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Side Effects of Antibuse

Antabuse is the name of a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of alcoholism. The medicine is used alongside therapy and support for overcoming alcohol abuse. Antabuse operates by obstructing alcohol's processing within the body. This obstruction results in individuals experiencing an unpleasant reaction when they consume alcohol. As with any medicines, there are some possible negative side effects that could occur as a result of taking Antabuse.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • There are several common side effects that could result from use of Antibuse. In general, these side effects are considered to be minor, as they tend to subside on their own as the body gets used to the new medicine. However, if the side effects do not go away, or if they get worse, it might be necessary to seek medical help. These side effects include garlic or metallic tastes lingering inside of the mouth, drowsiness, and headache.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Serious side effects are also possible with Antabuse. In situations of serious side effects, it is crucial to seek emergency medical assistance as soon as possible. Some of these potentially harmful side effects are color vision changes, blurry vision, darker colored urine, seizures, fatigue, weakness, nausea, throwing up, yellowing of the skin or of the eyes, tingling or numbness of the legs or the arms, mood or mental issues, and appetite loss.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Allergic reactions are also considered to be severe side effects of Antabuse. In cases of allergic reaction, it is important to get immediate medical attention. Some signs of allergic reaction to Antabuse are swelling of the tongue, mouth, lips, and face, chest tightness, skin rash, breaking out into hives, and problems with breathing.

    Caution

    • Individuals considering whether to take Antabuse as part of their alcohol recovery program should discuss their medical history and any present medical conditions with their doctors beforehand, particularly if they have diabetes, thyroid, liver, or kidney disease, mental conditions, brain damage, or epilepsy (or any other condition that involves seizures).

    Overdose

    • If a person suspects that they might have taken too much Antabuse, they immediately must get medical assistance. Some symptoms of Antabuse overdose are dizziness, nausea, throwing up, coordination loss, tingling, numbness, and convulsions.

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