Is there a medication for alcoholism?

The FDA approved the drug treatment of alcoholism and alcohol cravings. They are disulfiram (Antabuse), naltrexone (Revia and Depade), and acamprosate (Campral). These drug treatments on prescription only, and are prescribed to those who have stopped drinking and trying to maintain their abstinence.

These drugs should be eliminated, someone pulls the satisfaction of drinking, or cause a serious reaction to imbibe. Although drug treatments have been available forsome time in the United States, they have never been as popular as they are in Europe. Using long-term follow-up tests have shown high rates of abstinence in chronic alcoholics.

None of these medicines is effective if the alcoholic will not stop, however. Alcoholism, like any other serious illness, usually requires a network to aid in the recovery which may include prescription drugs. Alcohol can cause pancreatitis or liver disease varied. These can be treated withdrugs and, although other different.

For the alcoholic who has decided to stop drinking and wants drugs as part of a support system, a trip to a doctor is in order. vitamins may be prescribed and medication. Consumption of alcohol deprives the body of nutrients and the patient feels better when these deficiencies are resolved.

The first drug to be approved for the treatment of alcoholism was Disulfiram. More commonly known as Antabuse, it is the "stick"approach of abstinence as the "carrot" approach. Antabuse, taken daily in pill form, acts as a deterrent to further drinking.

Someone who takes Antabuse drinks alcohol may experience sweating, nausea, vomiting or dizziness. More severe reactions can include respiratory depression, heart failure and even death. Antabuse should not be taken lightly.

Another drug, naltrexone, is sold under the brand names Revia and Depade. An extended-release form of the drug is also sold asVivitrol. The drug works by reducing cravings that alcoholics often suffer when they stop drinking. Naltrexone is usually taken in pill form, although there is a form approved by injection and an implant shape that has not yet been approved.

The third drug, acamprosate, was recently approved by the FDA in 2004. It is known under the trade name Campral. It reduces the physical symptoms that many people feel when they stop drinking. Sweating, loss of sleep and anxiety are all commonside effects of sudden abstinence.

Campral is usually taken three times a day, so it needs a little more commitment from patients than the other two drugs. However, it has fewer side effects and lighter. Diarrhea, sweating, nausea and dry mouth were reported. In more severe reactions, chest pain, anxiety or suicidal thoughts occurred. Obviously, none of these will be reported to your doctor.

Drug treatment for alcoholism can nowmitigate a much wider range of symptoms in the past. Medicines, medical care and support groups can all contribute to the alcoholic who has had enough of being sick and is ready to move toward recovery and health.

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