Antabuse - timing

[Lyndieloo]

Hi All

I know this goes against what everyone feels and should be doing but I just need to ask a medical question.

If one has been on Antabuse for 10 days and you stop how long after is it safe to drink again?

If you can just let me have the facts for now - then I will take it from there...... sorry dont mean to sound arrogant - Please

[tawnyfrog]

Antabuse - timing

Sorry Lyndie - I have no experience with Antabuse but I did want to acknowledge your post. Hopefully someone will chime in shortly with an answer to your question.

Take care.

[syrrxman]

Antabuse - timing

antabuse info

Hi Lyndieloo,

Here is some info. The elimination half life of antabuse is about 12 hours. In other words it takes your body 12 hours to clear out half of the drug. Then another 12 hours to clear half again of that half. Generally you need about 5 half lives or in this case 2 and half days to expect the antabuse to be cleared from your system.

Unfortunately that is only half the answer with antabuse though. It works by effecting an enzyme involved in the breakdown of alcohol. Essentially antabuse blocks a process in your body that is part of how your body handles alcohol. Pretty much shuts it down completely. Your system recovers but it can take a little time even once the antabuse is completely gone from your body. So even though the antabuse is gone, the effects of the antabuse can linger and you can still get sick. Bad reactions to alcohol can occur up to 14 days after stopping antabuse.

Everyone is different though. At 14 days you would be safe. Reactions with antabuse are highly variable and you might be fine drinking the next day...or you might be seriously ill. The longer you wait the safer you will be. The effects will also be dose (number of drinks) dependent as well if you do get sick.

Try to stick it out for the 14 days. But at least let the antabuse clear from your system if you can't wait that long. And if you can't wait. Drink a very small amount with some responsible people around who will help you if you get seriously ill. This might not be want you want to hear for New Years Eve. But better to have a dry safe one than a drinking but sick as dog one.

Hope that helps.

[caysea]

Antabuse - timing

Hi L
This is your second post in regards to being able to drink while using antabuse to stop drinking.We have all had our struggles in the beginning but a decision has to be made either to stop drinking or---
It is a tough period you are going through right now al is not the answer.Counseling or working with your Dr. would seem a much better route to dealing with your current problems.The al will only make life worse.You and your children will be much better off with al out of your life.

Stay Healthy and Keep Fighting
AF 5-16-08