The Treatment Says” Good Bye Alcohol”

Disulfiram: what is it and what is it for?

·         Its mechanism of action is the inhibition of the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenises, an enzyme found in the liver.

     Disulfiram implant is used as an aversive conditioning treatment for alcohol dependence and comes in tablets of between 250 mg and 500 mg.

Disulfiram by itself is not toxic but when taken with alcohol causes many adverse and unpleasant effects, being the fear of suffering an important point of treatment, since the objective is to condition the patient to avoid alcohol.

When alcohol is ingested, it first becomes a chemical called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde decomposes in acetate; for this, the substance aldehyde dehydrogenises must be active.

Disulfiram inhibits this substance and, consequently, acetaldehyde cannot be broken down correctly. This last process is what causes the uncomfortable effects that encourage the person to avoid alcohol.

Alcoholism: symptoms, causes, and treatment of this addiction

Effects of this medication

The most common adverse effect of disulfiram is drowsiness, accompanied by fatigue. In addition, a metallic or garlic-like aftertaste is experienced, but most users develop tolerance to this effect.

It is also associated with impotence, especially when taken at a dose of 500 mg per day. Among other side effects, disulfiram, can cause blurred vision, discoloration, and inflammation of the skin increased heart rate and changes in mental status.

When alcohol is used together with disulfiram, symptoms are usually experienced including redness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Preventing these symptoms from appearing is an important motivation to stop drinking in alcoholics who undergo treatment with Alcohol Implant.

Dosage and method of administration

Treatment with Esperal implant should be initiated only after the patient has been abstinent from alcohol for at least 12 hours. The initial dose can be up to 500 mg once a day.

If the drug causes sedation, the dose can be administered at night but it is better to take it in the morning, at the moment when the motivation not to drink is stronger. The initial dosing period can last from 1 to 2 weeks.

In maintenance, the dosage can vary from 125 to 500 mg daily, with an average dose of 250 mg per day. The Alcohol Implant should continue to be taken until the person's full recovery; This process can last for months or even years, depending on the response and motivation of the individual to stop using alcohol.

Finally, the duration of the activity of disulfiram is 14 days after having interrupted the treatment and users should avoid alcohol during this period of time so as not to experience its undesired effects.

Contraindications and precautions

Disulfiram implant is a medication used for the treatment of alcoholism, and therefore the ability to understand the goal of therapy of people who wish to treat should be carefully evaluated. They should be explained in detail how this medication will modify their maladaptive behavior (alcoholism) through negative reinforcement.

Also, people with a history of psychosis, severe myocardial disease, and coronary occlusion should not take this medication. People with diabetes who are treated with this drug are at a higher risk of developing complications and those who suffer from severe or advanced liver disease have totally contraindicated its use.