nice change). Also my appetite is slightly decreased.
So go for it mate, and best of luck to you. I wish you every success and am happy to offer you any support I can on your journey. Good luck!
broken

[broken]

Aussie Meds

Good one debruce l'd love to know how it goes. Best of luck and stay positive...you can do it!
broken

[debruce]

Aussie Meds

Hi all,
Thanks for the encouragement. So far so good. Haven't had a drink now for 3 days. Not wanting one either, but Doc says I can have 1 if I want and see how it goes, but we will see. Naltrexone seems to be giving me a positive feeling. Not sure if it is mind over matter, but who cares, as long as it works. I am feeling a bit out of myself though, probably a side effect and am sure it will go in a few days.
Thanks again and have a good day

[Flip]

Aussie Meds

Personally I think your Dr has just given you a bum steer. There's no way that a problem drinker COULD have just one drink. That is complete madness! Try having one peanut!

Naltrexone is a codine type drug, which is why you feel a bit 'spacey', but you will get used to it, enjoy it while it lasts! lol

[Benno]

Aussie Meds

Hi broken, debruce and Flip,

I managed to get an appointment to see my Dr yesterday. I appreciate your encouragement broken, I saw him 1 year ago and he sent me to a psychologist who told me to get sober before he could work out if I was bipolar or not. I think I just drank too much, but we'll find out now that I'm ready to have a go at sobriety.

Still, it was a bit daunting but I felt support from here, walking in there. I asked him about naltrexone and topamax and wasnt too keen on prescribing topamax but was happy to prescribe naltrexone.

I had my first tablet last night a couple hours after dinner. After a while I was giddy, like the left side of my head/brain was heavier than the right. I then thought I was going to spew (although I did cook, so that's not the first time ) but i pulled through, then felt really sleepy and kept trying to finish an entry here while my head kept butting the keyboard! I felt tingly in the fingers and shivery once I got to bed and had some wierd pre sleep dreams if that makes sense. Felt like my head was a lot lower than my feet.

I then had a restless night's sleep. However this was to be expected I reckon, you are supposed to feel giddy from this stuff in the 1st week. I definitely didnt want to drink and off I went home. I still felt giddy but had some food and felt ok, i've taken the second one a while back and feel fine.

A good thing today was just feeling relaxed at work, nothing phased me. I'm hopeful with this stuff, no compulsion to drink whatsoever.

Interested to hear your thoughts debruce.

Hope you're all well!

[Flip]

Aussie Meds

Being diagnosed as Bi-polar type 2 has made a significant impact on my ability to tackle my drinking problem. I started on lithium carbonate at the same time as my second attempt with the campral, and never looked back. For the first time in my life I'm not living on a rollercoaster. Damn it's nice. Now off Campral, sober and still taking the lithuim. And I'm living a 'normal' life. not drunk, not emotional, and able to focus on taking care of myself.

[debruce]

Aussie Meds

Hi Benno,
I did feel a bit the same after I took my 1st tablet. Have now just taken number 4 and am feeling better every day. Don't feel as light headed or queasy. Sleep is getting better too. The real good buzz is that I haven't touched a drink, don't even want one. Not putting all my faith in the naltrexone, but it feels bloody good to wake up every morning with a clear head and taking no panadol. Sure the side effects will all be gone in a few days. Stay cool.
Keep me informed of how you are feeling. We are both at pretty much the same stage.