There are several types of medications used to treat alcoholism. These include alcohol deterrents, a class of anti-addictive drugs. The FDA has approved one of these medications for alcoholism, disulfiram, which inhibits an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase. Alcohol consumption increases blood acetaldehyde levels, a substance that aversively affects the body. It is this effect that is believed to deter drinking.
Disulfiram
If you are suffering from alcohol addiction, you may be interested in disulfiram. This drug is used to prevent seizures in at-risk patients. It is also often prescribed during or after alcohol rehabilitation to prevent relapse. This medication may not cure alcoholism, but it can be a powerful component of your recovery plan. You can learn more about disulfiram for alcoholism and other medications prescribed for alcohol addiction.
In the 1930s, Danish researchers were studying the effects of disulfiram on alcohol. They had been using Antabuse to treat stomach parasites in workers in the rubber industry when they noticed that it interfered with their drinking. These experiments led them to begin research on disulfiram for alcohol dependence. But the effectiveness of this medication is still in question. It interacts with cough medications containing alcohol. Therefore, disulfiram online should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Campral
Campral is a common medication prescribed for the treatment of alcohol dependence and addiction. It helps restore a person's neurochemical balance to normal levels, restoring normal brain function. It works by correcting the neurochemical changes caused by chronic drinking and helps people maintain abstinence. Alcohol causes changes in neurotransmitters in the brain. During drinking, glutamate levels are decreased and excitatory neurotransmitters increase. These changes trigger cravings and increase central nervous system activity.
Although Campral is a common medication for alcohol dependence, it is only effective when used as part of a treatment program. In studies conducted by the FDA, it was three times more effective than a placebo in people suffering from alcohol dependence. One such study, the COMBINE study, found that campral reduced cravings and lowered the risk of relapse in participants. While this medication doesn't work for everyone, it may be an effective part of your recovery arsenal.
Antabuse
When used to treat alcoholism, Antabuse helps alcoholics cope with the difficult early months after quitting drinking. The medicine helps them stay sober by preventing them from drinking alcohol during times of temptation. However, the drug is sensitive to alcohol, so alcohol should be avoided during the first two weeks after taking it. Other side effects of Antabuse include itching, clay-colored stools, and dark urine. Those affected by alcoholism should read product labels carefully.
Antabuse is designed to block the intermediate metabolism of alcohol. Because of its side effects, it discourages drinking, but it can trigger withdrawal symptoms in some people. Drinking while on Antabuse can cause the build-up of acetaldehyde in the body. Other common Antabuse side effects include flushing, sweating, and nausea. Antabuse also increases the heart rate. If you're a chronic alcoholic, Antabuse may be a good option.
Naltrexone
While it is not approved for alcoholism treatment, naltrexone has been used in clinical trials for other conditions. In particular, it has been shown to reduce the amount of heavy drinking days and increase the body's production of endorphins, the chemicals responsible for our happiness. Moreover, it has shown to reduce the number of drinks consumed per drinking episode, which in turn results in lower relapse rates.
While the COMBINE Study results are important, it is important to understand that they should be interpreted in light of its strengths. The study sample was large and well-characterized. In addition, it provides an indirect test of the putative mechanism of action of naltrexone, blunting the effect of alcohol-induced reinforcement. Additionally, the study was performed in an alcohol treatment-seeking sample with a current DSM-IV diagnosis.
Disulfiram causes aversive reactions to alcohol
The major therapeutic effect of disulfiram is to reduce the fear of a negative reaction to alcohol. When taken orally, disulfiram inhibits alcohol metabolism by inhibiting acetaldehyde's conversion to acetic acid. Consequently, the blood level of toxic acetaldehyde increases, resulting in symptoms of liver disease, heart failure, and even death. However, unlike other alcohol-addicting drugs, disulfiram is not a cure for alcohol dependence. It is only a temporary measure to prevent a patient from drinking alcohol while on disulfiram. In addition, disulfiram must be taken regularly to keep the metabolic cycle going.
Although disulfiram does not affect brain receptors directly, it does interfere with serotonergic function. This results in an aversive reaction when the drug is combined with alcohol. The intensity of the reaction is unpredictable and may require an intervention or family member to help the patient. However, the use of disulfiram for alcohol dependence is an effective approach for treating alcoholism and reducing the symptoms of alcoholism.
Baclofen
People who suffer from alcoholism can benefit from a drug called baclofen. Alcohol addiction often involves bad anxiety, and a stop in drinking can reveal underlying anxiety issues. The combination of bad anxiety and alcohol withdrawal can make it difficult for a person to remain sober. Baclofen works by reducing both of these symptoms, and the drug helps a person rebuild their lives. It can also help prevent relapse.
The drug has been studied for its effectiveness in treating alcoholism in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, the NHS frowns upon its use in this condition. One man, in his early 20s, tested the drug's effectiveness on himself by taking a high dose. The results were encouraging, and the man was eventually able to find a doctor who was willing to try it. However, he did experience some side effects.
