24 replies to this topic

[Galaxyshock]

I'm prescribed Naltrexone 50 mg tablets to prevent alcohol abuse. It works well for that - I feel a direct decrease in wanting to use alcohol and of course it blocks the euphoria from alcohol so I know it would be useless to drink.

 

What I find interesting is that Naltrexone seems to decrease fear. I assume this is from kappa opioid receptor blockade? I also sometimes get a bit dysphoric feeling when I go to sauna, and this is also reduced with Naltrexone. Sauna use releases dynorphin (endogenous KOR agonist) so kappa antagonism would make sense as the mechanism of action.

 

I've taken Naltrexone daily now for over a week, initially I think it lowered my mood a bit and caused some mild restlessness, but now I'd say it might actually be improving my mood and even reducing anhedonia. Could this be from upregulation of endorphin production? Of course part of these positive effects I experience could be from quitting drinking, but I haven't had such effects before when I've gone weeks without using alcohol.

 

Naltrexone is interesting and seems to be well-tolerated med. People have had positive results with low-dose Naltrexone for different uses, but does anyone here have experience with higher dose? Is there something I should be concerned about when taking it daily? I'm planning to use it at least for a month daily and then perhaps reduce to as needed (to decrease drinking).

[Galaxyshock]

I looked a bit more into Naltrexone. It appears to increase cortisol which usually is not a good thing. Maybe I should add a cortisol reducing supplement such as Ashwagandha and/or Phosphatidylserine. Increase in beta-endorphin might explain the paradoxal mood improvement I experience.

 

Dosesof naltrexone of 25 to 150 mg/day have been found to produce significant increases in levels of β-endorphin, cortisol, and LH, equivocal changes in levels of prolactin and testosterone, and no significant changes in levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).[4]

→ source (external link)

 

Naltrexone seems to show efficacy against various addictions, not only to substances like alcohol, opioids and amphetamines, but also to things like gambling, kleptomania and problematic sexual behaviors.

 

I've read a few anecdotes that Naltrexone made them feel really bad so I probably would start with a low dose if one is interested to try it.

[pamojja]

I've read a few anecdotes that Naltrexone made them feel really bad so I probably would start with a low dose if one is interested to try it.

 

Take LDN for years successfully against a ME/CFS symptom (excessive sleeping need). Recently and accidentally took a 50mg tablet, and immetiately got very nauseated for a few hours.
 

[Galaxyshock]

Take LDN for years successfully against a ME/CFS symptom (excessive sleeping need). Recently and accidentally took a 50mg tablet, and immetiately got very nauseated for a few hours.

 

Yeah nausea seems to be a common side effect of Naltrexone at higher dosage. Taking it with food may decrease that side effect.

 

Looks like Naltrexone is NOT effective for smoking cessation: https://www.cochrane...03086.pub3/full

I don't smoke but usually chew a few Nicotine gums during the day and it seems the effects of Nicotine aren't really changed by Naltrexone.

[Galaxyshock]

I haven't taken Naltrexone lately. I have this corncern in mind. Since Naltrexone also blocks the effects of opioid pain medications, what if I get into an accident and I'm given pain meds but they won't work because of Naltrexone? It's very unlikely to happen but still, is this irrational or valid concern?

[YoungSchizo]

When I researched Naltrexone for alcoholism I was really surprised by scientific uses of LDN. LDN seems like to be some sort of effective nootropic with a very wide range of uses, unfortunately I have never been able to try Naltrexone but LDN is very interesting.

[Galaxyshock]

When I researched Naltrexone for alcoholism I was really surprised by scientific uses of LDN. LDN seems like to be some sort of effective nootropic with a very wide range of uses, unfortunately I have never been able to try Naltrexone but LDN is very interesting.

 

It is interesting. Unfortunately I don't think I can break those 50 mg tablets to small enough equal-sized pieces to take something like 5 mg a day as LDN.

[rikelme]

It is interesting. Unfortunately I don't think I can break those 50 mg tablets to small enough equal-sized pieces to take something like 5 mg a day as LDN.

 

Just dissolve it in 50ml water. This leads to 5mg/ml.

Keep it in the fridge. There will be some sediments. Stir it, and and take 1ml at desired time. You can use dropper for that.

[Galaxyshock]

Just dissolve it in 50ml water. This leads to 5mg/ml.

Keep it in the fridge. There will be some sediments. Stir it, and and take 1ml at desired time. You can use dropper for that.

 

Thanks I'll have to try that. I actually have a 1ml dropper.

[Galaxyshock]

Been taking Naltrexone again, seems that 25 mg is enough to do the trick for blocking alcohol use with less side effects than 50 mg. There's still desire for some intoxicants though, Kava is excellent replacement but gets pretty expensive for me.

 

I'm also 5 months off benzos, feeling that my GAD is perhaps at all-time low. The Lorazepam usage was really maintaining and even worsening my anxiety. GABAergics are excellent at mellowing you out and then making you feel very uncomfortable once the effect wears off.

[Galaxyshock]

Wierd enough, I felt like I had some withdrawal-like symptoms after ceasing continous use of Naltrexone at 25-50 mg. I felt somewhat nauseous/unwell, restless and a bit panicky yesterday. Perhaps there was rebound of increased dynorphins, kappa-opioid upregulation and/or the immunomodulating properties did something. But I did sleep well and now feel all normal so it wasn't that bad. Could be a coincidence as I'm experimenting with some other stuff atm. but certain caution may be adviced when it comes to Naltrexone-treatment at least on these higher doses. 

[YoungSchizo]

Wierd enough, I felt like I had some withdrawal-like symptoms after ceasing continous use of Naltrexone at 25-50 mg. I felt somewhat nauseous/unwell, restless and a bit panicky yesterday. Perhaps there was rebound of increased dynorphins, kappa-opioid upregulation and/or the immunomodulating properties did something. But I did sleep well and now feel all normal so it wasn't that bad. Could be a coincidence as I'm experimenting with some other stuff atm. but certain caution may be adviced when it comes to Naltrexone-treatment at least on these higher doses. 

 

Naltrexone tried it for 2 days.. Am already half impotent due to Haldol and Venelefaxine, adding Naltrexone to the mix made totally impotent.

 

Yesterday I started Campral due to my alcoholism, last night I couldn't sleep, my sleep was very light and I had some sort of sleep-paralysis but this time it was not trying to wake up from a dream when awake but I was hallucinating spirits bugging on/in my bed, once I couldn't take it anymore and open my eyes wide open I felt the plagueing spirits flying away from my room ASAP. Guess they were scared off me, them fuckers.     I was supposed to give it 2 weeks before seeing my addiction doc again but fuck I ain't going another day on it. And Campral isn't that good anyways, I'm sick off drinking and mostly drinking to past "enjoyful time and sleep". Campral has zero contraindications with alcohol so fuck that, placebo crap.

 

I guess I will ask my doc Naltrexone 25/50mg whenever the urge is to high and take it as needed. Antabus is a too high off a risk for psychosis.

[Galaxyshock]

Sorry to hear that Naltrexone caused that side effect. Some start taking it from 12.5 mg and titrate up from there to avoid side effects, maybe you can try that.

 

No experience with Campral, seems like decent medication on paper but perhaps not as effective on practice.

 

I have considered Antabus too, but so far Naltrexone has done pretty good job. But this Fall/Winter shall show if I truely manage to quit drinking - if not, I may reconsider Antabus.

[YoungSchizo]

Sorry to hear that Naltrexone caused that side effect. Some start taking it from 12.5 mg and titrate up from there to avoid side effects, maybe you can try that.

No experience with Campral, seems like decent medication on paper but perhaps not as effective on practice.

I have considered Antabus too, but so far Naltrexone has done pretty good job. But this Fall/Winter shall show if I truely manage to quit drinking - if not, I may reconsider Antabus.

I might titrate but I think it's unnecessary. I probably will take it as needed.

Yeah that's why I chose Campral, on paper it's a GABA agonist and I love GABAergics hence the fact what Clonazepam did for my symptoms but that one day I used Campral I didn't notice anything.

Antabus is the holy grail of anti alcoholism drugs, it can even put someone in coma if they drink on it but I doubt you need it if Naltrexone did the trick.

I exactly know what you mean with fall/winter, it's a rough period. Probably drinking out of boredom or depression with the many holiday's coming up. I too have to be careful upcoming half year. Although summer is also rough to not drink, it's nice to have ice cold beers when it's warm.

[Galaxyshock]

Yup, the fear component of drinking directly inducing horrible hangover should be heavy when on Antabus, hence the efficacy for alcohol abuse disorders. Naltrexone does work as long as I take it, but if I don't I tend to slip drinking beer at occasions lol. But I have made a lot of progress this year, for example I no longer drink for anxiety as my GAD has gotten a lot better after coming off Lorazepam and doing other life-style changes. But yeah, boredom and general malaise especially during the dark time of the year is a risk factor for drinking. I am considering getting a prescription for Bupropion if it helps with general mood and vigour and try to stick to the Naltrexone treatment. I have noticed when managing to go several weeks of not drinking that my mind is a lot more serene and anhedonia is reduced. But yet I still crave for some substance-induced euphoria  . There's a saying here that Finns drink for sorrow and Finns drink for joy.

[YoungSchizo]

There's a saying here that Finns drink for sorrow and Finns drink for joy.

 

I might be a Finn then!      Sometimes drinking for sorrow feels goods. At least when I drink for sorrow I can listen to 90% of the music (love) and enjoy deep hurtfull poems about love. But daily drinking for sorrow in the fall/winter makes me too depressed.

 

When it's summer or I play live action poker I enjoy beer a lot, dunno summer is different and I play much better poker when tipsy/drunk.

 

Did you start online poker @Galaxyshock? I really don't enjoy online poker.

[Galaxyshock]

Did you start online poker @Galaxyshock? I really don't enjoy online poker.

 

I did play quite a lot during summer, was doing pretty well on small stakes tournaments but got all cocky and started taking shots on higher stakes, the results were bad lol. So then I kinda felt like losing the momentum and perhaps Naltrexone also contributed to not feeling like playing but I am still interested in online poker just need to figure out a profitable plan 

[YoungSchizo]

I heard from my addiction doc you can consume and get drunk while on Naltexrone, so it has no contraindication..

 

Antabus she didn't want to give because it can cause psychosis..

 

 

[Galaxyshock]

Yeah you can drink while on Naltrexone, it just takes the pleasure out of it and decreases the desire to drink. So it isn't as strong medication as Antabus in a sense.

 

I've noticed my drinking habits are worst when I'm alone, there's just no control when I start drinking it never ends after couple of beers. But when in company I can limit my drinking to reasonable amounts. So I guess it's zero tolerance for drinking alone but I can allow myself a few drinks when socializing or so. 

[YoungSchizo]

Yeah you can drink while on Naltrexone, it just takes the pleasure out of it and decreases the desire to drink. So it isn't as strong medication as Antabus in a sense.

 

I've noticed my drinking habits are worst when I'm alone, there's just no control when I start drinking it never ends after couple of beers. But when in company I can limit my drinking to reasonable amounts. So I guess it's zero tolerance for drinking alone but I can allow myself a few drinks when socializing or so. 

 

Are you serious? So it does have anti-alcohol effects? If so is it possible to take as needed?

 

I'm always feeling alone and feel bored, that's why I'm mostly an alcoholic.

 

I'm waiting for the court case, it's causing extra stress. If I win I would hit the gym ASAP..

[Galaxyshock]

Are you serious? So it does have anti-alcohol effects? If so is it possible to take as needed?

 

I'm always feeling alone and feel bored, that's why I'm mostly an alcoholic.

 

I'm waiting for the court case, it's causing extra stress. If I win I would hit the gym ASAP..

 

It does yeah, and you can take it as needed but it needs to be at least an hour before intended drinking. Look into Sinclair Method, it is based on Naltrexone and has been successful for many.

 

Loneliness is a factor in my drinking too, but I'm working on it. I start going to a peer support type of group next week, it's not AA but should be kinda similar meetings for addicts.

 

I've been hitting outdoor gym but it's starting to get quite cold here for that. There's a local school gym that's free to use at certain times, maybe I'll switch to that during the Winter. 

[YoungSchizo]

It does yeah, and you can take it as needed but it needs to be at least an hour before intended drinking. Look into Sinclair Method, it is based on Naltrexone and has been successful for many.

 

Loneliness is a factor in my drinking too, but I'm working on it. I start going to a peer support type of group next week, it's not AA but should be kinda similar meetings for addicts.

 

I've been hitting outdoor gym but it's starting to get quite cold here for that. There's a local school gym that's free to use at certain times, maybe I'll switch to that during the Winter. 

 

 

That's superb news, my addiction doc said you can drink on it and can get drunk. That it blocks endorphins is great. I'm gonna make an appointment for next week to get Naltrexone.

 

If there is such a group for me I probably skip it.. My drinking is directly the cause of the psychosis triggered by the PhD which I have court case with. If I win they have to compensate 10 years of my life.

 

Hitting the gym is good, I have a chronic ear condition and I can't go hard in the gym anymore.. it was always better than psych meds.. Only thing I can do is cardio but that's when I want to lose weight of my beer belly but it is not enough to feel great like going really hard. I miss those days..

Edited by YoungSchizo, 22 October 2025 - 03:16 PM.

[Galaxyshock]

To my understanding you can get "drunk" in a sense that you'll feel the other effects of alcohol, but it shouldn't feel pleasurable when on Naltrexone. Alcohol is a CNS depressant through GABAergic and other mechanisms too which are unaffected by Naltrexone. I haven't even bothered trying drinking when taking Naltrexone, the idea of alcohol without the pleasure just sounds very unappealing. 

 

Good luck on your court case, I hope justice happens there. 

 

Yup solid exercise regimen is better than antidepressant pills, that is if you can stick to it along with healthy diet.

 

I'm kinda still looking for replacement for alcohol to achieve the occasional relaxing buzz. Kava works but it is rather expensive and they have to sell it as "textile dye" to get around the legistlation in Europe lol. I have even considered some stuff like Amanita Muscaria or mild opiates but not sure if they're worth it. Combining a bunch of GABAergic herbs as tea does kinda relax me but leaves me craving for some stronger stuff.

 

[YoungSchizo]

To my understanding you can get "drunk" in a sense that you'll feel the other effects of alcohol, but it shouldn't feel pleasurable when on Naltrexone. Alcohol is a CNS depressant through GABAergic and other mechanisms too which are unaffected by Naltrexone. I haven't even bothered trying drinking when taking Naltrexone, the idea of alcohol without the pleasure just sounds very unappealing. 

 

Good luck on your court case, I hope justice happens there. 

 

Yup solid exercise regimen is better than antidepressant pills, that is if you can stick to it along with healthy diet.

 

I'm kinda still looking for replacement for alcohol to achieve the occasional relaxing buzz. Kava works but it is rather expensive and they have to sell it as "textile dye" to get around the legistlation in Europe lol. I have even considered some stuff like Amanita Muscaria or mild opiates but not sure if they're worth it. Combining a bunch of GABAergic herbs as tea does kinda relax me but leaves me craving for some stronger stuff.

 

I already have a tolerance against alcohol and with Naltrexone it will depleet everything.. So that's good.. Bad thing it makes me impotent so I can't use it everyday unless I manage somehow to not get that shitty side-effect since climaxing once in a while is really important for my mental state..

 

I'm going to crush the hospital..! Them fckers don't know who they're fcking with!!

 

Exercise is really important.. even though i always looked up to going to the gym anytime I had to go I ended up going knowing the bennefits of a heavy workout weighs more than skipping it for mental health.. And true them fcking antidepressants is shit compared to fullfilling workout!

 

I might end up in the same boat as you since alcohol does almost nothing, workout is gone, gambling is expensive but I rather not want to explore things like opiates or supplements.. it definitely makes things harder but I rather not trade another addiction for another.. If I can't manage to stop my alcoholism I rather stick with alcohol..! (Even though I come a fat belly bastard            ).

Edited by YoungSchizo, 23 October 2025 - 06:52 PM.

[Galaxyshock]

I already have a tolerance against alcohol and with Naltrexone it will depleet everything.. So that's good.. Bad thing it makes me impotent so I can't use it everyday unless I manage somehow to not get that shitty side-effect since climaxing once in a while is really important for my mental state..

 

I'm going to crush the hospital..! Them fckers don't know who they're fcking with!!

 

Exercise is really important.. even though i always looked up to going to the gym anytime I had to go I ended up going knowing the bennefits of a heavy workout weighs more than skipping it for mental health.. And true them fcking antidepressants is shit compared to fullfilling workout!

 

I might end up in the same boat as you since alcohol does almost nothing, workout is gone, gambling is expensive but I rather not want to explore things like opiates or supplements.. it definitely makes things harder but I rather not trade another addiction for another.. If I can't manage to stop my alcoholism I rather stick with alcohol..! (Even though I come a fat belly bastard            ).

 

I agree things that decrease libido tend to not be good for my wellbeing either, I become even more flat and demotivated. I wonder what mechanism is behind Naltrexone causing impotence for you, perhaps the increase in cortisol? Anyways yeah, limit Naltrexone to the moments when you really need it. Maybe experiment with lower doses if they do the trick for decreasing desire to drink with less impact on sexual function.

 

With alcohol at least we know what we're ingesting compared to street drugs. There's sort of an epidemic in Finland of young people using alpha-PVP and they quickly turn into erratic zombies, it's kinda scary. Many drugs have sort of a honeymoon period where the negative effects aren't recognized by the user until shit hits the fan. Alcohol at least punishes you quite quickly with hangover when abused. 

 

I don't have much experience with opiates, perhaps better so because of my addictive tendencies. But if something like Kratom was legal in Finland, I probably would try it. 

 

There's actually a herb called Kudzu that is used for preventing drinking, not sure what the supposed mechanism is, but I tried it years ago and it made me feel pretty happy being sober. Ok well I googled it, AI summary:

 

Kudzu's mechanism of action is attributed to its isoflavone compounds, such as daidzin and puerarin, which affect alcohol consumption by inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2), leading to an "aversion" effect. Other proposed actions include acting on opioid receptors in the central nervous system and exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and estrogen-mimetic properties that are being researched for various health effects. 

 

Effects on alcohol consumption

• Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) inhibition: The isoflavone daidzin acts as a reversible inhibitor of the mitochondrial ALDH2 enzyme, which is involved in alcohol metabolism. This leads to an accumulation of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol, which can cause unpleasant side effects, and may deter continued drinking.
• Opioid system influence: Some studies suggest kudzu may also affect alcohol intake by interacting with opioid receptors (mu and delta) and influencing the expression of endogenous opioid precursors, similar to how drugs like naltrexone work. 

 

 

Seems like worth trying again, but could be one of those substances that look good on paper but are weak in practice.