Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 2/17/2008

Question
My husband is an alcoholic and is in on detox in a phyciatric hospital at the momemnt. He was antibuse about 15 years ago and managed to give up alcohol. But here in England now doctors have told us they do not use this drug anymore because it can cause heart attacks. Is this true? Or should we attempt to buy this drug privately?

Answer
Dear Jane

Yes, it can cause heart failure especially when taken with lots of alcohol. However, this is not common and it is still used in Australia and the US who tend to be more cautious with drugs than they are in the UK. I am surprised it has been withdrawn in the UK as the benefits outweigh the risks.

There are another two newer drugs that have been successful and he may wish to try them, they are acamprosate and naltrexone.

I wish him success.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith