The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved four medications to help treat alcoholism: acamprosate, disulfiram, naltrexone, and topiramate. However, these medications may not work for every client. That’s why talking to your healthcare professional before taking them is essential.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate increases abstinence rates among clients with alcohol use disorder. It is one of the recently approved treatments for alcohol dependence in the U.S. If you know of someone who might benefit from rehabilitation from alcohol abuse disorder, please visit website for more detailed information and resources.
Here is how it works:
- Acamprosate reduces the adverse effects people are likely to experience when they decide to reduce alcohol use, which can lead to relapse.
- It corrects the underlying neurochemical changes caused by chronic drinking, helping the brain to restore its normal function.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to sulfites or any of the tablets’ ingredients before taking it. People with the following conditions should avoid the medicine:
- People who are breastfeeding
- People with allergic reactions to Campral or sulfites
- Clients who suffer from depression
- People with kidney disease
- Someone who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Disulfiram
The first medicine to be approved by the U.S. to treat alcohol dependence was disulfiram. It causes severe adverse reactions when someone taking the medication consumes alcohol. Some of the unpleasant effects include:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Chest pain
- Flushing
- Sweating.
Many of the effects mentioned above can last an hour or longer. Here are a few things you should take into consideration before you begin taking the medication:
- People who are on the verge of quitting alcoholism but cannot use acamprosate and naltrexone due to complications or other medical conditions are encouraged to use this medicine.
- The treatment is not recommended for people with coronary heart disease or psychosis.
- After one stops drinking, they should wait at least 12 hours before taking the medicine.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone works by decreasing the craving for alcohol. It works in the brain by dismissing the pleasurable feeling that comes with getting high. It can be injected or taken orally.
Some of the primary adverse effects of the injectable and the oral version of naltrexone include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness.
Clients with significant liver disease and those who require opiate medications to manage pain cannot take the medicine. Clients should be free of opioids for between seven to ten days before taking naltrexone. Observing this rule will help them avoid precipitating an opioid-withdrawal syndrome.
Topiramate
Topiramate was used in the recent past to treat seizures and headaches. However, doctors now use it to treat alcohol use disorder. Topiramate reduces alcohol cravings as well as anxiety and depression present during the initial stage of alcohol withdrawal.
Medication is one of the approaches medical professionals use to help clients with unhealthy alcohol use decrease their alcohol intake. It plays a vital role in managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms by changing how the body and brain react and managing the long-term effects.
However, the effectiveness of the medications varies from one person to another. That’s why it’s essential to visit an alcohol treatment facility for professional help.
Read Also
- Why Your Bed is Key to Rest and Recovery
A good night’s sleep is essential for your health and well-being, yet many people underestimate the role that their bed plays in ensuring quality rest. From improving physical recovery to enhancing mental clarity, the right bed is more than just a place to sleep—it’s the foundation of a restorative routine. Here’s why your bed matters… Read more: Why Your Bed is Key to Rest and Recovery - Preparing for International Travel: Christmas Translation of Medical DocumentsWhen preparing for international travel during the holiday season, it’s essential to consider the necessary steps for a smooth and safe journey—especially when it comes to medical matters. The importance of preparing your medical documents for translation cannot be overstated. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or to participate in a clinical trial, ensuring your… Read more: Preparing for International Travel: Christmas Translation of Medical Documents
- Best General Use Gloves for Restaurants & Catering BusinessesDeciding on the menu, stocking up the pantry with the essentials, and making sure the food is top-notch are all keys to running a successful restaurant or catering business. But your duties don’t end there. One thing—seemingly small yet important—people in the food service industry often overlook is safety. And when it comes to safety,… Read more: Best General Use Gloves for Restaurants & Catering Businesses
- Smile Brighter: Your Path to Lasting Dental HealthMaintaining oral health is crucial for overall well-being. Good dental habits give you a healthy smile and prevent severe health conditions. This comprehensive guide outlines effective practices and essential knowledge to keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition. The Importance of Dental Hygiene Dental hygiene goes beyond brushing your teeth. It encompasses a range… Read more: Smile Brighter: Your Path to Lasting Dental Health
- Six Symptoms that Warrant a Visit to a Boise NeurosurgeonA neurosurgeon specializes in the human nervous system. Typically, they concentrate on the spinal cord and brain within this system. They can expertly manage neurological problems including brain tumors, brain surgery, and bulging discs. A lot of people are living with chronic pain, but nobody deserves to live with this kind of pain. Often, patients… Read more: Six Symptoms that Warrant a Visit to a Boise Neurosurgeon
- The Science Behind Weight Loss Supplements: How They Support Your Fitness GoalsWeight loss supplements have become a prominent feature in the fitness industry, appealing to individuals eager to shed pounds and achieve their fitness goals. As consumers navigate this crowded market, it is essential to understand the science behind these supplements, their role in fitness, and how to use them effectively. This article aims to provide… Read more: The Science Behind Weight Loss Supplements: How They Support Your Fitness Goals
