Paddy,
This method is very, very successful when done correctly so I will firstly just recap on how you really should be looking to do this, to reassure you.
At the first sign of a craving or urge to drink, take the tablet and wait 2 hours, then drink mindfully. Recognise that the usual compulsion to continue is gone and then look for ways to chip away at your habitual drinking. That can be anything, such as putting the glass outside of arms reach, so that you have to actually move to get it, alternate with water or soft drinks, etc etc. Whatever suits you. Drinking was so difficult to control before because the endorphin rush was driving you to continue. This isn't a magic pill - it just stops that endorphin rush and helps to weaken the pathway in your brain that drives you to drink. Along with the pill, you can help make this smoother by working with the tablet.
It sounds like you have a good idea of where you want to be with not drinking during the week at least, and given compliance and patience, you will get there. Each little bit of success on this method propels you forward.
In terms of side effect issues, I think this is definitely part of the reason why you felt so bad. It is possible that is being coupled with some alcohol withdrawal symptoms because your drinking has been halved so quickly. If you are struggling with this, then increase the amount you are drinking and then work to reduce it down a bit. I am not sure how you obtained the nalmefene, but part of the criteria is that it should not be prescribed to anyone at risk of alcohol withdrawal. Hopefully your doctor checked you out for this, as it is usually not prescribed to any man drinking more than 9 units a day - just to ensure they don't put themselves at risk of withdrawal/seizures.
The ideal way to start this method is to take a good meal about 30-60 minutes before taking the tablet. And drink lots of water - with the tablet, during the wait and several times before bed. This helps line the stomach and helps to ensure that side effects are kept as low as possible. I usually also suggest that until someone gets adjusted, they restrict themselves to being at home for a few days. No-one likes to be feeling rough if they are not in the comfort of your own place.
However, it doesn't say all this in the Patient Information leaflet, so many people go what you have gone through!
It usually takes around 6-8 tablets to adjust fully to the Selincro, getting easier each time. The worst is over for you!
So, please make sure to take that meal and drink lots of water and you should be through this very soon now. Then you can concentrate on recovery and making the moves towards where you want to be.
This medication does seem to knock people out quite a bit, but it doesn't directly interract with the alcohol itself. Many people do seem to feel the affects of alcohol quicker, but that might just be the 'real' effects of alcohol without the endorphin rush making it feel better.
I wrote about my own experiences of testing this medication and it might help to read that you are not the only one, and that you will be through it soon. If you google C3 Foundation Europe Nalmefene Side Effects you will find the link to the 2 piece article to read.
And finally, the short term discomfort of this medication is well worth the long-term benefits that it gives.
