Campral vs Naltrexone

CampralCampral NaltrexoneNaltrexone
This medication is used to help alcohol-dependent patients keep from drinking alcohol. It should be used as part of a complete treatment program that includes both counseling and psychological support. Acamprosate is believed to work by restoring the natural balance of chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters). Before beginning this medication, you should no longer be drinking alcohol. Acamprosate has not been shown to be effective if you are still drinking when you start taking it.This medication is used to prevent people who have been addicted to certain drugs (opiates) from taking them again. It is used as part of a complete treatment program for drug abuse (e.g., compliance monitoring, counseling, behavioral contract, lifestyle changes). This medication must not be used in people currently taking opiates, including methadone. Doing so can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone belongs to a class of drugs known as opiate antagonists. It works in the brain to prevent opiate effects (e.g., feelings of well-being, pain relief). It also decreases the desire to take opiates. This medication is also used to treat alcohol abuse. It can help people drink less alcohol or stop drinking altogether. It also decreases the desire to drink alcohol when used with a treatment program that includes counseling, support, and lifestyle changes.
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Reviews
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rona | 13.05.13
I tried everything to quit drinking wine.I went to AA and stayed sober for 4years, but didn't feel the program replaced alcohol/spirituality.I went to the best rehab facility in Europe for 3months and drank when came out.I despaired until I got Campral.I also got an anti-depressant called Paroxetine.My life has turned around finally.All my talking in AA did not really help me but it is useful to meet others who don't drink.
Rivergal | 20.02.13
I have been a daily drinker, on & off the wagon.Developed right upper quadrant pain and elevated liver enzymes which scared me. I found it too hard to stop drinking- I come from a long line of type A, successfully functioning alcoholics. Campral has helped alot, but I have developed joint/muscle pain. This is a problem because I was substituting running and lifting again to replace my drinking, and the joint pain makes it difficult to work out. Afraid to stop the Campral- I do not want to drink again-
lilksgal69 | 25.11.12
I need to know why I am throwing up on this drug when I do eat...is that normal???
Add Naltrexone review
guest | 20.10.13
My main reason for writing this review is to hopefully prevent at least one person from going through the excruciating pain I have over the last 8 days. PLEASE make sure you have a card on you or make sure you tell your dentist or ER doctor that you are on this drug. I had 2 teeth pulled due to an infection in my gums... the pain medication didn't work AT ALL because of the Naltraxone. You would think our medical system might have systems in place for our doctors to know that before surgery but apparently not. Indescribable pain. Other than that, I've been super happy with Naltraxone. It's been a wonder drug for me. Given me my life and myself back. I don't bing anymore. Because there is no point. The drug makes it that way. Though I have noticed it easy to fall back to light drinking on a daily basis. Still have to use other tools to combate this. Not a wonder drug in that sense.
Happy_KimN | 21.09.13
At 50, I've been drinking for 35 years and struggling with it for the last 13. AA, rehab, Smart Recovery, Buddhism, addiction therapy--I've tried it all and while all of the above have helped me become a happier person, even after 8 or 9 months sober my brain still lit up when I was around alcohol. Two days after taking Naltrexone I was grocery shopping when I was hungry, tired and agitated--dangerous times--and I was expecting to have to really marshal my tools and willpower to walk out of that Publix without a bottle of wine. Well! Much to my surprise NOTHING HAPPENED when I saw a wine display. The wine aisle was just like every other aisle in the store. I couldn't believe it. I haven't had zero reaction to alcohol since I started drinking. I can now be in room with people drinking and actually forget their is alcohol in the room. With Naltrexone, I am actually FREE of this addiction. Not just sober--FREE. I knew that Naltrexone was supposed to block cravings and block the euphoric feelings of drinking, but I had no idea it would keep my brain from lighting up AT ALL. Like the other people this worked for, if you are struggling, I beg you to give this drug a try. It's been a literal miracle for me. Note: I did have some side effects at the beginning but it's hard to tell if that was Tramadol w/drawal which I was taking for pain and stopped when I started taking the Naltrexone (my physicial should have backed me off the Tramadol first.) In any case, it was worth it.
continue1 | 05.05.13
I have drank since I was 17 and became an alcoholic. Not able to quit on my own. Now I'm 44 years old and dr. prescribed this medication and I call it a wonder drug. It worked great for me.
BilboBaggins | 24.04.13
After 22 years of drinking and now completely unable to control it once starting and having periods where I can finish two bottles of wine plus a little more if necessary, I decided to try the medicinal route to changing things. Therapy and counselling has helped me resolve childhood issues and made me happier in general but this habit of not being able to drink reasonable amounts and relapsing badly after periodic abstinence periods has made life almost unmanageable. Naltrexone has been licensed in the UK for just over a year now for alcohol treatment. Regular GPs (General Physicians) through the NHS (National Health Service) may not know much about it but should be able to point you to an addiction clinic within the NHS system where an addiction counsellor with the guidance of another GP should be able to prescribe it. I took my first pill yesterday evening. After waiting for an hour, I felt a little calm but wanted to try the Sinclair Method by opening a bottle of wine. I must tell you I haven't drank that slowly in ages and I couldn't get past a glass and a half. It seemed pointless after that. I have had no bad side effects. Just a little tired today. I am going to take this pill along with the Sinclair method and see if I can truly break my alcohol addiction. So far things look as good as other people are indicating.