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Can I give Disulfiram to my father who is an alcohol addict?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 45-year-old father is an alcohol addict. His weight is 80 kg, and his height is 175 cm. He has been consuming alcohol for the last two to three years. As a result, he has got behavioral changes, red eyes, and he always feels tired. I have found two medicines Disulfiram and Sulfur 200. Will you recommend I go for it, or should I give some other medication? Please guide me.

Answered by Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi is a Psychiatrist with expertise in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. He is skilled in psychotherapy, pharmacological management, crisis intervention, and counseling. Dr. Gandhi focuses on holistic patient care, mental wellness, and improving the quality of life through tailored treatment approaches.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your problem and situation. It is really hard for a family member to deal with this problem. Your father needs to get admission to a rehabilitation center or hospital under a psychiatrist for alcohol use disorder. You must not give any medication without informing your father. Disulfiram is a drug given to a patient who is highly motivated to leave his alcohol. If the patient is taking Disulfiram and consume alcohol on it, then it may lead to a various reaction like itching, perspiration, seizure, heart attack, and even death of the patient. So legally, if the patient takes Disulfiram, then legal written consent is taken about its side effect and death responsibility.

Please, you cannot de-addict anyone until the patient is ready for de-addiction. There is no medication in the world that will de-addict a patient without informing the patient. When the patient is actively involved in treatment, then and only de-addiction is possible.

So You must take your father to any nearest psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will start medication as per your father's alcohol intake and withdrawal symptoms. I hope this was helpful.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lochana. K
Published At October 31, 2020
Reviewed At May 19, 2021

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi is a Psychiatrist with expertise in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. He is skilled in psychotherapy, pharmacological management, crisis intervention, and counseling. Dr. Gandhi focuses on holistic patient care, mental wellness, and improving the quality of life through tailored treatment approaches.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Lochana. K is a Dental Surgeon skilled in oral health care, preventive dentistry, tooth extractions, root canal treatments, cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, and patient education for maintaining good oral hygiene and overall dental wellness.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi is a Psychiatrist with expertise in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. He is skilled in psychotherapy, pharmacological management, crisis intervention, and counseling. Dr. Gandhi focuses on holistic patient care, mental wellness, and improving the quality of life through tailored treatment approaches.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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