alcohol withdrawal drugs

Question 1

Disulfiram aversion therapy

Answer 1

§Refrain from drinking
§Causes irreversible inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase
§Effects caused by alcohol plus disulfiram are referred to as acetaldehyde syndrome
§Patients must be carefully chosen
§Patients must be thoroughly informed to avoid all forms of alcohol, including the following:
§ Sauces
§ Cough syrups
§ Alcohol applied to the skin (e.g., lotions, colognes, liniments)

Question 2

Naltrexone [Revia]

Answer 2

§ Pure opioid antagonist
§ Decreases craving for alcohol
§ Blocks reinforcing effects of alcohol § Mechanism unclear
§ Adverse effects
§ Nausea
§ Headache

Question 3

§Acamprosate [Campral]

Answer 3

§Reduces unpleasant feelings
brought on by abstinence
§Devoid of direct anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and antidepressant activity
§Does not cause alcohol aversion
§Administered orally §Excreted unchanged in the
urine
§Adverse effects and drug interactions
§ Diarrhea
§Avoid during pregnancy