We don’t offer an alternative to AA or alcohol abuse centres which can both work very well alongside an Antabuse implant. We offer what we consider a viable crutch to help get you back on the right path to an alcohol free life.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) is a common anti-alcohol drug that is used in the UK and United States. It is effective and if you are seeking a version of the drug that is implanted and that works non-stop for 12 months, then you can go and visit our very modern clinic in Eastern Europe.
Antabuse is the brand name of the prescription drug Disulfiram, which is used to treat chronic alcoholism.
The medicine blocks an enzyme involved in metabolising alcohol.
Antabuse causes unpleasant symptoms when even small amounts of alcohol are consumed. People should be made aware of this when they are prescribed Antabuse.
These effects typically begin about 10 minutes after alcohol enters the body, and they last for about an hour.
Antabuse is meant to be used in combination with other forms of therapy, including behaviour modification, counselling, and psychotherapy.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Antabuse in 1951. It’s currently manufactured (as generic disulfiram) by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Antabuse Warnings
Antabuse contains a black-box warning because the drug should never be given to someone without that person’s knowledge.
Combining Antabuse with alcohol – such as by taking it while already drunk – can cause a fatal reaction.
Don’t take Antabuse if you’ve consumed alcohol within the past 12 hours. Don’t drink alcohol while taking the drug or for up to 14 days after you stop taking it.
When Antabuse is combined with alcohol, it may cause symptoms such as
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flushing of the face
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Difficulty breathing, or choking
Antabuse isn’t a cure for alcoholism, but it may effectively discourage some people from drinking.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Epilepsy
- Brain damage or a head injury
- Mental illness
- Heart disease
- A heart attack or stroke
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Allergies to medications
Be sure to tell your doctor you’re taking Antabuse before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.
You shouldn’t use Antabuse if you’ve recently taken the drugs Flagyl (Metronidazole) or Paraldehyde.
Many common foods and other products may contain a small amount of alcohol that can cause a reaction with Antabuse.
These products include
- Mouthwash
- Cough medicines
- Cooking wine or vinegar
- Certain desserts
- Cologne or perfume
- Aftershave
- Antiperspirants
- Antiseptic astringent skin products
- Hair dyes
- Paint thinners, solvents, stains, and lacquers
- Waxes, dyes, resins, and gums
Check product labels carefully to see if any foods or products you use contain alcohol, and avoid these items while taking Antabuse.
You’ll need frequent blood tests to check your liver function while taking Antabuse. Be sure to keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory.
All medical professionals who treat you should know that you’re taking Antabuse.
In case of an emergency situation, it’s a good idea to wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card that says you take the drug.
Children under age 18 shouldn’t take Antabuse unless a doctor recommends it.>/p>
Pregnancy and Antabuse
It’s not known whether Antabuse can harm an unborn baby.
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, or might become pregnant, before taking this medicine.
It’s also not known whether the drug passes into breast milk or could hurt a breastfeeding baby.
Don’t breastfeed while taking Antabuse without talking to your doctor first.
Common Side Effects of Antabuse
Tell your doctor if any of the symptoms listed in the Warnings section above, or any of the following side effects, become severe or don’t go away
- Skin rash
- Acne
- Mild headache
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Metallic taste or garlic-like taste in mouth
- Impotence or lack of interest in sex
Serious Side Effects of Antabuse
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects
- Signs of Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction (may include hives, rash, itching, chest tightness, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- Confusion
- Unusual thoughts or behaviours
- Extreme fatigue or tiredness
- Seizures
- Fainting
- Weakness
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Slow heart rate or weak pulse
- Severe chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Dark-colored urine
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Eye pain or sudden vision loss
Antabuse Interactions
Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you’re taking, especially those listed in the Antabuse Warnings section above, and any of the following
- Any prescription or non-prescription drugs that might contain alcohol
- Blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin)
- Dilantin (Phenytoin)
- Elavil (Amitriptyline)
- Isoniazid
- Vitamins
Please consider the above before proceeding any further or feel free to call our Director direct, he currently has an Antabuse implant and is happy to answer any questions about the implant you may have. He too had the implant treatment in Latvia and has nothing but praise for how they deal with himself & our company.
We work alongside the clinic and will look after you from the first moment you call down to arranging all your flights & accommodation in our 4 star hotel & spa so you can relax the night before your treatment.
We will also arrange our designated chauffeur to pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel, then collect you to take you to the clinic the following day before returning you to the airport.
Should you wish to take some time enjoying Latvia then we can also tailor your flights around this. Latvia is a beautiful country and very cosmopolitan, visited by many people from the UK. The Hotel & Spa are just a stone’s throw away from the city centre.
