Can we give disulfiram tablet present morning for a person when he is drunk yesterday? Is disulfiram good for violent alcoholic. Will disulfiram create any future mental issues?

Question

Dear Shalini,
Disulfiram reacts with alcohol and causes aversion to alcohol. By itself, it does not have any role in aversion or craving. It does not cause any mental health issue by itself. If you have given disulfiram yesterday, either he would not have drunk or with little alcohol, he would have vomited. If there is no alcohol in the body, disulfiram can be given next morning. Most of alcohol goes away in few hours time. For a violent person, it is better to inform him that he has taken disulfiram - even if you get scolding/beating for it.

Saranya Devanathan · Accepted Answer

Dear Shalini,
Disulfiram reacts with alcohol and causes aversion to alcohol. By itself, it does not have any role in aversion or craving. It does not cause any mental health issue by itself. If you have given disulfiram yesterday, either he would not have drunk or with little alcohol, he would have vomited. If there is no alcohol in the body, disulfiram can be given next morning. Most of alcohol goes away in few hours time. For a violent person, it is better to inform him that he has taken disulfiram - even if you get scolding/beating for it.

Devendra K · Answer

Hi lybrate-user, disulfiram will cause severe reactions if alcohol is present in his system. He needs to be alcohol free for at least 3-5 days.

Srinivasa Teja · Answer

Minimum 24 hours abstinence is needed to administer the drug. Without doctor advise and pre counseling disulfiram should not be given.

Satish Rasaily · Answer

Usually it's suggested to undergo psychiatry assessment and take medicine for detoxification for 2 weeks. Disulfiram is started after 2 weeks of complete alcohol abstinence after educating both the patient and family. If there is an alcohol in the bloodstream, there is a chances of disulfiram reaction.

Varun Gupta · Answer

1.after 24 hours you can give after 24h 2.its good if patient is motivated enough to quit drinking 3. Yes if patient keep taking alcohol along with disulfiram he is likely to have reaction which can either be mentally or general.

Prof. Jagadeesan M.S. · Answer

No. It can cause life threatening disulfiram reaction. Do not use the drug except when blood alcohol is nil and under expert supervision. good luck.