Antabuse Thread

[anne1232]

Antabuse Thread

Thanks, everybody

My issue w/ Antabuse is that I need to take a natural Progesterone cream (for
menopausal reasons) and it has ethyol alcohol as a base. It's just going to have to not be used right now. The last time I took Antabuse I took 1/2 a 250, which was 4 years past expiration date...4 days later I thought I could have a couple of shots of vodka. Everything was fine, 'til 1/2 hour or so later: and let me tell you, I thought I was going to have to go to the ER. Heart POUNDING, face turned blood red. So the stuff works.
For me it's a no-brainer- I take, there is no drinking, period. Great to wake up today without my first thought being- what did I drink, and the ever present WHY!!??

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

Anne,

You might want to "test" the progesterone cream on your hand and see if it gives you any issues.

I take 250 mg 1xDay.

I wear alcohol based hairspray and put on perfume, which is mostly alcohol, and have had no reaction at all. I even rinsed my mouth with Listerine and spit it out and no reaction. However, I did go out and by AF mouthwash just to be on the safe side.

I have not, however, ingested any alcohol at all since I started. I am pretty sure I don't want to try, either. I don't mind pain so much as long as it is not on my body!! :H

This is a good probability of why it is working so well. Aversion therapy.

Love,
Cindi

[Determinator]

Antabuse Thread

Erin, interesting thought about the bracelet being a reminder as well as a symbol of our liberation.

[Noelle]

Antabuse Thread

I posted this somewhere else.....

Medical ID Bracelets Emerg Alert? Bracelets Jewelry Medical Necklaces Children Adults - Free ID medical card

This what y'all are looking for?

[anne1232]

Antabuse Thread

Re Anatabuse

Thanks. I did use my cream and even removed toenail polish...had a terrible time sleeping, though. Perhaps the heart got going a bit from the products...or not, just being AF.
Will keep monitoring the situation

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

SecondChance,

Yes, I have read that link before, too. Like you, I google and read and study everything.

All I can tell you from first hand experience is that I am sober 11 days. That is a miracle for me.

Det is sober for (geez Det, I forget it's been so long!! Yippeee), Beth over 20 days, Bird (How long Bird?), Hippie started out on Antabuse when he first sobered up. Morrison found Antabuse to be his best option.

For some of us, it is an option that flat out works.

I did go to a psychiatrist and he added Gabapentin to help with the anxiety. I did go to my GP and get labwork done to insure that my liver could handle it. I did all the correct things.

SecondChance, I am 11 days sober. I cannot even begin to express to you what that means to me. I was becoming a 24/7 drinker. I was killing myself. Period.

Do the correct things. See your doctor, talk to a psychiatrist and decide if it is the right decision for you.

Good luck!!

Love,
Cindi

[foxymum]

Antabuse Thread

Hi Hippie37- Yes I started off with a 4 tablet dose then one less each day until one a day. Am on day 8 now and no side effects thank goodness! Still have a craving around 5-6pm (now-aaargh!!) but have got it under control by having an alcohol free Becks whilst preparing evening meal and allowing myself a dessert after the meal. I am eating much more but for the moment it's a small price to pay for being A/F. Apparently you have to be sure the drink is 100 per cent alcohol free to avoid a reaction (I noticed all of the 'alcohol free' wines still had a little bit in!
From my experience so far I would highly recommend Antabuse.

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

Foxymum,

No side effects here, either, so far. Day 12. Pop 1 250 mg tablet a day.

I use hairspray with alcohol in it and have even spritzed on some cologne, no headache, nothing.

I do use AF mouthwash, and of course, I don't drink alcohol.

I love it!! I love knowing every morning when I pop that pill that I just insured I would make ONE MORE DAY AF. It is SUCH a relief!!

Cindi

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

btw, my psyche says he prescribes AB for his alcoholic patients who are doctors because they simply cannot afford to get drunk ever or they will lose their licenses forever. So it is not as unusual a prescription as I previously thought.

My GP looked at me in horror when I mentioned it. She said "No one but court ordered patients ever ask for Antabuse anymore!!" :H

Cindi

[AMELIA]

Antabuse Thread

Hello All,
Thank you for all your posts I have found them very informative. I am also thinking of taking Antabuse.
I have had a brief conversation with my partner and he seemed to think it was a good idea. Although I would want to have a much more in depth conversation with him before I decided.

His eyes did well up with tears and he wouldn't tell me why. He likes a drink too (but nowhere near as much as me) and I think he may be worrying about loosing a pal to have a glass/bottle of wine with in the evening. I will keep researching and reading. Keep you posted.
A

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

SecondChance,

Good on you! I, too, refused to start the Antabuse without a thorough physical, hence the GP's reaction. But I told her I needed to know my liver was okay before I approached my psychiatrist about the Antabuse.

We may not have been "smart" when we started drinking but I do believe we should be smart and careful with the drugs we take to help us quit. Our goal isn't just sobriety, it is health and happiness.

Best of luck!! :l

Love,
Cindi

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

SecondChance,

Just wanted to send out a "hi" and good luck with doctor tomorrow!!

I am still AF free. 14 days.

Love,
Cindi

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

How did the doctor's appt go SecondChance?

Hope it went well and you are ready to rock and roll.

I cannot believe I am at 15 days sober. I have not been "here" since I went into rehab but that doesn't count because 14 days of that were "lock down."

I am seeing a brighter future ahead. One where I am in control.

Yes, I get urges, yes they are irritating but the Antabuse does just make them go away that much faster with a little nudge, "Oh man, you would get sick as a dog if you took a drink."

Good luck and let us know how it went.

Love,
Cindi

[Determinatrix]

Antabuse Thread

I have been following this thread with much interest.
I would be interested to hear what you all have planned for Life After Antabuse.
Once one decides that they no longer take antabuse,
(whether you have maxed out, or can't afford it or whatever)
how does one program their brain to continue to keep alcohol from being an option?

Genuinely Curious,
Dx

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

Dx,

I, for one, am not going to quit taking Antabuse until I feel certain that I am well beyond life with alcohol as an option.

My psychiatrist has had a couple of patients who have been on Antabuse for several years...

Cindi