How Long After Drinking Can You Take Antabuse?
Understanding Antabuse
Antabuse is a prescription medicine that is used to help people who suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD) to stay sober. It is a medication that helps reduce the urge to drink alcohol by creating an unpleasant reaction if the person drinks alcohol while taking it.
The generic name for Antabuse is disulfiram, and it works by blocking the breakdown of alcohol by the body. When you take Antabuse, it will stay in your system for up to two weeks. During this time, if you drink any alcohol, you will experience a range of unpleasant physical reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
What is the Recommended Time to Wait Before Taking Antabuse After Drinking?
It is not recommended that you take Antabuse if you have recently consumed alcohol. The recommended amount of time to wait before taking Antabuse after drinking is at least 12 hours. This is because it takes 12 hours for the body to break down the alcohol in your system.
If you take Antabuse before 12 hours have passed, there is a risk that the alcohol in your system will interact with the Antabuse, which could lead to very unpleasant physical symptoms. If you think you may have recently consumed alcohol, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking Antabuse.
What if You Accidentally Take Antabuse After Drinking?
If you accidentally take Antabuse after drinking, it is important to seek medical help immediately. The symptoms of a reaction to Antabuse can be severe and include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and chest pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe medications to help lessen the symptoms of the reaction. It is important to let your doctor know if you have taken Antabuse after drinking, so they can provide you with the best treatment.
How Can You Avoid Taking Antabuse After Drinking?
If you are taking Antabuse, it is important to make sure that you are aware of how long it takes for the body to break down the alcohol in your system. This information can help you plan ahead and avoid taking the medication after you have had a drink.
It is also a good idea to keep a record of when you have taken Antabuse and how much alcohol you have consumed. This can help you keep track of how long you need to wait before taking Antabuse, and will help you avoid taking the medication after drinking.
The Bottom Line
Antabuse is a medication that can help people who suffer from alcohol use disorder to stay sober. It is important to make sure that you wait at least 12 hours after drinking before taking Antabuse. Taking Antabuse before 12 hours have passed can lead to very unpleasant physical reactions. If you think you may have recently consumed alcohol, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking Antabuse.