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What Are the Side Effects of Disulfiram?

Disulfiram is the generic form of a prescription medication that makes drinking alcohol unpleasant. Despite its benefits in the treatment of alcoholism, disulfiram poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

  1. Significance

    • The most common symptoms of disulfiram occur when you drink alcohol while taking the medication and are purposeful reactions meant to discourage you from alcohol abuse, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Types of Side Effects

    • Upon drinking alcohol, common side effects of disulfiram include blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, flushing, sweating, nausea, vomiting, throbbing headache, difficult breathing and weakness.

    Time Frame

    • The side effects of disulfiram caused by alcohol last as long as you have alcohol in your system, which is typically between 30 minutes and several hours.

    Risks

    • Disulfiram causes inflammation of the nerves inside of the eyes and the rest of the body in some patients. Other risks associated with disulfiram include psychosis, hepatitis and potentially-fatal liver failure.

    Warning

    • In addition to alcoholic beverages, it is important to avoid over-the counter cold medicines that contain alcohol, sauces or foods that contain alcohol, mouthwashes or rinses with alcohol as an ingredient, rubbing alcohol or any type of perfume, cologne or skin product that contains alcohol as these all have the potential to produce side effects while you are taking disulfiram. Similarly, fumes from items such as varnish, paint filler and shellac pose a risk for reactions because these items are usually prepared with alcohol.

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