My progress with Baclofen

[Isolde]

My progress with Baclofen

Hi Nev. I'm doing alright. As I mentioned yesterday, the forgetfulness factor is really starting to affect my daily life! Yesterday I started supplementing with piracetam ("smart drug") again. Hopefully that will help with the memory and concentration. I don't know why I didn't start taking it sooner, guess I forgot about it! :H
Yesterday I bumped back up slightly, to 125mgs. The good news is that I didn't think about alcohol at all yesterday. I think that's more to do with it having been a week day. I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off the past 2 weekends, moving. The first weekend I was too bac'd out and upset to even think about drinking. But this past weekend I really was looking for something to take the edge off. And I know that's not good, I don't want to regress. During the week, it's just work. I don't have so much pressure on myself to get stuff done, so I take it a bit easier.
Yes, moderation has always been my goal. I was never one to go on binges, or even get drunk every night. Alcohol really was not having much of a negative impact on my life, in all honesty. The problem was that I had to have it every night. My life did start to revolve around it though. If I was going to any type of event or get together, I had to know that AL would be available. I know that it was greatly contributing to my high blood pressure, and that it would only cause my health to get worse as time went on. When I really felt that I had to turn things around was when I stopped getting buzzed. The warm relaxing feeling that I was after didn't happen anymore. I had built up such a tolerance, that I went from sober to having had too many without even feeling good in between. I was having more hungover mornings. Which even without getting trashed I'd experienced often enough over the years that I'd had to miss quite a few days of work. Or I'd force myself to come in and just felt like crap all day. I'd start to feel better by the end of the day, just in time to do it all over again.
I just got tired of the hold it had on me. And I'm grateful for the bac for releasing me from it. That being said, I would still like to be able to enjoy a drink or 2 on occasion, without feeling the need for more more MORE. And I do think that's possible with bac. I was going back through OA's book the other day, when I was flagging some pages to show my doc. And there's a part where he tests himself when he's been on his maintenance dose for awhile. He has 3 drinks out at a party, spread out over the course of the night. He said he sipped slowly at the first one for a long time, without feeling the need to guzzle or thinking about how quickly he could get to the second drink. The AL no longer had a hold on him. And he was able to go back to being AF the next day. That is my ideal. To be able to easily be AF the majority of the time, but out at a social occasion or a nice dinner, be able to enjoy a drink or 2. As many of us here have so often put it, "to be able to drink like a 'normal' person".
I just want to make sure that I take my time getting down to my maintenance dose. I'm in no rush to get to moderation. As much as the SEs have been hard on me lately, I want to make sure that the last 3 months of being bac'd out COUNT and that I don't ever have to do it all over again.

[Isolde]

My progress with Baclofen

I don't think 125 is cutting it. I'm going back up to 135mgs for awhile. I keep hoping that the SEs will abate. Everyone says that when you're at a dose for awhile, the SEs get better. But I'm not finding that to be the case. Even as I've been titrating down, they've been continuing to get worse.
The ear ringing and inability to stay awake past 9pm are probably the worst, mostly because there's nothing that seems to help. At least supplementing with piracetam is helping the lack of focus and forgetfulness now. But I figure if the SEs aren't getting better as I'm titrating down, I may as well stay at the dose that was keeping me AF.

[moglor]

My progress with Baclofen

Isolde, I didn't keep very good track of how my SEs progressed, but it took several months at a relatively consistent dose before the sleeping issues and ear ringing went away. My ears still ring from time to time, mainly when I yawn. I think a lot of the sleep issues and SEs are related to drinking alcohol while on baclofen. When I became completely abstinent, a lot of the SEs became much less severe/noticeable.

I haven't noticed many long-term moderators on baclofen. Most people who post here with the intent to moderate seem to get to a point where they either give up on moderation and go AF, or try something else like topa or nal. It sounds like it's working pretty well for you, though. Hopefully the SEs will ease up and you'll be able to get to your goal.

For me, it's always felt like drinking was fighting the effect of the bac, so when I allowed myself to drink or attempt moderation, the efficacy of the baclofen dropped considerably. It wasn't until I forced myself to be alcohol free that I truly felt "indifferent" to alcohol.

-Moglor

[ignominous]

My progress with Baclofen

Well said Mog. I agree whole heartedly with everything apart from the "forced".

With me the going AF was almost a mistake if you like. My contrary nature was not going to make it easy for Bac. It had to prove its worth to me. The night I went AF for the first time was due to events ganging up against me. No time, children trouble, SO trouble, all the off liquor stores had temporarily run out of booze! I don't know, but it was despite me that I didn't drink that first night.

It was then that the Bac was really able to do some work. The next day it seemed silly to have a drink and not try AF for a bit. The third day it was irrelevant and by the 4th day it was dawning on me that I really felt differently about alcohol and that maybe I had truly hit the elusive switch.

This is the long way of saying that I agree with Mog and others that the efficiency and effectiveness of Baclofen are greatly enhanced when not encumbered by alcohol.

The SEs for me have proved to be unpleasant but having titrated down from 250 to my present 190 I am now finally getting some relief. Thank gawd.

3 weeks and counting. Still indifferent to alcohol

[Ne/Neva Eva]

My progress with Baclofen

Is, Thanks for the thoughtful response. I can relate, of course, to wanting to drink 'like a normal person.' But for me, it's just not worth it. Assuming of course, I get to the point where I have the option.
In re-reading OA's book, I've been amazed at what stands out for me now as opposed to ten months ago when I read it the first time.
As an aside, I would imagine it would be more difficult to get a script if the promise was that someone with an AL problem, even if the related problems were minimal, could drink again... Even if that's your ultimate goal.
Mog and Ig, cause for contemplation and a bit of consternation. Thanks.

[Isolde]

My progress with Baclofen

Moglor and Ig, I absolutely agree with you both that drinking on baclofen seems to reduce its efficacy. Like you Ig, it was when I made a conscious decision to be AF that I ended up hitting the switch. Each night it was easier to just not think about AL.
But Mog, I've actually found that since hitting my switch and being mostly AF that the SEs have intensified. They weren't this bad when I was titrating up and still drinking. But I'm glad to hear that yours diminished after staying on the same dose for awhile. I think 135 is a good place for me to be. And I've decided to stay at this dose at least until the end of the year. Granted, that's only 2 more weeks, but it's a good starting point, and then I'll reassess how I'm doing and decide if I want to stay at this dose for awhile longer.
As far as the moderation is concerned, I've tried topa and it absolutely did nothing to help with the craving. The only reason I drank less on it was because I got drunk faster. Baclofen really has been a wonder drug for me, and I do feel that at some point down the road when I'm on my maintenance dose, I'll be able to enjoy a drink or two on occasion without feeling the need to get wrecked or to drink again the next day.

Nev, glad to hear (from your most recent post on your thread) that the bac seems to be working for you and that you're drinking less. Indifference most likely isn't that far away! I agree w/your comment about doctors being less likely to write a script for bac if the desired end result was just moderation. And that is most likely not something that I would get into with my doc. Although a safe drug that can cause a drastic reduction in AL units consumed still seems like a win to me!

[ignominous]

My progress with Baclofen

Hi Isolde Thankfully the SEs have started to abate for me, Now at 190 and still no desire to drink.
I think that the habits that we've become accustomed to over years of drinking are fairly well ingrained and we need to give them some time and a little work for them to change.
I think Bac gives one reprieve from the addiction but not from the habits.
Its here that AF and moderation seem to diverge. Being non addicted to Al is giving me time to change my habits in a rational way, with a clear mind.
I think I would be in a minefield if I was still trying to drink moderately. My brain would be telling me that I don't need it and I know its bad for me but I would be forcing myself to drink it moderately. Wouldn't sit well for me.
I do think that the habits require a bit of down time from drinking in order to come into line with the new non addicted you.
Maybe try some AF time to allow the fact that you are no longer an alcoholic to sink in. I know its the festive season but I don't know what else to suggest.
Sorry I cant be more helpful.
Whatever you do please keep us posted.

[Isolde]

My progress with Baclofen

Time for another update. I'm still hanging out at 135mgs a day. Despite my fervent desire to titrate down, I am trying my best to stay at this dose for the rest of the year. The worst side effects right now are the ringing in the ears and the lack of good sleep. The ear ringing used to only be bad when I yawned or stretched, or if it was really quiet. Now it's there all the time. I got up in the middle of the night last night to go to the bathroom, and because it was so quiet, the ringing in my ears was deafening. And I toss and turn and wake up frequently throughout the night. It's something I can deal with, because I at least am getting some sleep. I just miss the solid sleep that I was getting at 120mgs.

One thing that's nice (aside from having no desire to drink), is that I am effortlessly losing weight. I just have no interest in food at this dosage. I eat just to quell my stomach growling at me. And just enough to make it stop. Sweets are absolutely disgusting to me right now. I haven't been big on sweets for awhile now (I used to be, though!), preferring to eat more good savory food instead. But now I don't even want to touch them at all. I have made a lot of different kids of cookies for Christmas to bring to work and give away, etc., and only had one, just to make sure that it was done all the way. And that I didn't even finish. That's part of the driving factor keeping me at 135mgs. Nice to be losing weight at time when just about everyone else is gaining it! :H

So I got the bac in yesterday from my mail order prescription that my doc submitted. I had told him that eventually I thought I could get down to a maintenance dose of 80mgs/day. So that is what he prescribed for me, 3 months' worth. Right now 80mgs seems like a long way away. I might not get down that far for a long time, actually. But I've still got a decent amount of my mail order pills left. Probably not enough to titrate down at the rate I want to eventually reach 80mgs though. But I'll use up whatever I need of the Rx from my doc to keep my dose up to where I need it to be. And if I need to stay at a higher dose longer, I'll just talk to him about it and convince him to prescribe me more. I think he'd be open to it.

[Ne/Neva Eva]

My progress with Baclofen

The tinnitus is a well documented side effect of bac, even at low doses. I wonder if there's a pill for that?
Why am I the only alcoholic without a ready supply of xanax? :H Does it help you sleep well?
I can totally relate to the savory craving. Nuts of all kinds, coated with salt, are my current craving. I have to choke down my daily dose of chocolate. As a fellow foodie, I have to say the fact that food doesn't taste good is a little annoying. All of the cooking I've done in preparation for this weekend left me... meh.
And the weight loss? bite me. :H no offense. My weight is fluctuating pretty dramatically. Up or down as much as 6 pounds, and my belly is definitely growing. aaaargggh.
Glad you're sticking to 135. And that you're setting up life so that you don't have to drink if you don't want to.

[Dabhar]

My progress with Baclofen

My truant progress report....

I really suck at keeping up with things here too...so sorry for not being around lately. I've been too busy working during the days (long days) and drinking during the evenings. I'm taking 50mg/day of Bac most days. Seems as soon as I bump up beyond that, major side effects kick-in. Mostly vertigo, which is a problem for me because much of my work is physical and a bit of driving. I've gone about a week at 60mg/day with no lessening of the vertigo, so am forced to cut back down to 50 to keep myself fully functioning safely.

However, even at just 50mg/day (20-20-10), I have virtually zero compulsion to drink. The desire lingers, which I have thus far chosen to give in to, but at least I don't spend the last few hours of my work day craving for a drink. Just THAT is a miracle for me.

It's so exciting to see the miracles that are occurring here thanks to the help of Baclofen. I hope that everyone here who celebrates Christmas, has a great one. Thanks for being here as a part of mine. I love and appreciate you all.

"Cheers" ---as in Xmas cheer, the joy that Xmas can bring. For those of you alone during this time. Well, WE are here for you. :l:h

[Sunnyvalenting]

My progress with Baclofen

Isolde,
I too am loosing weight fairly easily. not sure if it is just lack of all the booze calories along with a sensible diet and exercise (which was hard to stick with when I drank as it took too much time away from drinking!). I am also eating very well and do crave savory foods much more than sweets. Just a bite or 2 of sweet from time to time seems to be enough. I think also that having a sense of success with this terrible alcohol addiction I felt confident to also address the overweight thing. I am way down and have just 12 pounds to goal! Feels good to be able to set a plan and know it can be executed without being waylayed by the drink
I enjoy your posts. Thanks
Sunny

[Isolde]

My progress with Baclofen

NE, I don't have a prescription for xanax. I am also baffled about how so many people seem to have one! My dad has one though, for anxiety. And when I went through a rough patch earlier this month and was also dealing with insomnia, he gave me some. It's the lowest dose you can get, and I still cut em in half. It does help me sleep. Mostly just keeps my brain from going a million miles an hour so I CAN sleep.
Sorry to hear your weight is fluctuating and you've got the bloated belly going on. I was dealing with the bloated belly for many months before bac! :H I think my stressful ordeal probably had as much to do with my sudden disinterest in food as the bac. I never eat much when I'm dealing with a lot emotionally, or if I'm stressed (both of which I have been lately!). But because the bac takes the intense pleasure out of food for me, it's easy to either just stop when I'm not hungry anymore, or pass it up completely. It takes the compulsion out of it. I don't even read my food blogs anymore!

Dab, glad to hear that 50mg a day is having such a positive effect for you! Hope you had a very Merry Christmas!

Sunny, I think it's probably a mix of no longer getting so many calories from alcohol (which can totally mess with how your body metabolizes calories from food, so I've read), and your newfound commitment to a better diet and exercise regimen which have led to your weight loss. It is great to be able to commit to something once you no longer have the AL dependency to deal with!

[Full English]

My progress with Baclofen

Hi Isolde,
Good to hear you are losing weight. Sorry to hear you are having SE's at 135MG.
I hope you manage to come down some MG's soon and the SE's lesson for you.
I have put on a few Kilos since starting BAC. My sweet tooth seems stronger as ever. I am exercising, and I did notice that the weight did come off at lower doses of BAC. I am at 150MG a day, so I am hoping the weight may come off as I get to loser doses.
I hope the sleeping patterns correct themselves for you soon.
Full English

[Ne/Neva Eva]

My progress with Baclofen

um...errr... the bloating is unrelated to bac...and a result of my hormones. duh. :blush:
And the weight gain probably has as much to do with the fact that I'm eating more, and exercising less. (it's cooold out there.) Poor bac, still taking the blame for all my woes. :H

[Isolde]

My progress with Baclofen

neva eva;1029596 wrote: um...errr... the bloating is unrelated to bac...and a result of my hormones. duh. :blush:
And the weight gain probably has as much to do with the fact that I'm eating more, and exercising less. (it's cooold out there.) Poor bac, still taking the blame for all my woes. :H

:H

Well, my previous belly bloat was unrelated to ANYTHING! Just seemed to have a bloated pot belly all the time. Maybe it was the alcohol?? LOL.
Well, here I was feeling all good about my effortless weight loss to jump on the scale this morning and realize I'd gained a few pounds back. Must've been the heavy foods over the holidays, though I didn't indulge much at all! Time to get my butt to the gym. Or at least out for a walk. Hard to get motivated when it's so darn cold out though! Well, another day and it'll be back up into the 70s.