Which medication may be administered to prevent further alcohol ingestion in chronic alcoholics?

Which medication may be administered to prevent further alcohol ingestion in chronic alcoholics?

• A. Prozac
• B. Antabuse
• C. Seconal
• D. Amantacline

Answer: (B)

Aversive therapy is being assessed here. Disulfiram, known by the brand name Antabuse, is used to deter drinking by creating an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed. It blocks the enzyme that metabolizes acetaldehyde, so even small amounts of alcohol lead to a buildup of acetaldehyde. That triggers symptoms like facial flushing, rapid heartbeat, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, and sometimes low blood pressure or faintness. The idea is that the fear of these effects helps motivate abstinence, especially when the patient is closely supervised and adheres to the regimen, often alongside counseling. Prozac is an antidepressant and does not produce an aversive reaction to alcohol, so it’s not used to prevent ingestion. Seconal is a sedative/hypnotic and could be dangerous in someone who has been drinking. Amantacline (acamprosate) helps reduce cravings and support abstinence through a different mechanism, not by causing an adverse reaction to alcohol.

Aversive therapy is being assessed here. Disulfiram, known by the brand name Antabuse, is used to deter drinking by creating an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed. It blocks the enzyme that metabolizes acetaldehyde, so even small amounts of alcohol lead to a buildup of acetaldehyde. That triggers symptoms like facial flushing, rapid heartbeat, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, and sometimes low blood pressure or faintness. The idea is that the fear of these effects helps motivate abstinence, especially when the patient is closely supervised and adheres to the regimen, often alongside counseling.

Prozac is an antidepressant and does not produce an aversive reaction to alcohol, so it’s not used to prevent ingestion. Seconal is a sedative/hypnotic and could be dangerous in someone who has been drinking. Amantacline (acamprosate) helps reduce cravings and support abstinence through a different mechanism, not by causing an adverse reaction to alcohol.