Disulfiram

Disulfiram is a medicine used in the treatment of alcohol addiction. It works by producing interaction with alcohol and thereby causing unpleasant effects like nausea, flushing of the face, headaches. Thus, it discourages the patient from taking alcohol while on this medication.

Disulfiram may be taken with or without food. Take this medicine as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment. This medication mustn't be stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor. Remember while taking this medication, avoid alcohol in all forms including beer, wine, aftershave lotions, mouthwash, vinegar, and liquid medications.

Some common side effects of using this medication are headache, fatigue, drowsiness, and metallic taste. Initially, it may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. It is important to know that you should take this medicine in combination with a counseling program as it will provide extra help to maintain abstinence from alcohol. Remember it will take time, support, willpower, and determination to readjust the habit of not drinking.

• Treatment of Alcohol addiction

Treatment of Alcohol addiction
Disulfiram is a medicine used, along with social support and counseling, to help people recover from alcohol addiction and to avoid having the urge to drink alcohol again. It causes sudden, undesirable effects when mixed with alcohol to help you refrain from alcohol, even if you are dependent on alcohol. It causes effects such as flushing of the face, headache, nausea, blurred vision, mental confusion etc., when even small amounts of alcohol are consumed.

Disulfiram starts working from the very first dose and is a very safe and effective way of treating alcohol addiction. Avoid taking foods containing alcohol like mouthwash, cough medicines, perfumes or deodorants, and even hair dyes as even small amounts of alcohol can trigger these unpleasant effects.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Cronotol

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Metallic taste

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Disulfiram may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Disulfiram blocks the chemical which breaks the converted form of alcohol in the body. This leads to an increased level of converted form of alcohol in the body causing bad physical features while drinking alcohol.

• Disulfiram is used together with behavior modification, psychotherapy, and counseling support to help you stop drinking.
• It works best for patients who can achieve initial abstinence of at least 12 hours, are committed to maintaining abstinence, and agree to take the medication.
• While taking this medication, avoid alcohol in all forms including beer, wine, aftershave lotions, mouthwash, vinegar, certain desserts, colognes, and liquid medications.
• When you first start taking it, you may feel dizzy, confused, tired, and weak. Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
• You may notice an aftertaste of either garlic or metal when you start taking Disulfiram. Inform your doctor if this does not go away.
• Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, liver or kidney disease, psychiatric problems, diabetes, or if you're allergic to latex rubber or pesticides.
• Do not take it if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

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