Antabuse (Disulfiram) is an alcohol deterrent that changes the transitional alcohol metabolism. This aldehyde inhibitor causes an increase in the concentrations of blood acetaldehyde if the user drinks alcohol after disulfiram administration. This reaction causes alcohol sensitivity along with repulsive reactions like flushing, breathing difficulties, nausea and vomiting and other symptoms.
The generic name for Antabuse is Disulfiram. Antabuse is taken orally once a day in a 250 mg tablet.
Effects of Antabuse consumption
Antabuse or Disulfiram is used to treat alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse. This drug interferes with the normal metabolic action of the body causing a greater degree of hangover symptoms. The person on Antabuse treatment who drinks alcohol may experience weakness, blurred vision, vertigo, confusion and flushing. Other symptoms may include thirst, nausea, sweating and copious vomiting.
Impact on the mind/body and health risks
The quantity of alcohol consumed and amount of Disulfiram taken determine the severity of the impact on a person’s body. The main purpose of Antabuse treatment is to lessen a person’s alcohol craving.
Physical reactions include throbbing in the neck and head, headache, chest pain, difficulty of breathing, hyperventilation, low blood pressure, fainting, restlessness and rapid heart rate.
Abuse of this substance
Antabuse is a non-addictive drug is used to help someone stop drinking alcohol. Long-term use was proven to effectively develop the practice of alcohol abstinence. This was proven by the statistics in Europe that showed a 50% abstinence rate for long-term users of Antabuse. Intake of this daily pill can be discontinued anytime without fear of any withdrawal symptom. There is no report of abuse of this drug.
Treatment Options
Use of Antabuse may lead to life-threatening physical and psychological reactions that require prompt medical treatment. These symptoms include the following:
- Confusion
- Cardiovascular collapse
- Respiratory depression
- Myocardial infarction
- Unconsciousness
- Acute congestive heart failure
- Convulsions
- Arrhythmias
- Convulsions
- Death