Antabuse
Millions of people around the world suffer from alcohol addiction and want to cope with it. There are some medications produced to deal with this problem. One of the most effective medications accepted by the FDA is the drug Antabuse (Disulfiram). It is intended for treating alcohol addiction and the suppression of excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks. A human using Antabuse during drinking alcohol experiences extremely unpleasant symptoms due to the reaction in the body, which is caused by the medication.
Who’s Allowed to Take Antabuse?
Antabuse can be taken only by the people who have a conscious desire and intention to get rid of alcoholism. They must possess all the information about the drug’s action and be aware of the threat to their health that may arise if they drink alcohol during the treatment with Antabuse.
People suffering from heart diseases, an allergy to the drug, or any kinds of psychoses, have a contraindication to the use of this medication due to the possibility of the reactions that may be dangerous to their lives.
It is forbidden to give the drug to a person without his\ her permission. It is also forbidden to use it while intoxicated with alcohol. Antabuse is contraindicated to women during pregnancy.
If a person has to take any medications during the treatment with Antabuse, then he should consult with a doctor about the possible drugs interaction.
Alcohol during Treatment
People, who drink alcohol during taking Antabuse, often experience nausea, intense thirst, vomiting, sweating, severe headache, heart palpitations, chest pain, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, hard anxiety, vision problems, the loss of consciousness, and breathing problems.
Serious side effects may include heart attack, cardiovascular collapse, arrhythmias, acute heart failure, loss of consciousness and even death.
Action of the Drug
As a result of alcohol consumption, such substance as acetaldehyde gets into the human’s body. It is toxic, and it is the cause of a condition such as a hangover after alcohol abuse. In a natural situation, acetaldehyde in the body is oxidized to acetic acid, which is normal. But Antabuse prevents the oxidation of acetaldehyde and promotes its accumulation, which causes a severe effect, the strength of which can vary individually. It all depends on the quantity of alcohol the person has consumed and the dosage of Antabuse he or she has taken. The severe reactions can continue until all the alcohol disappears from the human’s body.
The drug’s effect begins within 10 minutes after drinking alcohol. It usually lasts more than an hour.
Side Effects
Antabuse may cause side effects, which include fatigue, drowsiness and headache. On the first days of admission, the patients may feel specific taste in the mouth. These side effects are usually temporary. You should consult your doctor if any of these effects persist or worsen.
In rare cases, Antabuse may cause liver problems, which are usually indicated by abdominal pain, persistent nausea, yellow skin, yellowing of the eyes, and dark urine. Serious side effects are unlikely. However, if you begin to experience numbness in the limbs, tingling in the legs/ arms, decreased sexual activity, mental changes, confusion, or seizures, you should immediately seek medical help.
In rare cases, an allergic reaction to the drug may occur. If you start experiencing allergies signs such as itching, swelling, rash, dizziness, breathing disorder, then contact your doctor immediately.