Antabuse Thread

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

Hi all. I am just bumping this thread up because I feel this is a very valid and useful tool for me.

I am going through such a stressful time right now. Without going in to it in depth, just understand that it is so stressful that sometimes I lie awake at night staring into the dark unable to sleep with worry.

However, because of Antabuse, I am still sober.

I am one of those people who drank to relax and escape anxiety.

I am forcing myself not to do that and using Antabuse as my tool.

I am also taking Gabapentin 300 mg 3xday under Dr. supervision and it is helping with my anxiety but not like alcohol or any of the benzo type of anti-anxiety meds. It just takes the "edge" off of the panic attacks so I can deal with them but I don't get a "feel good" rush from it or seem to get fuzzy headed or woozy from it.

I am learning to take life on head on and without the crutch of alcohol!!

Yes, I am using these meds as crutches but like some of my dear friends here have said, "if you had a broken leg, you would use a crutch then.." God Bless my friends and all the support I have had here!!

So, I am almost at day 30 (28) and for those who know me well, that is a miracle. I plan on being here next year and having Neil call me a solar orbiter.

Love,
Cindi
XVIII

[Lucyxxx]

Antabuse Thread

Hixxxx

Thanks hun for your support. xxx

[Guest]

Antabuse Thread

I decided against AB since I know that if I DECIDE I want a drink I will definitely do it no matter what the consequences - hence using Campral and AA to prevent me from wanting to take a drink.

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

UK,

That is what makes this program and this forum so wonderful.

Many have done excellently with the Campral, many have done well with Naltrexone, others have achieved success with topamax and some done well without med support of any kind.

In my case, none of the above helped but the AB and Gabapentin combo has been incredible.

I am so glad you are doing so well. It is heartening to hear.

Love,
Cindi
XXVIII

[Charlie Girl]

Antabuse Thread

Hi all.... Oh My Gosh... the monkey has finally been lifted from my back. All hail those who invented Antabuse. It is only my 3rd day and i feeeeeeel amazing. i have been reading everyone's comments about it & thanks to those who said they did a little test... because that put me off as i am as sure as eggs i would have wanted to see what it did - but not now.
I have a few questions
- apart from the obvious like alcohol n vinegar etc - is there anything else i should be careful of. i.e i am on effexor. is that ok?
- some where i read about gabba being bad?
- what about zanax?
- what about sleeping pills (temezapan)

oh boy - i just read what i have asked everyone... gee i sound like a bit of a mixed up little girl don't i.
i am not taking all of these - i just want to know that if i have a bad night trying to get to sleep - can i take a sleeping pill.

i was so nervous about taking antabuse but i was at my wits end - not to mention my parents.
i know it is not the final answer but i feel if i can be AF for 6 months i can regain the ability to enjoy social occasions & more importantly life without the need for alcohol.

once again that you all for your posts & Cindi a big hug and kiss to you for starting this thread.
it's like i have been on the edge of a cliff for so long and had to jump - but you have all given me the strenght to put on a hang glider - so now instead of jumping i am gliding thru life.
i know it's only been 3 days - but i just feel so alive.

xxx

[Gret]

Antabuse Thread

Cindi,
Does antabuse take away your craving for alcohol? Or does it just scare you into not drinking because you'll get sick if you do? thanks!

[Hannah]

Antabuse Thread

Bump!

Hi guys, I haven't been on the boards much lately, but I need to be.

I took thek plunge and ordered myself some Antibuse today. So after bumping this up, I'm going to go through and carefully read it once again.

I am hoping this will get me over the "hump" and get me started down that straight and narrow path again. Wish me luck, pleezzzz!

[Dolly Sunshine]

Antabuse Thread

Good luck. Be strong.

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

Hannah,

I think you will find it helps you mentally a lot. I have definitely decided that alcoholism is very much a "thinking" problem!! I kept "thinking" I could drink like a normal person.

I don't know how much you have been drinking lately but once you get through any withdrawals, the rest of it seems to be very much involved in the mental process.

"I need a drink" "I am so nervous and anxious, a drink would fix that" (It does but only the first one or two, then off to the races we go...) "I can't think about going forever without a drink!!"

Once you pop that Antabuse, especially after several days of using it, your mind knows without a doubt that "I don't need a drink, it would make me violently ill" "Since I can't drink to fix this feeling, I have to deal with this feeling on my own"

For some reason, for me, this is so empowering. I feel I have complete control over my life now even though I don't have complete control over my anxiety or emotions.

Does this make sense?

I hope it works the same for you, Hannah. :l

Keep us posted.

Love,
Cindi

[Hannah]

Antabuse Thread

Thanks Cindi, Dolly. I think I will feel as you said, it will help me mentally a lot - just to have had the decision made for me - I will not be drinking today!

I am wondering about taking 1/2 a 250 mg tab daily - I am hoping that way I can still use my nickels worth of cosmetics, hairspray, etc....but still be enough to be a deterrent.

Probably the most important thing about this decision, is that I think I shocked my hubby. I don't think he had any idea how hard it was to go out with him for our suppers, and attempt to drink like a normal person, full stop. Or how come when we have wine at home, and we have had a glass or two, why I can't just leave it at that and go to bed, (as he does) instead of sitting up and finishing off the bottle? I hate to say it, but my husband himself is a huge trigger for me. As much as I love our suppers out, and the warm, fuzzy feeling we get from them, they don't work for me. I think when I have taken the choice out of our hands, so to speak, he will accept that, and realize how serious I am, and how serious this really is.

Thanks so much for your support, and I sure will keep you posted.

[JLMDetermined]

Antabuse Thread

Side Affects

Has anyone exprienced "tiredness" as a side affect? I just started Antabuse this past Tuesday and right away felt tired/sleepy. Today was even worse. Please let me know if you have and whether it gets better. Thanks, JLM.

[Finding My Self]

Antabuse Thread

Hannah - you go for it! So proud of you.

And I so wish all the Antabuse thread bods the very, very best of success...Cindi, you're doing amazingly.

Love FMS xx Attached files [img]/converted_files/498625=3319-attachment.jpg[/img]

[time2change]

Antabuse Thread

I'm also taking antabuse. Although I am only on day 3 this time. I did 20 days last month and for some reason thought I coudl stop taking it. While I'm taking it I have no option therefore I am fine. Once the option to drink was open I did. So back to the beginning.

JLM-I am tired but not sleeping. Last month once islept better I did not geel tired

[Midwestern Lady]

Antabuse Thread

I'm on day 16 with Antabuse - I was very sleepy and lethargic soon after taking it for a few days, and then had a terrible sinus-feeling headache last week. I feel better today and don't know whether to blame the drug or just the "sinus infection"! BYW it's working very well on keeping me AF!

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

I personally think the tiredness if from being af. It kicks your butt.

The Antabuse does nothing to me side effect-wise. Being AF did a lot to me.

Let the time go by and you will see how good you feel AF.

Cindi