ImDoingIt

I have antabuse. I have taken it before at 250 mg a day. It works for 36 hours. I know cause I counted the hours and days. I want to start it again but am so scared of this drug. Any advise???

Anna

I have no advice as I have not tried it.

Has your dr suggested that it was a good idea?

suki44883

Did your doctor prescribe it? Why are you afraid of it? Are you afraid you'll drink while taking it and get really sick?

ImDoingIt

I emailed my doc and told him I used it before and he gave me script. I am not afraid of using it but the side effects bother me.

doggonecarl

In what way?

desertsong

I give a lot of credit to Antabuse for my being able to remain sober for the last 10 months. I had a couple of side effects (slight headache, sleepiness) for the first few days, but they eventually went away. You only really have to worry about getting sick on it if you drink, and then you will never do that again!

The best thing about Antabuse (for me) was that there was no more "brain debating" over whether or not to drink. The decision to drink or not drink really became a non-decision. I know people who have drank on it, and the results were horrific. I knew that would be my fate if I drank, so that made it pretty easy to stay sober. No more fighting in my head between my sober, rational voice and my AV.

I think using Antabuse is an individual decision between you and your doctor. If you are continually relapsing, as I was, it might be a good thing to try. You just have to be totally committed to getting sober because drinking while on it will be a nightmare that you really don't want to put yourself through!

ImDoingIt

Thank you so much fopr your reply. I know all about antabuse and WOULD NEVER drink while using it. I am going to try again. Like you said...I am so tired of the back and forth in my mind crap. Once you take a pill that is it total relief!!! No fighting with your brain. So they say 12 to 24 hours off of alcohol then you can start Antabuse. Will 12 hours work???

desertsong

I don't know how much you were drinking before you stopped, so it's hard to say, but I would wait a full 24 hours. That's what I did, just to be sure!

dizzychainsaw

I tried antabuse a long time ago. I drank on it. I thought maybe I could just have one beer on it. Wrong! It was awful! I stayed on it for a couple of months but ended up going back to drinking as soon as it was out of my system. I guess I wasn't ready. That was my experience with it.

Dee74

I'mdoingit - our rules don't allow us to ask for, or give, medical advice.

Your meds should have come with a leaflet - if your questions not answered there, it's best to check with your Dr or a pharmacist.

D

MIRecovery

The only side effect I experienced was a unpleasent taste in my mouth.

ImDoingIt

I just want some relief. Antabuse will do that for me. But I think I have to be off alcohol for 24 hours. So when I leave work it's been almost 13 hours. I want to take an antabuse then.Is that to soon?

Croissant

You need to ask your Doctor or pharmacist where you bought it, mate.

We can't tell you how or when to use your medication, as Dee posted above.

You sound keen to get on it, and that's great! See your doctor so you give yourself the best possible chance.

ImDoingIt

Thank you all for the replies! I am going to try really hard to not drink for 24 hours to be sure there are no horrible side affects from antibuse. So sick of mind games!!