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Questions and Answers on Antabuse

In reply to a person who got on these pages questioning me about an implantable Antabuse to curb drinking and looking for an easier, softer, way, I did a little research...

I am amazed that Antabuse is still legal. It causes many deaths each year. There were several members of my original group that were forced to use it before they got sober. One had a reaction (by accident) with some health product that nearly killed him. One man there died with it a few years ago, by drinking anyway. Another man that I know drank with it several times. As sick as he got, he still drank with Antabuse again.

It would be difficult to make it 'completely' illegal, however - it's a natural by-product of the tire manufacturing industry, which was the way it was discovered (in Sweden apparently) ... so folks who are involved in that industry have learned not to drink while working !

Antabuse or Disulfiram ... comes in tabs or can be implanted under the skin or in a muscle for long term 'prevention' ... (i.e. to stop someone drinking booze)

*Very* dangerous stuff ... causes heart palpitations and all sorts of side effects 'designed' to put the drinker off alcohol. Dangerous because it can cause a heart attack - and death!

Here's from: http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/hw130128


Brand Name / Chemical Name
Antabuse / disulfiram

How It Works

Disulfiram changes the way your body breaks down (metabolizes) alcohol. If you drink alcohol while you are taking disulfiram, you will experience uncomfortable symptoms, including severe nausea, vomiting, and headache. These symptoms discourage you from drinking alcohol by making it unpleasant.

Why It Is Used

Disulfiram is used to treat alcohol dependence. It is most helpful if you are motivated to stop drinking and are willing to take the medicine under supervision. Medicines are not generally used alone to treat alcohol abuse or dependence. The best treatment is a combination of medicine and counseling.

How Well It Works

The effectiveness of disulfiram varies. When taken as directed, it can help you completely stop drinking by increasing the number of days you go without a drink. 1 It works best if you are motivated to stop drinking and you take the medicine as directed.

Side Effects

The effects from disulfiram are intentionally unpleasant to help encourage you to remain sober. Disulfiram causes the following effects when you drink alcohol, with effects lasting from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Face and body flushing
Throbbing in your head and neck, severe headache
Blurred vision
Fast heartbeat
Sweating
Dry mouth
Nausea, vomiting
Dizziness
Weakness
Breathing difficulty
Severe low blood pressure
Confusion

When you take disulfiram and do not drink, the main effect is drowsiness. Use caution when you drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine.

On rare occasions, disulfiram can cause abnormal liver function and numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.

You should not take disulfiram if you:
Are pregnant.
Have severe heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease.
Have serious psychological illnesses (such as psychosis).
Take certain medicines that interact with disulfiram or those that contain alcohol, such as cough medicine.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

You take this medicine every day for a period of weeks or longer, until you overcome your craving for alcohol. Disulfiram should not be taken within 24 hours of drinking alcohol. Disulfiram stays in the bloodstream for up to 2 weeks after the last dose. Uncomfortable symptoms will develop during this time if you drink alcohol.

While taking disulfiram, you cannot take medicines or use substances that contain alcohol (such as cough syrups, liquid medicines containing alcohol, mouthwashes, and wine vinegars). This will cause the same effects that occur when you take alcohol.

Several medicines, including seizure medicines, interact poorly with disulfiram. Be sure your doctor knows all medicines that you are taking before you try disulfiram.

You might want to ask friends or family to help you take disulfiram as directed until you feel confident about taking it on your own.

You might need liver function tests before and during the time you take disulfiram.

You will need to carry an identification card or wear a medical alert bracelet while taking disulfiram.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) to help you understand this medication.


Definitely not nice stuff ! Just GO TO A.A., the easier softer way!!!

Love and Peace, Barefoot


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