Antabuse Questions
 

My doctor prescribed Antabuse for me as I can't enter rehab until summer (then I'll go to rehab). I can't find a list online for foods I cannot eat. All the doctor told me was vinegar based options. Is there anything else? Does anyone have a list? Thanks.

going on anatabuse now then rehab months later defeats the purpose of rehab I think.

I was unaware that AB reacted with food. Ask the Dr who prescribed it. Don't they normally explain stuff when they write a prescription for something?

Didn't it come with a prescription circular? That's the paper telling you how to use it and what to watch out for? Or have you even filled the prescription yet? When you fill it, the circular will mention if there are foods that interact.

First I've heard that one.

It's my understanding there is actually a long list of foods, especially condiments and medications, etc. I would ask the pharmacy for a list.

I would ask a pharmacy

Hi Amanda. I'm taking antabuse now. Before I was prescribed it I researched it a fair bit.

The medication is different for different people. For me, it doesn't react with the small amounts of alcohol in some foods like soy sauce. It doesn't react when I use alcohol based anti bacterial hand cleaners or mouth wash.. To be honest, I'm getting to a point where I think maybe I'm taking sugar pills.

But a woman I know from an anxiety group I go to says that when she was on it, hand sanitizer was enough to make her sick.

Just read all the labels. If you go out for dinner ask them to make sure the food doesn't have alcohol. It's a seriously bad reaction when things go south, I've read.

I think the purpose of taking antabuse before rehab is so you're not cloudy when you're in there and you can learn maybe? Then again, if you're unsure why, ask your doctor.

Just don't consume anything with alcohol in it and you should be fine.. listen to your doctor. I've heard some posters comment that their doctor advised them against using mouthwash.. probably good advice too. You don't want to mess around with Antabuse.

Thanks. My doctor just said to avoid anything with vinegar. I asked him for a food list and he said I'd have to research it on the Internet. When I asked the pharmacist about a food list she said she had no idea what I was talking about. The information that came with the pills just said avoid alcohol. I know the Antabuse is a bandaid. But it's one I need until summer vacation when I can do rehab. Also, I checked my toiletries and none said anything about alcohol. Do labels on face creams need to specifically say alcohol-free.

My son takes it and eats a LOT of vinegary foods. He has not had any reaction at all. He has used aftershave as well without problems. They tell you to stay away from anything that you can ingest or absurd that might have alcohol in it. I think the red wine vinegar is the one they mention most. Beware of medicines like cough syrup and NyQuil because they contain alcohol.
A guy in my son's IOP drank while on it and got violently ill. He said he would never want to do that again.
I feel it's a great help to my son 's sobriety!

Glad you are here Amanda! Summer will soon be here - good for you on committing to sobriety.

My experience with Antabuse was for around a month. Other than avoidance of ingesting things with alcohol I had no ill effects from any other foods. Seems odd the doc's instructions were to look it up on Doc Google!!!

Many rehabs suggest follow up groups including AA. Have you perhaps consider joining a face to face support group prior to attending rehab? Maybe an opportunity to jump start rehabilitation!

Glad you're here, keep posting

My husband and I both were rather put-off by the addiction specialist, but he was the one my doctor referred me to.

I'm going to also look up smart recovery meetings in my area.

Right now I'm terrified to even start the Antabuse because we are out town and eating out. I'm continuing to look up food lists and other peoples' experiences.

Thanks for your responses.

My therapist told me it might have a garlic taste. Not sure if that is relevant.

Amanda
Been on it for quite sometime and NEVER an issue, the whole vinegar thing doesn't make sense either, please relax. I promise. Ryan

Thanks for your reassurances. I'm going to start it tonight before bed so our vacation day isn't messed up if I do feel sick as a side effect. I'll also be 2 days sober so I'm sure the alcohol is out of my system.

antabuse didn't stop me drinking years back i drank on it and all i got was a red face..
But it may work for you. It can be hard on the liver.

This may be true, but I drank on Antabuse last year, I only had one beer (and I hadn't taken a pill since the previous day), I got violently ill, throwing up, high temperature, I thought I was going to die. I am a big guy too, 6'2 200lbs. Be careful, OP.

Savarna - I got my liver function tests back yesterday and my liver has repaired itself pretty much.

I guess antabuse effects people in different ways.

I think the whole point of of using it is the deturant factor of more than likely hospitalization factor LOL...not test it!

It works if you have fear left

People can have very serious reactions if they choose to drink when on this. It's not something to take lightly. I would not just bet on a red face, as someone else said, most of the time it will make a person not just ill but violently ill.

I simply stated my experience. Not to say drink on it. i was in my early twenties young and dumb. Id never try this now or suggest trying it to anyone. my metabolism is very high always has been. no negative intended towards antabuse just my experience.
And my liver was fine on it.