Antabuse: Help Against Alcohol Addiction
Antabuse, a trade name for the active ingredient disulfiram, is used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism.
It produces an acute reaction to ethanol consumption known as the antabuse effect. The reaction occurs because disulfiram blocks one of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of the ingested alcohol.
When is the antabuse used and what are its effects?
Disulfiram, as we have said, is used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. It should not be administered for at least 12 hours after consuming the alcoholic drink, as it produces unpleasant effects even if the amount of alcohol consumed is minimal.
Among its effects we find:
- Skin redness
- Headache, nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Confusional state
- Asphyxia, difficulty in breathing
- Anxiety
The effects of anantabuse begin about 10 minutes after drinking alcohol and can last for an hour or more.
How should it be taken?
It comes in the form of tablets to be taken by mouth once a day and as directed by the doctor. The dose should not be changed and neither should the duration of treatment.
If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, it can be reduced to a powder and mixed with water, coffee, tea, fruit juice.
I forgot to take my tablet, what should I do?
When you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is already time to take the next tablet, continue on a regular basis. Do not double the dose to make up for the one you forgot to take.
Antabuse: special warnings
Before starting treatment, it is important to know if you are allergic to the active ingredient.
It is also important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications as they may contain alcohol. In addition, diseases such as diabetes, thyroid, liver or kidney disorders must be considered.
In the case of women, it will be necessary to communicate whether they are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive. The patient who becomes pregnant during the treatment should report this immediately to the doctor.
Finally, anyone who plans to undergo any type of surgery, including dental surgery, must inform the surgeon in advance.
Do I have to follow a special diet?
During treatment with antabuse, no alcoholic beverages or drugs containing alcohol can be taken in the 12 hours preceding the first dose and for several weeks after the end of therapy.
You should also be careful with sauces, vinegar, and any foods or preparations that may contain alcohol.
What side effects does it cause?
Side effects included acne, headache, drowsiness, fatigue and impotence. Some patients have experienced metallic or garlic-like taste.
See your doctor if you also accuse :
- Excessive tiredness or weakness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes.
- Dark urine color.
Other tips for those who hire the antabuse
It is a good precaution to carry a tag with you to indicate that you are on this therapy. It is also advisable to specify the name of the doctor or center you are being followed on the plate, to contact in case of emergency.
It is necessary to avoid contact, including by inhalation, with any product that may contain alcohol, such as dyes, varnishes, lacquers and glues.
Other items to watch out for are aftershave lotions and colognes which, in combination with disulfiram, can cause headache, nausea, redness and local itching.
Before applying an alcohol-based product to the skin, it is convenient to test it on a small area, for one or two hours. After this time, if there is no reaction, redness, itching or other unwanted effects, you can proceed with the application.
Conclusions
Anantabuse is not a cure for alcoholism, but it reduces the desire to drink, to be associated with behavior modification, psychotherapy and medical monitoring.
