Campral--has it worked for you?

[Nurseindistress]

I was started on Campral this week. I started on 1/2 dose for 2 days, to make sure I didn't have any side effects. Yesterday I was up to full dose. So far I see absolutely no results. Last night the craving was so bad I had 3 Martinis. I feel terrible (mentally) this morning--so depressed. Has anyone had experience--does it take time to kick in or does it not work for some people? I would appreciate any feedback. What is really getting to me about this struggle is the depression that goes along with not succeeding. Thanks!

[Cinders]

Nurse,

Campral apparently does not work if you drink over it. That is my understanding.

I have not yet found the magic bullet that makes those cravings go away, so I had to just bite down and do it. Once you get a few days under your belt, it starts to get easier and easier.

I take Antabuse, though, which makes drinking a non-option. Some days are rough because I really do want to drink but at least I can't cave and that is working for me.

I do know others have done very well with Campral, though. I think it all depends on your chemistry, kind of drinker, etc.

I recommend trying to shoot for 1 week, just one week AF and using the Campral. At the end of the week, reassess and see how you feel. I will bet you will be surprised.

Best of luck,
Cindi

[snakeinthebottle]

Hi, Tomorrow will be 5 weeks on Campral and no alcohol. Knock on wood, but no bad cravings at all. However, still don't sleep real good; have many times got up at around 2am and just go walking. Also, seem to be feeling very "down". Now for the really bad-seemed to have completely lost all sex drive. Trying to convince myself that all this bad stuff is not only the pills working, but also the mind making major adjustments. Still hanging in there. Tom

[laluna]

i just started taking comtral on friday after 30 days of not drinking, thats the key to want to quit in which i have tried everything in the past, including treatment centers, anti depressants, aa,reading everything about abuse, natural / vitamins etc. i can go about 30 days and then fall into deep depression and start all over. im at the point where i will try anything. myself i have to want to stop and i think this is the right medicine after about taking eveything else. even if you have a weak moment keep trying

[dimbulb]

Hi...I was AF for 30 days before my Dr. put me on Campral. I too started with a lesser dose to check for side effects. Net result?...I stayed at 1 tablet 3x a day. I'm at day 116 of not drinking and feel so good that I wonder why I ever drank in the first place. So as long as the partial dose is working, I am quite happy to stay there...will go up to the regular dose if I have a slip. Anyway, hope it is working for you still.

[Ripple]

I ate Campral for like 5 months...6 per day. It relaxed me and kept me regular. I did not drink any alcohol at all during that time. I have no idea if one vomits if they do use? I am please with how it worked and recommend it.

[Slowball]

It has been a miracle for me. But I take it along with Wellbutrin (not generic! stay away from that stuff!).

It is important that you be sober for at least a day or two before you start. Don't know why, but that is what I have read over and over. It doesn't matter if you slip up and drink once you start taking it, but you have to be sober to start.

[Neaker]

I am currently taking Campral and Naltrexone. I guess they are working because I have not had any cravings to drink and I have been AF for 42 days.