What meds do I need?

[Robert Smith]

I'm finally going to get off my ass and do something having been inspired by the members.

I am still drinking nightly only to get to sleepy time. 15 oz per night on average, of rum that is .

I was dring a glass or two at suppertime but as of last night that is over.

So what do I need to take to ease off of the booze, control the headaches etc..

Thanks to all

Robert

[weemelonhead]

What meds do I need?

Aaahhhhhh......the $64,000 question..........

Mornin' Rob.....
The meds question is a tricky one...we all have different needs, different lifestyles and different bodies...so I don't think that there is a one size fits all approach.
Have a look through back threads in this meds section, and read about the doses, side effects and availability of meds as experienced by other members as this may affect your decision.
Some use topa, and find that once the dose has been slowly increased to a certain level, this is a wonder med, but does seem to cause a fair bit of lethargy and dopiness....some use campral, and find that this clicks for them. I used baclofen and found that this helped a lot, although I only took it for a few weeks until I got my mind in order with regard to my drinking, and then found that I didn't need this med for the abstinence, just an anti depressant and good multi vits, good diet, l glut and phenylaline......
It can be a bit of a trial and error...but the most important thing IS the mindset.....I really believe that you can shovel all the meds the want down your piehole, but if you have decided you WILL drink, then drink you will....they can help GREATLY in the decision NOT to drink.....but that decision HAS to be there, everything else is really a backup and makes the decision much easier, and less 'painful' as it were.....

You mention headaches? Quite often, these may increase as you abstain from alcohol, as the body is getting rid of toxins, and this is always a side effect of any type of detox, but drinking plenty of water, and a really good diet free of as many processed foods as possible should help this be a minimal experience.

I am over 6 months AF, but am still experiencing many side effects from not drinking.....some are extremely pleasant.......(pride, energy, joy in a simple, uncomplicated life, a clear head, more healthy body etc).....and some are not so pleasant......(insomnia, feelings of 'flatness' and 'nothingness'......having to get used to dealing with all my problems without blanking them all out with a few bottles) but the thing is...I DON'T drink....and that, for me, cancels out ANYTHING that I may could call me back to the vino....

Try the meds after research, and see what works for you....but be realistic bud....don't fall into the trap, as I did, of thinking that all that needs to be done is to glug down a couple of pills in the morning and everything is a breeze....forewarned is forearmed......

Here's to the easin off the booze.....hope you find something that suits you...
Be healthy.....Weemelon:l

[lushy]

What meds do I need?

Have you read the book? The program is all outlined there and you can decide what to do.

[tea]

What meds do I need?

Hi Robert,

Just wanted to say hello. Please read back through old posts, you will find many an inspiration and genuine help. Wishing you and all the rest of us a good weekend.

L

[adagirl]

What meds do I need?

Definitely read the MWO book first. I think the supplements and vitamins may be as equally as important as the Rx meds. Ideally, I think its best to do both (at least one Rx med and the supplements/vitamins). Hypno and exercise is also part of the program, but I think (at least for me) those are things that can be added later (maybe 2-4 weeks after starting the meds/supps/vitamins).

As for which med, I agree w/the comment that this is not 'one size fits all'. A good place to start would be to just look up each med (topamax, naltrexone, campral, and baclofen seem to be the popular ones) on WebMd to familiarize yourself w/the side effects, interactions, warnings, etc. Some you may rule out immediately because you may have a condition that contraindicates using one or more of the medications. Then, you probably want to consider how each medication works and how it must be taken to see if you have a preference. Then, you also have to decide whether or not you will go through your doctor, psychiatrist, or online pharmacy (usually offshore you don't need a Rx) to obtain the meds. If going to a doctor or psychiatrist, then you may want to look into your plan's drug formulary to see what is covered and how much.

Yeah, it all takes a bit of research and there are lots of decisions along the way. Just remember that you can try one and if it doesn't work out, you can try another. Good luck to you!

[louise]

What meds do I need?

Well, you have made a start by reducing. Some of it you just have to tough out and I actually felt worse before I felt better. Adagirl's advice about the prescription meds is good. I use everything else suggested in the book but only a very low dose of Topa.

[Robert Smith]

What meds do I need?

Try the meds after research, and see what works for you....but be realistic bud....don't fall into the trap, as I did, of thinking that all that needs to be done is to glug down a couple of pills in the morning and everything is a breeze....forewarned is forearmed......

Here's to the easin off the booze.....hope you find something that suits you...
Be healthy.....Weemelon:l

Good, for the heads up, I like the direct no bull approach.
Robert

[Robert Smith]

What meds do I need?

adagirl;150136 wrote: Definitely read the MWO book first. I think the supplements and vitamins may be as equally as important as the Rx meds. Ideally, I think its best to do both (at least one Rx med and the supplements/vitamins). Hypno and exercise is also part of the program, but I think (at least for me) those are things that can be added later (maybe 2-4 weeks after starting the meds/supps/vitamins).

As for which med, I agree w/the comment that this is not 'one size fits all'. A good place to start would be to just look up each med (topamax, naltrexone, campral, and baclofen seem to be the popular ones) on WebMd to familiarize yourself w/the side effects, interactions, warnings, etc. Some you may rule out immediately because you may have a condition that contraindicates using one or more of the medications. Then, you probably want to consider how each medication works and how it must be taken to see if you have a preference. Then, you also have to decide whether or not you will go through your doctor, psychiatrist, or online pharmacy (usually offshore you don't need a Rx) to obtain the meds. If going to a doctor or psychiatrist, then you may want to look into your plan's drug formulary to see what is covered and how much.

Yeah, it all takes a bit of research and there are lots of decisions along the way. Just remember that you can try one and if it doesn't work out, you can try another. Good luck to you!

Thanks to ALL for your replies your all so helpful .

Adagirl,
I did but the MWO book two years ago and the book is still in my home somewhere unread . I will start in this weekend .
Hypno is not an option as I am too far away from any professional help if that is
what you mean .As for exersize, i am the king in that department, I actually have the reverse problem in that I do too much. Endorphines are the best drug bar none . I just came back from a 10k run actually and I'm sitting on cloud nine.

Robert

[lushy]

What meds do I need?

The hypnotherapy CDs are sold on this website and you do them in the privacy of your home. Reading the book will help a lot.

[Robert Smith]

What meds do I need?

lushy;150195 wrote: The hypnotherapy CDs are sold on this website and you do them in the privacy of your home. Reading the book will help a lot.

Actually, I think I have the cd's , I bought them with the book ......I think?? Don't have a clue where they are now .

[Robert Smith]

What meds do I need?

Robert Smith;150198 wrote: Actually, I think I have the cd's , I bought them with the book ......I think?? Don't have a clue where they are now .

I found the book and the CD's.............................what now? Guess I'll read the book
and then come back with more questions after the weekend.

Problem with me is that I'm always busy and I go til I drop. Every night is crammed
with chores starting with making supper for the gang and cleaning up. Then in the garden or garage or fitness, I never take time to read. TIme to dig in , no excuses left.:blah:

Robert

[MDBiker]

What meds do I need?

Robert, give yourself the gift of time for this. It is more important than just about anything you can do. Get the "gang" to take care of themselves for a little while every day. This process is going to take a little time each day. If you are truly ready to quit drinking, it will be one of the best experiences in your life. It is worth the sacrifice.

God Bless
bear

[adagirl]

What meds do I need?

MDBiker;153506 wrote: Robert, give yourself the gift of time for this. It is more important than just about anything you can do.

I just wanted to ditto this. When I first found the MWO program and decided I wanted to do it, I talked to my husband about it and told him I was going to need to buy some things (like the hypno CDs, supps, etc.), that I would need him to watch the kids when I went to the doctor, and that I would need time at night to do the hypno CDs. Basically, he told me to do whatever I needed, he would support me in any way, and that this was more important than anything else. And, he's absolutely right. If you feel comfortable explaining to your family what you are doing and why, I'm sure you would get a ton of support.