Common Medication Prescribed

Different types of medication are available to help you become sober. Some aid withdrawal symptoms, some block the effects of drinking, some are incompatible with alcohol and help maintain abstinence, and others can help with preexisting psychological or emotional problems that contribute to drinking. No single medication has been identified that works on every person.

Your doctor may prescribe naltrexone, which reduces your desire for alcohol. This is not a cure and should only be used along with therapy. Naltrexone blocks parts of the brain that "feel" pleasure when you use alcohol. There is an oral and injectable form of this drug. Naltrexone does not make you feel sick if you drink alcohol while taking it. Don't take any narcotics, such as codeine, morphine or heroin while on naltrexone. You shouldn't take naltrexone if you're pregnant or nursing. Side effects may include nausea, headache, constipation, dizziness, nervousness, insomnia, drowsiness or anxiety.

Disulfiram changes how the body processes alcohol, making it possible for you to feel sick if you drink. It may feel like a bad hangover. You feel hot, your face becomes flushed, your neck and head throb, and you feel nauseas. You might vomit and have a headache. Small quantities of alcohol can cause these symptoms. This drug is not a cure for alcoholism and must be used with therapy. Side effects may include headache, drowsiness, restlessness, skin rash, acne and changes in vision.

Acamprosate is thought to work by reducing symptoms such as anxiety or insomnia that may follow alcohol withdrawal. It is used along with counseling and social support to help avoid relapse. Acamprosate hasn't been shown to work for those who haven't stopped drinking.

Sometimes your doctor may prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs as well to help you cope with your feelings as you recover.

Anyone being treated with antidepressants, particularly people being treated for depression, should be watched closely for worsening of depression and for increased suicidal thinking or behavior. Close watching may be especially important early in treatment or when the dose is changed - either increased or decreased. Bring up your concerns immediately with a doctor.

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