Campral Dosage Modifications?

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CAMPRAL Anyone have experience taking LESS than the prescribed 6 a day dosage? My Dr gave me samples for 2 weeks and then an RX. I'm wary of diving in full dosage at first. Is the stuff weight/mass sensitive...thus a small person would take less than a much larger one? Cheers ....today I have 31 days abstaining and hoping to make it a permanent life style. Dr. prescribed it as a "slip" preventative. Thanks for a great forum. PB

[Ukblonde]

I just got my Campral from the Dr yesterday, doseage depends on weight - I am just on the 60kg fence so going to be taking 4 each day. Presume you are over 60kg hence higher dose?

I am 31 days AF too, 10 days out of rehab and just wanted something to help with the strong cravings I get.

[barebones]

hmm when i got my campral it never went by my weight, i take 666mg 2 tabs 3 times a day. im just lower in weight than u uk. when i first tried campral couple of years ago i was just on the 333mg 3 times a day 2 tabs. weird. the higher amount for me has helped me greatly this time.

[Ukblonde]

Interesting - I read the leaflet in the box and that gives dosage related to weight too. I am on the 333mg tablets.

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Well,,,I'm going against Dr. Rx, and am going with 1 333mg 3 times daily. I have always tried to use the least amount of medication/pills possible. I seem to be sensitive to medications anyway, so gradually starting up will be the direction I take. The literature I was given from the company, seems to indicated a fairly forgiving medication in regards to relapses....starting and then stopping...restarting.....so I will try the 1/2 dosage to see if it prevents cravings ...if they come, then I'll go to the recommended dosages. I hope I can get benefit with a smaller dosage...AND Congratulations and cheers to you for being AF for 31 days too... Paul

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beer/wine/spirits row....I avoid places and situations where I used to drink (I end recreational motorcycle rides at a bakery for pie, instead of a bar for a drink)...I even fly a different regional airline (my old one served complimentary beer/wine!!!) After reading so many great entries in MyWayOut, I think there is no single "magic pill"...just putting a large number of smaller pieces into play that add up to a complete program of AF. I'll add to my own post if I make 60 or 90 days. Paul

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I messed up the last entry, so I'll correct it. I had said that the half dose of campral had worked for me in eliminating the craving. Also I had changed all the old habits that seemed to allow a chance for the first drink....passing a favorite liquor store, in the supermarket I avoid the beer/wine/booze row, changing friends that have drinking problems and encourage me to join them drinking. Then finding an AA meeting with people I feel comfortable and can identify with.

[Ukblonde]

I was lucky that most of my drinking 'friends' were only there for that - drinking and more often than not used me for money, drinks and an ego boost. My social life had stopped revolving around drink when I stopped being a social drinker.

I just don't bother with pubs unless there is a reason - like having a pizza in the bar part of the cinema/arts centre and then it's with friend who also doesn't drink.

Campral working well right now - 2 x 333mg am, 1 x afternoon, 1 x evening. I have had a couple of migraines since starting but not sure if it's simply a normal stress response now the booze is gone or the meds.

I have decided to carry on since not having a drink is the most important thing in my life right now and it's worth the risk.

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I was interested that you take 2 in the am and then 1 for the other two doses. I really am excited how interest in drinking has seemingly left my mind. I spent the day repairing and improving the wooden steps in front of our house....my usual practice after a day of hard work was to have a "B & B" ....beer and a bath. Now that I am AF, I got so much more work done AND had a relaxing bath with a glass of lenonade.....and I wasn't thinking of dashing back to the refrig to get another beer. So I sure believe in Campral. Since we both have the same number of days AF...I'm cheering for you and hope you do the same for me!!! I honestly think that the social network of people supporting us is important. If we believe we will be disappointing someone...then we have one more tool of sobriety. I have another Dr. appointment (my Dr. is a close personal friend) every 30 days so I will be forced to tell someone I have made it ...or admit I've slipped and am starting again. Anyway UKblonde, you have at least one person cheering for you....me! Paul

[Ukblonde]

db, my Dr said the lower [weight] dose is 3 x 333mg spread over the day and the higher 6 x since I am borderline he decided to add an extra one in the morning. I asked if timing of the 2 makes any difference - he says no.

Anyway I am noticing in the last few days the compulsion and cravings are also going. Not sure if that's length of time AF or the Campral. Maybe both.

I was told by my counsellor in rehab that when you first take the drink away you are still close to the bar. After a week or two you are still within arms reach, but as the months go on you get further and further away until the bar is way out of reach.

A very good analogy I think.