Strictly Sinclair Week 2

[lenaleed]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

Cheers houtx! Research seems to bear out your observation that depression is a part of alcohol overuse. Fortunately for us doing things "Strictly Sinclair", we can look forward with certainty to improvement. Sinclair's research has shown a dramatic improvement on the Beck depression scale in subjects after three months' treatment (Eskapa, pp. 96-97). One more reason for us all to hang in there.

It's harder some days than others to reassure ourselves that we are healing ourselves by continuing to drink as we normally do. That's why it's so important to keep sharing.

Good luck with getting the rx -- you're lucky to have your gyn as a fallback for support.

Keep coming back! Lena

[aurora borialis]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

ok. this is the second time of this, so I am going to say something. When I take my nal and then an hour later drink , I get a dull pounding in my left ear. Like a drum, it is annoying and has lasted for up to an hour. It just taps over and over. It is not regular. It is the way your ear feels whens your coming down in a plane but not as severe. Sometimes fast sometimes slow but annoying. But a continuos drumming sound. Can't figure out what that's about.

[vicmatoria]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

Hi, New to this thread and method

I want to get control of this monster, SO bad. I've been taking the homeopathics for two weeks, have oreered the Nal, and the book. Hanging on!!! I'm excited about the Sinclair Method.

Currently feel like I am in crisis mode. However, this thread gives me hope.

It seems like most people posting, here have a thing with wine. I'm a hard liquor girl. In addition, I'm craving within an hour or two of waking up. Most of you seem to be taking Nal in the late afternoon/early evening while following the Sinclair method. Does anyone else deal with early-in-the-day cravings? If so, how are you managing the meds?

I read a post about concerns regarding sexual side effects with nal. What are your experiences?

I'm obviously new to this. Any feedback/advice is appreciated!

Vicmatoria:new:

[BecomingMeAtLast]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

lena (& others),

lena, thanks for the audio file link of the interview with Dr. Sinclair. I've listened to it and read this whole thread with great interest. I'm seriously considering it. I tend to jump into things too quickly so will continue to read and let you know of my decision.

Take care,
Be

[lenaleed]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

Vic -- Thanks for joining us. Great questions. I'm not an expert, but if I can find an answer from Eskapa's book, I post it.

The time of day you take your Naltrexone is not important. The important thing is that you take it one hour before you drink. One 50 mg dose in a day is the proper dose. Don't forget to start with 25 mg the first two days, as Eskapa recommends.

As for sexual side effects, you will notice that most of the posts are questions or worries as opposed to actual experiences. The good news: Part of the Sinclair Method involves reinforcement of positive endorphinogenic behaviors once we are at the point when we can be two days alcohol free. Eskapa explains this in detail in the book. Sinclair also explains this in his podcast interview.

To ALL who have not read the book -- I STRONGLY suggest you listen to the podcast. There is a link to it on the first post of this thread. In fact, listen to it even if you have the book. Knowledge is power.

A note of caution: If you are an all-day drinker, make absolutely certain you do not drive. Research has shown that Naltrexone may increase the alcohol-related motor impairment (Eskapa, p. 117) so even one is too many to drive.

Potato -- Sounds like you may have a form of tinnitus. It's one of the rare listed side effects of Naltrexone. I had it before I started Naltrexone and sometimes notice it is louder an hour or so after my dose (the time of peak absorption). I'm "going off the res " a little here, but tinnitus as a side effect makes sense to me since it has been shown to be caused by glutamate, one of the neurotransmitters Eskapa shows is involved in the neural process related to alcohol consumption. Prior to taking Naltrexone, I controlled tinnitus well by taking gingko, which in sufficient dosage (standardized 480mg) is a glutamate antagonist. I know I am not imagining my noisy ears and doubt that you are either. You might want to try the a good-quality gingko supp at 480 mg (anything less is a waste) if the ear noise bothers you. I would be VERY interested to hear what Sinclair and Eskapa have to say about this. It's mildly annoying but certainly not anything that would make me drop out of our little club.

Keep posting all! -- Lena

[kimmy123]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

Very Frustrated!!!

Here's my latest update.
In late October I got my first shot of Vivitrol (injection of Nal). AT that time my LFTs were AST 72 and ALT 162. The shot worked well - I cut down to 2-4 drinks per day. After a month the LFTs were down to AST 58 and ALT 137. Got another shot but that month included the Holidays with lots of stress, houseguests, drank more, took a fair amount of Alleve for neck pain. The LFTs went up to AST 105 and ALT 231. They wouldn't give me a shot. Gave me Campral instead, which is wonderful for anxiety, but not so great at making you want to stop once you start drinking. I cut out all Alleve and my AST went down to AST 70 and ALT 158. That's lower than when I started. But he still won't give me a shot until I lower the LFTs substantially. He said if I don't he will send me to a liver specialist.
I did some research online and found that Revia can be given to anyone whose LFTs are 3x the upper limit of normal, or less. I am definitely within that category. I have a physical scheduled with my regular DR next week. I'm thinking of asking her for oral Nal. (My shrink won't give oral Nal - I think he gets a kickback from the Vivitrol, since he was part of the clinical study that approved it.) He also makes me take Deplin, which seems to do nothing. Again, I believe he gets a kickback.
I'm already taking milk thistle 3 times a day. Does anyone have any other suggestions for vitamins or supplements to help lower the LFTs? I want my Nal back!

[lenaleed]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

Hi BeMe -- Thanks for stopping by. I remember some of your posts when I first visited MWO a few short weeks ago. I was just sort of wandering around taking in all the wealth of information. I distinctly remember your post about Topamax and kidney stones and even a slight increase in risk is too much for me. I had one; it got impacted and had to be removed. We are members of an exclusive club.

I also remember you said your m.d. was pretty firm on AA. Eskapa's book does have a chapter for medical professionals, but even in the face of hard science it can be a hard sell. If you do decide on Sinclair, you should know that some of us have simply asked our m.d.'s for a Naltrexone scrip to help with craving rather than try to educate them on Sinclair. Most docs who have heard of Naltrexone think that's what it's for anyway.

Keep coming back! -- Lena

[BecomingMeAtLast]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

Kimmy,
Have you tried FutureBiotics Detox Liver Support?
Be

[BecomingMeAtLast]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

Thanks, Lena, I will!

[lenaleed]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

Hi kimmy -- Simply taking Naltrexone (whether orally or by the Vivitrol injection) is not the Sinclair Method. It sounds like you are using Naltrexone as an anti-craving med, rather than doing Sinclair.

I can tell that your psychiatrist does not respect your right to participate in your healthcare decisions. A liver function test is never a bad idea. I don't know what Deplin is. Sinclair and Eskapa do not mention it; it is not part of the Sinclair Method. But to "make" you take a drug you do not want, or in a form you do not want, seems disrespectful.

For the Sinclair Method, it is important to take Naltrexone orally because we do not take it on days we do not drink. This is an important component of the method. Eskapa explains it in detail in the book.

Whether or not you decide to join us in "Strictly Sinclair", I hope you continue to be assertive and a good advocate for yourself with your doctors. It would really help for you to listen to the podcast (link in the first post on this thread), and maybe even get Eskapa's book. Arming yourself with knowledge is very empowering. Good luck! -- Lena

[kimmy123]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

Hi Lena,
Yes, I have been doing Sinclair from the start - have the book, have listened to the podcast, etc. and have been drinking on Naltrexone. The book does mention Vivitrol as an acceptable part of the program. I have been taking the shot because the Dr required it, but did not mind since I am still drinking everyday and my insurance paid for it 100% (it's like $700 a pop otherwise). I was hoping that after 3 months of Vivitrol I would not be drinking everyday so I would switch to oral Nal. I never got to have my 3rd month.
Yes, I am really unhappy with the shrink so next week at my physical I hope to be able to convince my regular Dr. to write me a prescription for oral Nal.
Deplin is a "medical food". Not really a drug but like a super-vitamin. It is a form of Folate that crosses the blood/brain barrier. The shrink said it is good for people who drink, because heavy drinkers are often deficient in folate. It's marketed primarily, however, to people who are on antidepressants. It's supposed to help you feel better, get more done, etc. Haven't noticed a thing. The shrink is big in clinical trials and this is another drug that he had a hand in so I am guessing he gets a kickback. It's not really a drug and figured it couldn't hurt, so I will continue it until my 3-month script runs out then probably drop it.

Be, thanks for the recommendation abotu FutureBIotics Detox liver support. I had not heard of it. Have you tried it and had it work for you?

[Guest]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

[QUOTE=kimmy123;532210]Here's my latest update.
I AT that time my LFTs were AST 72 and ALT 162.
I have read people mentions of these two items. What are they?

[aurora borialis]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

Lenaleed, thanks so much for the suggestion of ginko. I am headed out to get some. That is exactly what it feels like! Tinnitus! Only happens after I take my Nal. Aha! Thanks again.

[kimmy123]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

LFTS

Hi Oceana,
LFTs are Liver Function Tests. Nalrexone is metabolized by the liver and has been shown not to damage the liver (cause elevated LFT numbers) when given at recommended doses, but damage is possible. That's why docs won't give you Nal unless your LFTs are below a certin number. ON RXlist.com it states "A patiernt is a candidate for treament with REVIA (brand name of Naltrexone) if the patient does not have severe or active liver or kidney problems (Typical guidelines suggest liver function tests no greater than 3 times the upper limits of normal, and bilirubin normal.)"
ALT, AST, and GGT are three LFTs that Drs look at when assessing whther or not you are a candidate for Nal. The big problem with people buying Nal online without LFTs tested first is that you could have problems and not know it. It's common for heavy drinkers to have elevated LFTs. I have never had any symptoms such as yellow eyes, pale sttols, or dark uring, but I have had LFTs 5 x the upper range of normal. There is no way to tell without a test.

[BecomingMeAtLast]

Strictly Sinclair Week 2

kimmy,

I've never tried FutureBiotics Detox Liver Support because my liver is ok, thankfully,
but my friend did for 3 weeks and it changed her results dramatically. She also used
milk thistle, lots of water and didn't drink during that time.

Be