Antabuse

Antabuse as Reliable Help in Alcoholism Treatment

Antabuse is an effective medication that is appreciated for its help in alcoholism treatment. Disulfiram, an active ingredient of the treatment, works blocking the enzyme, which is involved in the process of metabolizing alcohol consumption.

The ingredient triggers undesirable side effects and abnormalities when taken together with alcohol. This way, Antabuse prevents patients from alcohol intake and achieves the desired results.

Being only a part of the full medication course, Antabuse should be combined with psychotherapy, behavior changes and counseling support for better and faster effects.

However, keep in mind that the drug is not a cure of alcoholism, while it just prevents its intake and makes it unpleasant.

Safety Considerations before Antabuse Intake: Contraindications and Warnings

If you want to start Antabuse treatment course, you should estimate all the benefits and drawbacks first. Consult your physician before administration to make sure the therapy will help you achieve your goal. The medication is not recommended for people who:

• Are allergic to the active component, Disulfiram or similar medication;
• Took alcohol within the last 12 hours;
• Used certain pharmaceuticals that may interact with Antabuse;
• Are pregnant and breastfeeding;
• Are younger than 18 years old.

It is inevitable to remember that certain health problems and disorders may impact the treatment course, decreasing Antabuse effect or leading to dangerous side effects. That is why mention all the impairments, especially:

• Psychosis or other mental diseases;
• Diabetes;
• Kidney or liver problems;
• Underactive thyroid;
• Convulsions, epilepsy and other seizure disorders;
• Brain or head damage;
• Uncontrolled blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and other complications.

How to Administer Antabuse and Benefit from Its Effect

Following Antabuse safety recommendations and instructions is halfway to a successful medication course. Your healthcare specialist may change the dose for better results, though you should never do it on your own.

Otherwise, you can witness unpleasant reactions and harmful consequences. Frequent blood tests are required during Antabuse course to track functioning of the liver. Keep in mind that Antabuse is only a part of the full medication course that should be taken with other measures.

Once you have missed Antabuse dose, you should take it the first possible moment or skip it, if the following scheduled one should be administered within a while.

Antabuse Side Effects and Misuse Consequences

Call your doctor and seek emergency medical help in case any of serious Antabuse reactions started bothering you. Pay exceptional attention to:

• Allergic reactions;
• Nausea, vomiting;
• Sudden weight gain, swelling;
• Vision problems;
• Angina, breathing disorders;
• Confusion, lightheadedness, weakness;
• Fatigue, uneven heart beat and others.