Saw doc. today - no topa

[Bok]

Hi guys,

I went to the doc today - after summoning up all of my courage - and burst into tears saying that the program seemed to be some final hope for me after years of overdrinking. Told her about the book and a copy of the article. After looking up info on her computer (she did not know much about Topa) she was concerned about the side effects and suggested I see someone else. Am I going to get this reaction everywher I go? Are there people who specialise in this? Is it topa. really that dangerous?

Sorry for all the questions. Was so excited to get started tomorrow and now I have to wait - again.
Bok

[DeeBee]

Hi Bok,

Keep trying! I think your Doc was a wuss, I hate it when they don't even try to find out more or get a referral to another Doc for you who can maybe help.

I know it must be so frustrating for you especially as you have got your head around it now. Don't give up! I hope you find someone who'll back you 100%.

[A Work in Progress]

Bok, that was really painful, I know. You certainly won't get that same response everywhere... the problem is, you just never know in advance if you will, or not, unless you know someone locally who has already gone the same route and gotten a good response from a particular doc. If you live in a large city, you might try calling a major medical center to ask for a physician (maybe a psychiatrist) who specializes in addiction. Although that is no guarantee, either. Sorry it's like this.

wip

[Cinders]

Bok,

I agree with WIP. It can be difficult.

However, my doctor uses Topa for many patients, so I am surprised yours doesn't.

She has used it for patients with seizures as well as for patients with migraines. She felt very comfortable writing it for me to try.

Unfortunately, I was allergic to it.

She was very upfront about being nervous about giving me the Antabuse. So I had her call my shrink and they talked about it. She explained that if you are not trained in certain things, like addiction meds, it is really unethical to prescribe them.

I like WIP's idea of calling a medical center and seeing if they have any doctors who are versed in addiction therapy.

Best of luck to you!!

Love,
Cindi

[Blondie_grrrl]

Wow, how disappointing -- esp. after getting yourself so "braved up" to ask for it ... I did the same last year when I approached my doc, nervous and knees shaking, and although he was clearly leary b/c he hadn't heard of MWO or prescribed Topa before (he's a sports doc), he agreed to prescribe it for me (turns out my insurance refused to cover it anyway, despite repeated attempts to get it through, so I ended up ordering it online anyway...). I agree with WIP -- be strategic in finding a doc who has experience with your circumstances. You are presenting yourself as an informed patient who is being proactive in taking care of his/her needs. You deserve to find a doc who respects that and is willing to help you. Good luck.

[betts]

Bok, don't let that stop you. I had the same experience with my doc about a year ago. She said she would not prescribe "off label" and if I had a drinking problem I should go for treatment. I finally went ahead and ordered topa from River, got it, and started about a month ago, following the standard gradual 25-50-75-100 mg dosage plus some of the supplements.

The results have been WONDERUL. I can't quite believe it. My goal is moderation, and I'm now drinking about a glass of wine a night,out of pure habit and enjoying the taste -- no cravings for more. I've lost about 5 pounds and now eat whatever I want. I have had no side effects at all except insomnia when I was taking the topa at night ( now I take 25 mg in the morning, 50 mg in mid afternoon, 25 in early evening).
I have a new life and am taking on projects I've dreamed of for years but was too "relaxed" to do anything about(like writing a novel!).
I have a routine exam appt. with my doc this Friday and I intend to bring her copies of some of the research and tell her about my experience and inform her that Topa for alcohol abuse is becoming mainstream medicine and that I will contine to get it online unless she allows me to use my insurance by giving me a prescription.

So my advice is, go for it -- either through River Pharmacy or another Doc.!

Betts

[Blondie_grrrl]

Oh, Betts, that's great news! I was on Topa last year and did very well for some time, but honestly I think I "drank through" some of my efforts -- beware, it can happen -- so that habits trumped effects of the meds. I ended up going up to 225 mgs or so, and my goodness, I felt like I was wearing an "I'm with stupid" t-shirt with the arrow pointed upwards (not sure if you are from US and of certain age for that to make sense to you). I lost about 10-15 pounds that I didn't need to lose. I'm now back on Topa after a relatively long hiatus -- just up to 100 mg now -- and hoping to hold steady there. Awaiting my Kudzu as well -- there's no "magic pill" for me and I need to pull out all the stops. Just wanted to say glad to hear your Topa experience is going well and keep up the good work. River Pharm really seems to be great. Blondie.

[Bok]

Thanks guys for your advice and optimism. I went to my psychologist today who was a former nurse who worked in addiction and she was able to refer me to a couple of people - GP and psychiatrist who she knew worked in a similar field and were open to topa. She had heard and seen the success of non-convulsives in her patients. SO excited to try! It was pure chance that I found this psych and this website. Happy again!!!!

[DeeBee]

I am so pleased Bok that she helped you out.

Let us know how it goes

[WaitingToExhale]

Please keep us posted. I am going to try Topa, but without a Doctor. Reason is, I have heard some scary stories about it showing up on insurance that could head to other problems in your "records".
And hell, it cost ALOT less than I am spending on wine every month!

I asked my Psychologist about anti drinking meds. This is a therapist that supposedly "specializes" in substance abuse. He told me about Antibuse, and when I asked if there was anything else, he said NOPE. I had already known there were other things out there because of this site. Shocked me that he didn't know about them.

I am going to order from River and do this with the information and support here.

Such great information, advice and support here. I am so happy I made it back here this morning .. and this time I AM going to make it happen!