Substance name: Disulfiram
- Marketed as Antabuse by Dumex-Alpharma and as Refusal by Artu
- Aim:
To prevent relapse. An alcohol deterrent.
- How the medication works:
If you drink while you are taking this medication, you will probably experience very unpleasant physical reactions, particularly nausea and vomiting. These effects usually happens within 10 minutes and can last for several hours.
- The most common side effects reported include:
Drowsiness and fatigue.
- Caution:
This medication interacts with all forms of alcohol, even in tiny amounts. While taking this medication you should avoid alcohol in all forms, including "alcohol free" beers which contain 0.1% alcohol. You should also check the labels of anti-deodorants, aftershaves / perfumes, mouthwashes etc. to ensure they are alcohol free. If you do decide to try drinking again, you must stop the medication for at least a week first. If you drink alcohol while taking this medication and experience severe symptoms, you should seek medical support at once.
- General Information:
It is possible to start taking this medication as soon as withdrawal is complete. While taking this medication, it is wise to carry a treatment card with you at all times to alert medical staff in case of emergency. This medication has been on the market for many years. Although it can have side effects, it remains a treatment option for a minority of people who are aiming for abstinence.
|
