When a person is an alcoholic, she becomes physically or psychologically dependent on the alcohol. If the alcoholic stops drinking, she has physical withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, shaking or sweating. Quitting is difficult, especially if the user does not admit that she has a problem. Some patients may need medical intervention, which includes medication.
Disulfiram
One medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating alcoholism, disulfiram is an alcohol-sensitizing drug that discourages the patient from using, according to the Mayo Clinic. Disulfiram works by producing a negative response when the person drinks, causing him to have headaches, flushing, nausea and vomiting. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) notes that disulfiram is not given to the patient until he has stopped drinking for at least 12 hours.
Naltrexone
Another FDA-approved drug, naltrexone reduces the person's urge to drink. The drug works by blocking neurotransmitters linked to addiction. Side effects from naltrexone include sedation, nausea, anxiety and headaches; naltrexone does not cause a physical reaction when the user drinks alcohol. In 2006, the FDA approved an injection version of naltrexone, according to the Mayo Clinic. Naltrexone is combined with behavior therapy to help the patient get over the addiction.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate can also help the person with her cravings for alcohol. The drug can also help the person stay off alcohol, and it is combined with behavioral therapy, just like naltrexone. Side effects of acamprosate include diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, vomiting, headaches and dyspepsia (indigestion and an upset stomach).
Non-FDA Approved Medications
The doctor may give the patient a medication that is not approved by the FDA but has clinical evidence to support an off-label prescription. These medications have other purposes, which can help a patient with multiple conditions. For example, fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, is recommended for an alcoholic who also has depression, according to the AAFP. Other off-label options include nalmefene, which is used for opiate overdoses; ondansetron, which treats nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy; and topiramate, an anticonvulsant.
