Cindi's Baclofen Progress

[Accountable for Me]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

It is interesting how many people are using Baclofen. I read all of yours/others posts on how well it is working, etc.

Honestly, I am happy with the Antabuse. I take it once every 5 days now; instead of daily, and it is doing what I need it to do. I need the 'absolutely cannot drink' in order to stay sober. I am also on Wellbutrin XL and I find that it helps with the emotional part of wanting to drink.

If, however, I need to try something else one day, I most definitely will try the Baclofen. My doctor is really great as well - and he is more than happy to help me with this problem.

I am glad that it is helping you! xoxo

[billyb]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

My "magic point" was 150mg, and I am now down to 70-100mg a day. Ameisen's "magic point" was 270mg, and he was down to 125mg for a long time, but now he is all the way down to 30mg a day.

I anticipate staying on baclofen for the rest of my life. However, considering Ameisen's ability to reduce his dosage all the way from 270mg down to 30mg (over the course of 5 years), there may be a distinct possibility of eventually no longer needing baclofen. I wouldn't count on it, but who knows...

However, although long-term effects of very high doses (over 200mg) are not well studied, it is well known that 30mg is perfectly safe for decades of use (MS patients having been using baclofen for years and years to control muscle spasms, so its safety is well established). So, as long as the dosage reduction goes well, there should be little concern about taking such a nominal amount of the drug for the rest of your life.

[christyacc]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

Bill,

Are you on Nal, following TSM as well?

[billyb]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

christyacc;645284 wrote: Bill,

Are you on Nal, following TSM as well?

(I don't know if you are referring to me or the other Bill, but I'll respond anyways)

No, I've only ever tried Baclofen.

Actually, that's not entirely true - I did try Kudzu for a while, but that had absolutely no effect for me.

AA and other abstinence-only programs were never an option for me, either. My anxiety without alcohol was unbearable and debilitating. Anti-anxiety medicine like valium, etc was just as addictive to me as alcohol, so that wasn't a realistic solution to the anxiety.

I tried MM (moderation management) for a while, but I found that recording all my drinks, making elaborate charts and logs, etc, just made me obsess more and more on drinking - it was always at the front of my mind, and just kept fostering my unhealthy relationship to alcohol.

[Cinders]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

Okay. Despite the concept of titrating up slower, I bumped it up by 20 mgs today in total.

I am determined to hit my off switch asap due to travel requirements looming.

Today:

7 a.m. 30 mg Noon 40 mg 6 p.m. 40 mg

Total of 100 mg/day.

No side effects so far except a very slight drowsiness. My psychiatrist doesn't want me over 90 mg and I really hope I can titrate down after hitting the "stop switch" and staying there for a couple weeks or so. But I am going to do this the way Amiesen did as well as others who have been successful.

I have been able to work all day and have done a very good job, if I do say so myself.

I do a technical job, so for those who are worried about the side effects, I am not suffering at all and neither is my work performance. This is nothing like when I tried Topamax.

I will stay here for 3 days before going up, if necessary.

HTH,
Cindi

[Going Strong]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

Cindi,

You will know how your body feels when & how to up the dosage.

I have not been well and I feel that the bac has not been involved as my husband has had the same thing.

I have no spleen so not sure that had an impact on how I feel.

Just know that I am so glad that things are working for you and are going to get better.

[Cinders]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

This a.m. I decided to just "go for it" and do 40 mgs 3 x day.

I know, I know. I am ignoring everyone's advice but that gives me the weekend to get adjusted.

I do not feel very tired from 40 mgs this a.m. and did not feel tired from the 40 mgs yesterday afternoon and evening.

I, do, however still crave a bit and need to get to my cut off switch asap. Next week will likely be my last week at home for a long time. Traveling and being alone are horrible triggers for me. Horrible.

I just can't wait to go through an airport, perhaps even be stuck there, and not want to sit at the bar and get drunk. The thought is so appealing.

I can't wait to check into my hotel room and go there every night alone and not want to have a bottle of vodka by my bed. Not have to wake up and want to take a couple swigs to feel better the next morning and pray my breath doesn't smell like alcohol for the clients.

So, 120 mgs a day through the weekend.

Cindi

[billyb]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

I know exactly what you mean about traveling....

I used to travel extensively for work, but I haven't done so for a while. I did, however, travel to LA for a conference recently, and it was a very different experience than I used to have. I simply got to my hotel room, did a little bit of last-minute preparation for the conference, watched a bit of tv, and drifted off to sleep - alcohol was the furthest thing from my mind.

Keep in mind that you can always add a little extra dose if you get an intense craving. Also, as Bill.P. has noted, a benadryl or similar allergy pill interacts rather strongly with baclofen to make you sleepy. This may be helpful when you're alone in the hotel room and craving some drink.

[louise]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

Hope this works for you Cindi!

[Cinders]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

Hi, all. Haven't posted in a couple days. I am at 40 mg tid.

I only experience slight tiredness but will keep it at this dose until that disappears.

I am sober!! And grateful to be sober.

Please understand, everyone, I am a hard case alcoholic. For me to say I am sober and mean it is amazing.

I have had no thoughts of drinking today.

My first mini goal is 30 days. I feel I can make that. I will take an extra 20 mgs if I feel the need, but right now, I don't feel the need at all.

I sure hope this works for everyone else trying it. It is a bit scary to be doing something so radical but it sure beats drinking myself to death.

Love,
Cindi

[KatieSmiles]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

Cindi,

I am simply delighted for you and hope this is finally the answer to aid you in your journey to beat this affliction.

Peace
K

[Bill.P.]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

Congrats Cinders! I remember when you said baclofen had finally given you hope for the first time in 2 years, I even told my wife about that. And now, that hope has turned into a reality for you, I know its a wonderful feeling you must have. I know when I had the feeling you are having now. Its like YES I CAN QUIT! For 20 years since I started, I never had that feeling, now you have it too. Wonderful thing

Your last post totally reminded me of that Friday night where I couldnt sleep because I realized I had no craving to drink. I stayed up til 5am amazed and shocked that I could have this feeling, that even though it was only five days of not drinking. But I knew something was changed drastically in me.




.

[Going Strong]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

I am so happy for you Cindi!

I cannot believe how this one drug can be such a lifesaver for all of us!

I know how you have struggled and have never given up.

A life with hope & promise is your reward!

Well Done

[billyb]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

Well done Cindi - I'm extremely happy for you!

[Cinders]

Cindi's Baclofen Progress

Definitely feel my switch was hit.

I don't want alcohol at all.

Occasionally I get a little panicky at never drinking again, I know, weird, but I don't want to drink right now. If that makes any sense at all??

I am tired, though. So, I will stay at this dose a while and see how it goes.

Guys, I am sober.

When I get to 30 days again, I will for sure believe it is the Baclofen and not a placebo effect.

Love,
Cindi