Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Toxic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2019

"Today is day 34 of not drinking. I am in love with this naltrexone pill. The side effects were rough at first, but they disappeared later. I also take gabapentin for nerve damage from a suicide attempt years back. The naltrexone and gabapentin together have stopped most all of my cravings, and I'm in an abusive situation right now and am working on safely leaving, so triggers are around every corner for me. I've even noticed that the abuse from my parents is becoming even less triggering for a craving. I rewired my thoughts to feel disgust when thinking or seeing or tasting alcohol to aid me when the naltrexone just can't fight my brain's urge to cope unhealthily with the garbage I am forced to deal with daily. But with all that I deal with, this pill is incredibly effective. I recommend naltrexone to EVERYONE with alcohol/opioid dependencies. It is awesome and worth going through the side effects at first. It gets way, way, way better."

• Tonia...
• February 26, 2015

"I've been a heavy alcohol dependent for 20 years, been in detox counselors all that. Until 34 days ago, being the 4th day sober, I went to the docs, he supplied naltrexone. Still sober, I'm also on antidepressants and diazepam for anxiety. I don't crave, the thought of drinking makes me feel sick. You have to want to give up honestly, and like everything else, if you follow your plan, it will work. I feel strong and powerful being sober! Good luck all."

• Feeli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2016

"I started drinking 10 years ago, and drank 10-15 per day. After 30 days on Naltrexone, I've had 2 beers, the last 3 weeks ago. What the drug did was take away any 'reward' from alcohol, so drinking a beer is no different from drinking a cup of tea. In this way, it gave me the choice back. I didn't think I'd ever be able to quit, and suddenly drinking is no longer interesting to me. I had some minor side effects for the first week, including loss of appetite, restlessness, and a little nausea - but all of those subsided quickly. I am sober for the first time in my adult life and I can't believe how much better it is. If you know you need to break up with alcohol, look into naltrexone, it changed my life."

• NewTo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2013

"Took my first Naltrexone pill yesterday. Waited for an hour and felt calm. Decided to try the Sinclair Method by opening a bottle of wine. I never drank so slowly in my life and could not go past a glass and a half. This has not happened to me in over 10 years. I can down 2 bottles of wine plus more on a daily basis, yet yesterday I experienced something so different. I threw away the rest of the wine. I am going to use this for a year and see if I can break out of the habit. It has been prescribed in the UK for alcohol treatment for over a year now and addiction clinics can prescribe them under some guidance."

• Ronald...
• September 13, 2019

"This medication naltrexone has been nothing short of a godsend for me and my drinking problem. I tried to quit alcohol for 10 years with AA and other methods including a stint inpatient. Nothing worked. This medication finally worked for me and I have been sober for a year and not sure why it took so long for me to find this medication. I know some methods work for some and not others. You must take it everyday even before you are going to take a drink for it to be successful. Alcohol starts to feel and taste like soap water that is fills you up and you feel buzzed but just not the same euphoria the alcoholic gets from that first drink. My anxiety went away about 6 months sober so I do not need to drink anymore. Loving life and thankful to the inventors of naltrexone . Gratefulness and thankfulness and less selfishness also learned in AA and through treatment eventually helped too but it takes some time to get there. Use both treatment and this medication. Why limit yourself?"

• Palan...
• March 9, 2019

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I've struggled with alcoholism for 10 years. Vivitrol was suggested before but I couldn't afford it. I was able to find a clinic that got a federal grant for Vivitrol. The first 4 - 5 days I was tired, leg cramps up thru my buttocks (felt like the flu), hip and ankle pain, irritable, sad, nauseous. Side effects eventually went away after 1 week. Cravings have been minimal to non existent. Yesterday I was irritable; had a bad day at work which triggered me. Decided what the hell and see if the drug really did take away that feel good feeling. I drank about half the amount I usually do and it didn't do anything other than the physical side effects. I ended up pouring the rest out and went to bed. This is a miracle! I am so grateful! Looking forward to continue using it for this year while I complete my 12 steps in the AA program so I will not only be physically healthy, but mentally and spiritually too! THANK YOU VIVITROL AND THANK YOU TO MY CLINIC AND GRANT MONEY!"

• Skinn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2017

"I was a heavy drinker from the time I was 15 or so until I was 27 and found Naltrexone. If I wasn't at work or asleep I was drinking, actually sometimes I drank at work. Many ruined relationships and scrapes with death as well as law enforcement. As hard as it was, I stayed sober for 6 whole days before I started the medicine. From the moment I took the first pill, it. was. gone. I was no longer an alcoholic. They say that once a drunk always a drunk, I'm living proof that is false. I took Naltrexone for 6 months and never looked back. I'm 39 now. Naltrexone changed and saved my life. Thank you!"

• Anonymous
• July 17, 2016

"I am a professional woman with a wonderful family and amazing career in the health sciences field but I have struggled for years with alcohol (more than 20 years in fact). I always convinced myself I could drink 1-2 glasses and then would finish up somewhere beyond 8. I missed work and family gatherings due to hangovers. I have tried so many different therapies but the only one that has worked is Naltrexone. I started only 5 days ago and the nagging ache and desire to drink is gone. I can't believe it. Please done hesitate to see your Dr and talk about it. I just didn't know I could feel like this and I am hopeful it will last. I wish you well in your search for recovery."

• Tjano
• March 19, 2020

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I’m on day 5 of Vivtrol My vision has been blurry. I haven’t been able to stay awake very much . Yesterday I was stumbling. The stumbling part has gone away I’m starting to be able to see straight. I’m still tired. But I’ve been up all day. My doctor said the side effects will pass with in the next couple of days. Well worth a week of discomfort. I have no cravings for alcohol at all"

• jjmw
• March 21, 2018

"This has saved my life! I'm a 33 year old and have had an alcohol dependence since I was in my 20's. I can't tell you the messes I've been in while drunk. I've lied to myself that I had it under control or that I could stop at any time. It's a lie. There was no "off" switch for me, there is no having just one drink. My life revolved around my next drink. I'd sit at work all day waiting to leave so I could race home for my first drink. On weekends, I'd wake up hungover and just start drinking again. I've ruined relationships, all because of alcohol. I've been on this for a month & I haven't had ONE DRINK. It's amazing and I find myself crying out of happiness! My life has been saved by this drug and yours can be, too! Don't give up hope, I nearly did. I haven't experienced any side effects of this medication. The cravings just aren't there, it's so weird! I'm learning how to live a life without alcohol, it's weird and like my life has started over again. Please don't be afraid to try this!!"

• mced
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2015

"Been fighting mild alcohol dependence, binge drinking, for a number of years and heard about naltrexone. I took it for a bit last year using the Sinclair method with some success but I wasn't disciplined and under some abnormal life stresses, I lost my path. I have again taken it up in the last two months and my alcohol consumption has reduced by 2/3rds. No hangover in 2 months, which is miraculous. I get the urge to drink a couple of times a week, usually after a stressful day at work. I take the pill, wait an hour, and start drinking a beer. Midway through the second beer, the desire to continue drinking has gone. Some nausea but much preferable to alcohol effects. If you are a borderline alcoholic, it can work wonders."

• pisce...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 7, 2012

"I discovered in 1984, Naltrexone was available in the USA. I am Australian. I started social drinking at 19 years old. Became totally alcohol dependent at 24 years old. In and out of trouble with the law. Many episodes of detox. AA did not work for me. Finally, a hospital in 2000 allowed me into their limited detox unit. I read literature on Naltrexone for drug addicts and alcoholics. I asked the doctors if we could try this Naltrexone as nothing has ever worked. Willpower - no. Detox on many occasions - no. Relationships broken due to my alcoholism. Finally, in November 2000, I was first given 50mg in detox. Out of the hospital, I drank on the side and became so ill! August 2001, that was it! I'm 62 years old now. Wish Naltrexone was available when I was 24 years old. Sober now since August 2001."

• SDO35...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2017

"This is seriously amazing, I will always remember the day I took it, I had a moment of realisation that the craving had gone, the constant battle in my head had stopped. I was a heavy habitual binge drinker . The only thing I would say is you have to want to quit drinking or there is no point, take it daily. I took it thinking I could still have a drink if I wanted one if craving got to much, but in all honesty I just don't want to drink, I would have to force myself I think!?! 5 weeks in and I haven't drank, no stress or anxiety, I've been around alcohol, parties, bars and I just don't want it. It's brilliant! Early side effects of dizziness and nausea, odd dreams but that passes in 2 weeks! Do it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2019

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "Just received my second shot of Vivitrol today. I can't really pinpoint any side effects except loss of appetite... so if losing weight is a "side effect", sign me up! Helps with cravings, especially when paired with AA meetings and a mind set on sobriety. I would definitely recommend this for anybody having difficulty with alcoholism."

• Lefty...
• January 23, 2020

"Two problems: First, 3-5 drinks (doubles) per night regardless if I can function normally the next day is not good in any way. Second, nobody else is drinking like me. Every aspect of my life was impacted by drinking, and even though I love to drink, I knew I had to do something and fast. Ten years ago, I was given Opioids like tic-tacs. What's better than alcohol? Opioids! You guessed it, I was hooked for two years. I was prescribed Suboxone another miracle drug (similar to naltrexone) also worked on drinking. Naltrexone is a 10! If you want it to work, it will work but, if you play games with it like I did, taking it some days, some days not, testing dosages, etc. you'll get mixed results. Take it an hour before you drink, or whenever you feel it coming on. If you do it right, you can stop drinking entirely, or you can cut your drinking down to normal, socially acceptable levels, and still have a good time. In a nutshell, Naltrexone is a fantastic drug, truly amazing!"

• Madda
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2015

"Naltrexone worked for me! I can't believe the dramatic results I have experienced so far. I was with family/friends all weekend the first two days I was on the meds. I had 2 beers and then NO desire for anymore. I was in great spirits and just didn't feel the need to continue drinking. I would recommend this to anyone struggling with addiction. I finally have hope for my future! My husband couldn't believe it. It's like there is a whole new, much happier me!!!"

• DustyB
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2013

"I read about the Sinclair Method a few years ago, but it took me several doctors to finally find one to prescribe Naltrexone. It is only FDA approved for use with abstinence, which is why most physicians aren't likely to prescribe it per the Sinclair Method. I finally found a psychiatrist who agreed to try it with me. I split the tablets for the first two days to get used to it. I noticed its effects immediately. I take one tablet one hour before I feel like drinking something, usually in the late afternoon. I don't really feel any different after I take it, except that I have a much lower 'craving' and I drink about 30%-80% less now. Sometimes makes me a little queasy or tired, but I haven't had a blackout or a hangover since. I love it!"

• KKirk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2016

"I've battled binge drinking most of my adult life. I'm healthy and active and a runner.... When my nightly 2 glasses of wine is a bottle... and don't get me started if it is in a social situation. Sick of hangovers, knowing this is no longer cute at my age, and having teenagers, made me commit to change. I should add I do parties and events for a career so champagne lunches are standard. I got naltrexone 2 days ago. I did not drink at all the first day I took it (was still feeling guilty from a few days before when I over drank) Today I had a lunch meeting and wine was unavoidable. I said I'd just have 1 glass. 1hr and 30 min later and I had not finished it (never happens). Tasted fine.. felt fine.. but no craving for more when others did"

• baba
• April 29, 2008

Revia (naltrexone) "Totally took the craving for alcohol away. Kept sober for two years - started playing with it after that and stopped taking it - only to start drinking again. Good to take when you are getting some support as well."

• naltr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2016

"As of last Monday, I was still drinking 2 bottles of wine every night. Come Tuesday, and two bottles of wine have sat chilling in the fridge and I have zero interest in consuming them. I had been taking naltrexone as instructed 1 hour (or more sometimes just to be safe) before drinking for about a month and a half. I noticed an immediate difference in how alcohol affected me the very first day I took naltrexone, but the difference was hard to pinpoint. As time wore on though, it felt more and more like I was forcing myself to drink to battle depression, but was very aware it wasn't doing anything to help. I just don't want it anymore. Now I don't see myself drinking in the future. This drug is a miracle and I couldn't be happier."

• Anonymous
• November 13, 2008

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "I am an alcoholic in recovery and have been sober for over 10 years. I used this drug when it was fairly new and I was in rehab. Seemed to work along with all the other tools given to me at that time. No side effects that I can recall."

• Sandy...
• October 8, 2019

Vivitrol (naltrexone) "1st shot of Vivitrol on 9.9.19 & I immediately tried to test it but didn’t go hardcore. I did feel motivated to clean and care about responsibilities more than usual. Within a few days I was drinking heavy again & it was BAD. I suggest taking Antibuse before you even leave the office & keep taking it for at least a week so drinking is not an option. On 9.23.19 I met with my therapist and our talk helped but I still wanted to drink. Today, 10.07.19 I had my second shot. I was determined to not drink for a week to see the results and somehow ended up at an AA meeting on a whim. There I met a woman that talked to me for 3 hrs after the meeting where she called me out on my BS in a way only another alcoholic can. My recommendation: Vivitrol shot, Antibuse at first, a therapist you trust and respect (good luck, It’s a challenge), & AA meetings. Vivitrol is not a miracle. It is one ingredient in a recipe. Alone it’s like eating plain flour and expecting it to taste like cookies and cake."

• mark
• July 29, 2017

"Perhaps most here are taking Naltrexone every day and then trying to not drink alcohol? I have not tried that. I take Naltrexone only on days I have a strong craving and then take it 1 hour before I drink the alcohol. (See Sinclair Method, Amazon’s The Cure for Alcoholism - 80% success, no need for detox.) After 2 months (drinking only on 18 days) my irrational craving for alcohol has been virtually extinguished. If I ever drink again, I will take the Naltrexone an hour before. No counselling, no AA meetings, nothing like that. All I needed to stop drinking (1 ½ to 2 bottles of wine a night for the last decade) was will-power to take the Naltrexone an hour before drinking - which was easy for me. Good luck!"

• Six...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 9, 2020

"I've been abusing alcohol since I was 16 but I became fully addicted when I was about 20. Thats when I noticed the cravings and withdrawal (even with being prescribed clonozapan) I'm 28 now. I've been taking naltrexone since February of 2020 and I don't think I'd have been able to get sober from alcohol, or stay sober, without it. It dulls the cravings and allows me to think clearly through them. I feel a bit more like I did before alcohol changed my brain chemistry. Every time I have a craving, it feels like the feeling is being "smothered" or "cut off", depending on how strong the craving is. The only negative side effect I've had are very mild and short (5-10 second) headaches that happen maybe two or three times a month, and have lessened the longer I've been on it. I barely notice them anymore. I am a strong supporter of this drug, but we'll have to see what the long-term (if any) effects are on the brain."

• Anony...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2016

"Are you desperate? Are you feeling defeated? I'm on day three after fighting alcoholism every day for the better part of the year. In and out of AA, trying different medications... This drug feels that anxious hungry void you have from abstaining from alcohol. It makes you not want, it makes your mind feel heavy but not high, you relax and don't think about drinking. Addiction is a problem of chemistry, when you quit you are fighting the own chemical make up of your brain. Curing alcoholism should not be uncomfortable, and this drug should be prescribed more by physicians. I bought a six pack last night, and lost interest when I started the second beer. Today I have no desire to to drink, I could take it or leave it. Great so far!"