Antabuse, also known as Disulfiram and Antabuse, is a medication used to treat chronic alcoholism. Antabuse is often prescribed in combination with counseling and therapy to help individuals stop drinking by making them sick when they do so while taking the drug. The drug is available in 250 mg or 500 mg tablets.
Benefits of Antabuse
• Reduces cravings for alcohol
• Reduces the risk of relapse
• Treats cocaine dependence
How It Works
Antabuse works to help individuals stop drinking by increasing the side effects that people normally experience when drinking when they mix alcohol with the drug. For example, they may experience a higher blood pressure levels, restlessness and increased anxiety. By experiencing an acute sensitivity to alcohol, individuals find it easier to quit drinking. Antabuse prevents dopamine from breaking down within the body so the excess dopamine causes an increase in the unpleasant symptoms associated with drinking alcohol.
Taking Antabuse
You should take one or two tablets of Antabuse orally every day, according to your doctor’s prescription. If you find the tablets hard to swallow, you can mix them with liquid or crush them. You should avoid taking Antabuse for a minimum of 12 hours after drinking any type of alcohol, including mouthwash.
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effects of taking Antabuse include restlessness, acne, vision changes, skin rashes, drowsiness and an aftertaste that is similar to garlic. If you suffer any of the following serious side effects, be sure to contact your doctor immediately: dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, intense stomach pain, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, tingling feet or hands or a loss of appetite.