Why Is Disulfiram Prescribed?

Disulfiram is an excellent drug for the treatment of alcoholism. It is prescribed as a recovery maintenance medication for people who want to avoid a relapse. Disulfiram causes unpleasant effects even when a small amount of alcohol is consumed. These side effects include:

  1. Flushing or redness of the face
  2. Vomiting
  3. Nausea
  4. Weakness 
  5. Chest pains
  6. Blurred vision

The effects usually begin after 10 minutes of alcohol consumption and may last for an hour. Thus, disulfiram does not directly treat alcoholism but discourages drinking. 

To get an online or in-person prescription, please call us at 844.445.2565.

Disulfiram Mechanism Of Action

Alcohol is broken down into smaller pieces (converted from acetaldehyde to acetate) by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. Disulfiram binds to this enzyme and disrupts the mechanism of alcohol metabolism.

This leads to an increased accumulation of non-broken alcohol (acetaldehyde) in the body, resulting in the symptoms mentioned above. These uncomfortable symptoms prevent the user from indulging in drinking. 

What You Should Know About Disulfiram (Antabuse)?

Before taking Antabuse, please note the following:

1. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are on any medication containing alcohol. Disulfiram interacts negatively with:

  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
  • Amitriptyline ( Elavil)
  • Isoniazid
  • Flagyl
  • Vitamins
  • Or any other drugs containing alcohol

2. Inform your doctor about your physical health if you are suffering from diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, or any other illness or disease.

3. If you have any medical or dental procedures planned, please inform your doctor of your disulfiram use.

4. You should have abstained from drinking for more than 12 hours before using this medicine.

5. A reaction can occur up to 2 weeks after you stop taking alcohol.

6. Please inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant.

An Analysis Of Benefits And Side Effects Of Acamprosate

Alcohol is one of the most addictive drugs. It affects your body and mind to create recurrent urges for alcohol use, causing a person to relapse. Disulfiram is an excellent medication for patients who need a little extra help in maintaining their sobriety. Another great benefit is that it does not directly influence the release of neurotransmitters or disrupt normal body mechanisms.

However, like many other medications, few side effects have been reported with Antabuse use. These include:

  1.  Nausea
  2. Sweating
  3. Hyperventilation
  4. Weakness
  5. Confusion
  6. Dizziness
  7. Excessive thirst

Some severe, less common side effects include:

  1. Slowed breathing rate
  2. Chest pains
  3. Fainting
  4. Seizures

Patients are usually counseled and guided about the potential side effects of Antabuse beforehand. Several researches have shown that the benefits of Antabuse (Disulfiram) outweigh the risks. 

ChoicePoint offers an online MAT program and in-person prescription medications in Fairlawn, NJ, center. To know more, please call us at 844.445.2565.

 

How Effective Is Disulfiram For Alcohol Abuse?

Disulfiram is an FDA-approved medication for alcohol dependence treatment. It is a second-line option. The First-line treatment is Naltrexone. Research has deemed it safe for both long-term and short-term use. Another study analyzed the outcomes of 22 studies published on Disulfiram for alcohol use disorder. It concluded that the pharmacological approach was far superior and more effective than the non-pharmacological approach.

How To Take Disulfiram?

Disulfiram is available in two doses, 250 mg and 500 mg. You are advised to take this tablet as a whole. But you can crush and mix the tablet in food or drink. It is recommended that you abstain from alcohol and any alcohol-containing products for at least 12 hours before taking medicine. If you miss a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember, but if the next dose is near, you can skip it. Do not take the dose twice to make up for the missed dose. 

How Long Does Disulfiram (Antabuse) Stay In The System?

Antabuse has a long half-life. The duration of stay depends on the following factors:

  1. Individual metabolism
  2. Age 
  3. Physical health

Generally, the traces of Antabuse can stay in the system for up to 2 weeks.

Disulfiram Prescription And Alcohol Addiction Treatment At ChoicePoint 

Disulfiram is prescribed as a part of a comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment program at ChoicePoint. American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) recommends combining MAT with behavioral therapy and solution-focused counseling for long-term recovery. 

ChoicePoint offers in-person and online antabuse prescription programs to help you recover. We also offer personalized addiction treatment programs according to all ASAM levels of care. These include:

  1. Medical Detox
  2. Outpatient Treatment
  3. Intensive Outpatient Treatment
  4. Partial Hospitalization Program (HIOP/PHP)
  5. Inpatient Treatment

Furthermore, we also offer substance abuse behavioral therapy programs:

  1. Cognitive behavioral therapy
  2. Dialectical behavioral therapy
  3. Individual therapy
  4. Group therapy 
  5. Family therapy

To get your prescription, please call us at 844.445.2565.

Frequently Asked Questions

What To Avoid When Taking Disulfiram?

You should avoid taking any products, medicines, and food containing alcohol. 

Is Disulfiram Safe For The Liver?

Disulfiram is safe for the liver. No adverse reactions are reported. However, if you have any liver condition or are at risk of developing liver disease, please consult your doctor.

Does Disulfiram Make You Sleepy?

Disulfiram is a central nervous system depressant. It may cause drowsiness. It is best to avoid taking it before driving, working, or operating heavy machinery.

What Is The Duration Of The Effect Of Taking Disulfiram?

The reaction usually begins after 10 minutes and may last several hours. The peak usually occurs within 8-12 hours.

Medical Disclaimer:

ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.