Antabuse Thread

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Antabuse Thread

Ok- Just my two cents, for what it is worth (probably about 2 cents)-

Several of us have gotten on the Antabuse wagon here. I was one of the early ones, I think...started the medication in early March. It is amazing, in that it keeps me off the alcohol...originally for almost a month (I choose to go off for reasons stated elsewhere at that time).

Anyway, I am finding this: It is a wonder drug, in that it has given me more days AF than I have had in many years...HOWEVER, the demon beast still is in my head. I take it and do wonderful and feel good, then let it go so that I can drink. I don't think I am alone in this...actually I know I am not. SO. Just want to put this out here for anyone using this tool...

I don't have answers, but want all of us looking to Antabuse to know how it is working for those already on this path.

I am NOT suggesting don't consider it...just want you all to know my experience so maybe you can benefit.

Love you guys

Beth

[anne1232]

Antabuse Thread

Same experience, Lucy

I too, can rack up a number of days on AB.
I see it as time to re-learn how to live sober, get strong, and hopefully more rational about dealing with the Hungry Ghost. But he's always there, whispering, yelling, begging...

[Faith1973]

Antabuse Thread

Antabuse 1 day a week?

I made it through my first week and weekend AF - yay! I am taking antabuse and was wondering ---- If it stays in your system for 5 days or longer, isn't it reasonable to only have to take one to two pills per week? Just wondering.

:thanks:

[jessie]

Antabuse Thread

Hi Swattie,
I have half a tablet every second day and it still works - I mentioned that in a previous post. Try that.
Jessie

[AMELIA]

Antabuse Thread

Received my tablets yesterday. Want to get my liver function tests done first. Then I can start.

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

Amelia,

I am so excited for you. I know how well it works. I learned how well it doesn't work when I don't take it.

Yesterday was really rough. I had flown out of town after leaving my family and my parents (who flew part way with me on their way home) and I think the "come down" from all the excitement and stress really triggered the desire for that "one glass of relaxing wine.

I simply could not give into the desire. I knew if I did I would become unbearably sick. When one is traveling around in a rental car and checking into a hotel alone, that could be a horrible experience.

I did end up going to AA in order to get my heart in the right place, too.

But without the Antabuse, I am pretty certain I would have given into the urge and ended up in my hotel room blacked out and totally wrecked this morning.

Instead, I am up and at 'em and VERY GLAD to have made it through yesterday.

Good luck to all who are trying this tool. I thank God it is a tool I can use to help me.

Love,
Cindi

[beatle]

Antabuse Thread

OK, so now I'm on Antabuse,too.

I never heard anything about the liver, though. Given that I have had elevated liver readings, I'm surprised my doc said nothing about this, even though he said to stay away from Tylenol. Is Antabuse bad for the liver?

Also, my doc said there is not really any limit to how long you can take it. Why is this such a big issue here? Is my doc a dummy?

And I also don't understand why we can't take it, say every 3 days, if it stays in the system so long. Wouldn't that make sense and be more economical?

Anyway, I am happy to have it. I think it is what you make it. It does its job if you want it to. All you have to do is pop it in your mouth.

[Cinders]

Antabuse Thread

Beatle,

Both of my doctors, shrink and gp, refused to give me the Antabuse until they had gotten a good liver profile.

Remember, though, the United States is sue happy. Very much so.

If someone had liver failure after years of drinking and had recently started on Antabuse, guess who would get sued? The doctor.

Even if realistically the liver failure was caused by years of alcohol abuse.

But, I state this emphatically. Talk to your doctor about the warnings of taking Antabuse if you have liver problems. He should be aware of the risks, but if he isn't...Yep... he's a dummy.

As far as taking them once every few days? I have found that the effectiveness builds up. I would take it everyday. After a few weeks, if you skip a day, you will still get extremely sick if you take a drink. I like this because it means you can't just decide, hmmm, tomorrow I think I'll drink.

Cindi

[Accountable for Me]

Antabuse Thread

beatle;326075 wrote: OK, so now I'm on Antabuse,too.

I never heard anything about the liver, though. Given that I have had elevated liver readings, I'm surprised my doc said nothing about this, even though he said to stay away from Tylenol. Is Antabuse bad for the liver?

Also, my doc said there is not really any limit to how long you can take it. Why is this such a big issue here? Is my doc a dummy?

And I also don't understand why we can't take it, say every 3 days, if it stays in the system so long. Wouldn't that make sense and be more economical?

Anyway, I am happy to have it. I think it is what you make it. It does its job if you want it to. All you have to do is pop it in your mouth.

I am not on Antabuse anymore but I was a while back. It is an awesome tool to get you through those first few weeks.... or longer if need be.

If you have elevated liver readings, your doctor should of informed you of any potential damage it may cause. Not only with the antabuse, but with any Rx. Have you had a recent blood panel done?

However, I think taking antabuse, even with elevated liver readings, is better than drinking heavily.

Also, I think that people who take it every few days are just playing with fire.... it kind of leaves that door open to 'test' the waters. I personally believe that for anyone who is just starting antabuse; taking it daily would be best. The fully armed concept.

BUT these are my thoughts and my thoughts only..........

[Chief]

Antabuse Thread

I think your thoughts are right on the money, Accountable....

Don

[beatle]

Antabuse Thread

So my doc is a dummy...hmm, I've thought so for years. Time to get a new one, I suppose.

Although, in truth, I've usually ignored whatever he said-- I also go to what's called a "Naturopat" here (I don't know what it is called in English)-- she has some medical training which is combined with natural healing and something called "Anthroposofi" (don't know what that is in English either) -- Anyway, she's much more helpful than the doc. She's helping me with the liver issues, which have improved significantly since I started seeing her.

And yes, I had thought to stay on the Antabuse every day for a while, to let it build up in the system. But I just wondered, after several weeks, wouldn't every other day work just as well (and save money)?

[bean33]

Antabuse Thread

When can I start antabuse?

Trouble here. I bought the AB and it arrived today. I heard I have to be AF for 24 hrs before taking a pill. That will be hard. Obviously, I am putting this off, not wanting to do it. I drink 1 bottle of wine per day starting at 5 on the dot till 10-11, then bed. Every day, same thing on the dot. WHEN could I force myself to take an AB? If I have to stop for 24 hrs this will be hard. Thanks!:new:

[jessie]

Antabuse Thread

Hi Bean,
You only have to be AF for 12 hours, and drink lots andlots of water in that 12 hours or as soon as you wake up. I make it a liter with juice with half a big lemon and a milkthistle - that flushes out the last AB pretty quick. So when you wake up, drink that water, force yourself to. Give it an hour or so and then drink your Antabuse quickly before you change your mind. Please just do it. I am not a doctor but have done every possible experiment with the Antabuse. Also felt I could not make it 24 hours. And when that AB is in, the obsession leaves - because even our "insane" minds does not want our bodies to be
sick - sick! Believe me, I tried and ended up crawing to the toilet and back for a full day and almost vomitted my lungs out. Not to mention the scarlet face and short breathness.
Goodluck
Jessie

[AMELIA]

Antabuse Thread

I am starting my AB tomorrrow. Really looking forward to not thinking about drinking all the time.
I am going to take 1/2 a tablet a day. Every day.
Will keep you posted.
x

[Tiny]

Antabuse Thread

Amelia, I started yesterday... I have been 5 days AF and I stated witn 1/2 a pill or 125 mg.