too many meds, confused and sick

[happy2014]

I've been drinking heavily for about 15 years and in the last two my health has declined. I tried TSM for a few months, didn't notice any difference, didn't reduce drinking (tried). I switched doctors because I got tired of my old ones horror stories (callous,I know, but I just want to get to the solution. I know the problem!) My new doc brought up antabuse. I thought about it, filled it, still haven't taken it. I have a thyroid condition and I take a lot of meds. A hefty one like AB makes me worry about my poor, long suffering liver. She also put me on lexapro which so far just make me a nauseous zombie. I tried three times to pay my car note yesterday and gave up. Is there an effective anti-craving option that won't damage my liver? Thoughts? I'm at the doc right now cause I feel like crap and have for a week: (

[Eloise]

happy2014- i am very sorry you are suffering. Let the doctor's guide you, if they subscribe a medicine be honest about how much you have been drinking. If they say it's okay for your liver, then take their advice. I use L-Glutamine for cravings but I think that you will need something stronger in the beginning. Also something to calm you nerves initially.
Good you are reaching out for help, you cannot do this alone, none of us can.
Keep posting here, this will help too.

[Lostinspace]

Hi happy :welcome: Just to add to what Fred said, baclofen is not dangerous to the liver. It’s actually been shown to be helpful for cravings, and safe, even for patients with cirrhosis. Good luck to you.

[bleep]

I would give baclofen a try. It is mostly metabolised by the kidneys, thus sparing the liver.

It worked for me, and for many others, but it can be difficult to take.

Best of luck.

[neophyte]

I take baclofen 250mg and antabuse 250mg twice a week. I wouldnt bother with antabuse on its own, it does little for cravings. SSRIs are known to increase cravings for alcohol which i noticed on higher doses. I'm on 75mg of effexor with 15mg of mirtazapine, in the process of switching over to lexapro because of the zombie effect of effexor, but its been difficult to switch over. What dose of lexapro are you?

[Eloise]

Happy2014? How are things? Where are you at these days? I am hoping you have sorted some of this and are feeling a bit better?

[frogdog]

Gabapentin 600 mg tid off label for alcohol craving and withdrawal and anxiety as well. Study published of n=150 in JAMA in January 2014 showed significant difference.