Antabusе Implant - Disulfiram implant for Alcoholism
What is an Antabuse implant?
Disulfiram, sold under the brand names Antabuse and Antabus, is a prescription medicine used to support complete abstinence from alcohol. Because of its effectiveness in reducing relapse, UK doctors often include disulfiram as part of rehab programmes and home detox treatment.
Disulfiram tablets (branded as Antabuse in some countries) are licensed and available in the UK. They are prescribed under the supervision of a GP or a psychiatrist specialising in addiction.
However, Antabuse implants are not licensed in the UK. They are considered an unlicensed, experimental treatment for alcohol dependence.
Please note that Disulfiram and Esperal are essentially the same medicine. Disulfiram is the active substance from which Esperal is made.
At our RYW Implant Clinic, we can provide disulfiram injections (lasting 28 days) or disulfiram implants (lasting 90 or 180 days).
Feel free to message our Consultant Psychiatrist in Addictions on WhatsApp at +44 742 447 4635 if you need more information.
Is the Antabuse implant safe?
The Antabuse implant is a bold and radical treatment option, but it is not considered the safest method for treating alcohol dependence.
The implant works by creating an extremely unpleasant and intense reaction to alcohol. It is sometimes used to help people with severe alcohol-misuse problems remain completely abstinent.
How does the Antabuse (implant) work?
The antabuse implant (Disulfiram) works by inhibiting the production of an enzyme in the liver that breaks down alcohol. It also prevents the dopamine neurotransmitter from breaking down properly.
Therefore, if a person consumes alcohol while Antabuse (Disulfiram) is active in their system, a severe reaction usually occurs. This reaction is caused by the build-up of acetaldehyde due to inhibited liver enzymes. The acute and almost immediate reaction can last anywhere from half an hour to several hours.
List of symptoms when drinking alcohol while having an Antabuse implant
The body reacts in several ways to the combination of Disulfiram and alcohol in the system.
- - The first symptoms are usually skin redness and a rapid heartbeat.
- - Quickly, these symptoms may develop into dizziness, vomiting, vision, and hearing difficulties.
- - In some cases comes to headache, confusion, and, in extreme cases, circulatory problems.
- - Drinking alcohol while having Disulfiram may cause harmful cardio-vascular complications.
There is also a Naltrexone implant available as an alternative treatment for alcohol dependence, and it has been shown to be a safer option.
Given all of the above, we consider the Antabuse implant a last resort, to be used only when all other methods have failed. We regard Naltrexone as the first-line treatment, as it helps reduce both the pleasure of drinking and the need to drink. For motivated patients, this is usually enough to stop drinking altogether, as there are no pleasant sensations. Most importantly, it carries no risks to health or life.
Feel free to message our Consultant Psychiatrist in Addictions on WhatsApp at +44 742 447 4635 if you need more information.
Testimonial from the UK about a second anti-alcohol implant (Naltrexone implant for alcoholism as a safer option):
Antabuse implant - decision making
The main goal of treating alcoholism is to stop the craving for alcohol, the feeling of pleasure and the desire to drink more. Antabuse implant is able to achieve this goal. It can also lead to an increased, extremely unpleasant sensitivity to alcohol. It's used to help people with severe alcohol abuse problems to stop drinking altogether.
Once the Antabuse implant is placed under the skin, you no longer have the option to choose whether to drink alcohol during that period.
Please be aware that the Disulfiram implant does not reduce cravings. It acts purely as a chemical deterrent to prevent you from drinking, as consuming alcohol while implanted can be dangerous.
Safety first
Patients taking Disulfiram tablets either Antabuse implant are strongly advised not to start with the therapy if they have consumed alcohol in the previous 72 hours. The reason for this is that Antabuse builds up in the system not giving time to the body to develop a tolerance for it. In fact, over time, its influence only intensifies. Patients who have stopped taking disulfiram have found that the drug can remain in the system for up to 14 days after the last intake.
Antabuse tablets - Disulfiram tablets
Disulfiram tablets are available in 200 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg strengths, and are usually taken once daily.. Most patients have been prescribed 500 mg as a single daily dose for two weeks. After two weeks, the doctor will usually adjust the dosage as needed to establish a healthy daily dose for regular intake. Many patients prefer Antabuse implant because tablets can be “forgotten”, skipped, and the implant is always there.
How was the Antabuse invented?
Disulfiram (Antabuse) was developed in 1948 by scientists at a Danish pharmaceutical company. Its anti-alcohol effect was discovered almost by accident while researchers were trying to create a medication for parasitic infections.
Hoping to find a cure for parasitic infections, researchers have developed Disulfiram. This drug's anti-alcohol effects soon became apparent, therefore it was marketed as an aid to stop alcohol habit.
Once its strong reaction with alcohol became clear, Disulfiram was marketed as a medication to help people stop drinking. Sold under the brand name Antabuse®, it is known as an “anti-alcohol” medicine because of the severe symptoms it triggers when alcohol enters the body.
How the NHS can help with alcohol dependency — see the link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/treatment/
