Esperal Disulfiram

Disulfiramide or Esperal is one of the most effective treatments for chronic alcoholism. Tablets containing the disulfiramide active substance block the enzyme that produces alcohol dehydrogenase in the human body. This entails the body’s inability to absorb and process ethanol, that is, the usual way of drinking becomes ineffective. Typically, such drugs are prescribed by a doctor to get rid of cravings for alcohol. But despite their strong positive effect on patients, doctors note the presence of side effects: psychosis, insomnia, blood pressure surges, increased heart rate and even some types of cancer. According to the authors, the drugs should be prescribed only by highly qualified doctors in a hospital setting. However, the patient, when starting to use them, should not carry out the full course of therapy at home. It would be better if the doctor prescribes him the first days of using the tablets in the hospital, subject to medical support - if the patient’s health deteriorates, a stabilizing agent is quickly administered (most often this is ordinary serum). Another point is that the patient should follow a strict diet, smoke only after meals, stop smoking drugs and be sure to undergo examinations. For example, blood glucose, cholesterol and bilirubin levels should be checked at least twice a month. The first side effect of the tablet form of the drug from France can be observed already 3-6 days after the start of administration. At this time, difficulties with falling asleep, insomnia and nervous attacks appear. The patient may often scream and become nervous for no apparent reason; his blood pressure may increase or tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) may occur. A week later, peppery abdominal pain is observed. Urgent hospitalization may be required when, against the background of a stable emotional state of the patient, the rhythm of the heartbeat suddenly increases, he faints, and he also experiences prostration (loss of consciousness). All symptoms will occur due to allergic reactions, such as rash, swelling of the throat or anaphylactic shock. These conditions occur due to the fact that the body has an increased sensitivity to the active substance of the drug. If any member of the family exhibits side effects, the drug should be discontinued. Treatment with disulfiram drugs begins only after receiving his expert opinion, since they are indicated for patients with: Chronic alcohol syndrome; alcoholic neurodermatitis; chronic alcoholic hepatitis; chronic optic nerve atrophy; tuberculosis with hemorrhages; bronchial asthma and pneumosclerosis; or aneurysm; neuropathy; glaucoma; aneurysmal aorta; age over 60; post-stroke/infarction conditions; tuberculosis (active stage); clotting disorder