What Is Disulfiram?

Disulfiram, commonly sold under the brand name Antabuse, was the first medication approved to treat alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in the United States. For more than 60 years, this prescription has been used by treatment professionals and physicians to help people maintain sobriety. Roughly 200,000 Americans take disulfiram each year to help recover from an AUD.

Prescription drugs, such as disulfiram, are not meant to be the only method used in alcohol abuse treatment. Rather, these medications are intended to be used as part of a comprehensive recovery plan. These plans typically include:

Sobriety is a lifelong journey that takes time and patience. If you or someone you love is suffering from alcoholism, it’s time to start on the path to a healthier and alcohol-free lifestyle. Millions of people worldwide check into rehab programs to overcome an AUD each and every year. Treatment providers can help you find available facilities and long-term care programs.

Contact a treatment provider now to learn more about alcohol treatment and find rehab facilities nearby.

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Disulfiram In Treating Alcoholism

Disulfiram has proven to be very effective in treating AUDs. Once alcohol is removed entirely from the body, a medical provider may prescribe disulfiram. Because this medication can produce uncomfortable feelings when mixed with alcohol, it is only administered after withdrawal symptoms have subsided.

The prescription comes in a tablet form and is usually taken every morning. At first, your treatment provider may prescribe a strong dose of disulfiram, which will help you better manage any urges to drink. This allows you to focus solely on your health and recovery. Doses of the medication are typically adjusted over time based on your treatment progress.

After completing rehab, your medical provider may recommend scheduling check-up appointments every few weeks. During these appointments, you can discuss your progress and determine when to taper off treatment medications, such as disulfiram.

How Does Disulfiram Work?

Unlike other medications used during alcoholism treatment, disulfiram does not affect the brain’s receptors. Instead, it works by altering how your body breaks down and eliminates alcohol from your system.

The metabolization process starts by converting alcohol into acetaldehyde – the toxic substance that’s responsible for the unpleasant side effects associated with hangovers. However, rather than allowing the body to further break down acetaldehyde and reduce these effects, disulfiram blocks the oxidation process. This causes an increased level of acetaldehyde in the bloodstream.

High levels of acetaldehyde produce feelings similar to a hangover, which are intended to help people stop drinking. This sensation can be felt within 30 minutes of consuming alcohol while taking disulfiram.

If mixed with alcohol, disulfiram can cause:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Chest pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Weakness
  • Anxiety

Due to the potentially serious effects produced by disulfiram, you should never take more than prescribed or stop use without the help of a medical professional.

Disulfiram Side Effects

While there are many benefits to the use of disulfiram for treating alcoholism, this medication may cause adverse and unwanted side effects in some patients. Be sure to talk with your medical provider about your medical history, as well as any medications you are currently taking. In some cases, prescription and over-the-counter drugs can have a negative interaction when taken with disulfiram.

Minor side effects of disulfiram do not pose a medical threat and typically subside within a few days. These effects may include:

  • Headaches
  • Drowsiness
  • Skin rash or acne

Though unusual, severe side effects of the medication require immediate medical assistance. Serious side effects of disulfiram may include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Dark urine

In some cases, the drug may cause a sedative effect. If this happens, ask your healthcare provider about taking the medicine later in the day or before bed.

Mixing Disulfiram With Foods Or Products Containing Alcohol

While taking disulfiram, it is not recommended to consume foods or use certain products that contain alcohol. Even the smallest amounts of alcohol can cause a negative reaction when mixed with this prescription. To avoid any adverse effects, be sure to check all product labels carefully before consuming foods or using new products.

Products and foods containing alcohol that should be avoided include:

  • Mouthwash
  • Cough medicine
  • Cooking wine or vinegar
  • Perfume, cologne or aftershave
  • Antiperspirant
  • Hair dye

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Find Alcohol Recovery Programs Close to Home

Medications, like disulfiram, can be extremely beneficial for the alcohol recovery process. The first step to getting better and overcoming an AUD is to find a treatment program.

If you’re ready to quit drinking, there are countless alcoholism resources available to help. No two rehab facilities are exactly alike; each one offers unique services and therapies tailored to specific addictions and patients. It is important to explore all of your options for treatment.

Several factors to consider before deciding on a treatment center include:

  • The types of therapies used by medical professionals and whether they’re evidence-based
  • Program duration and frequency of sessions (for outpatient settings)
  • Options for aftercare programs to assist with maintaining long-term sobriety
  • Accepted forms of payment, such as insurance, sliding scale and financial aid
  • How family members and other loved ones are incorporated into the recovery process

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If you or a loved one is ready to overcome an alcohol addiction, reach out today. Treatment providers can connect you with programs that provide the tools to help you get and stay sober.