Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 3/8/2004

Question
IS THERE A MEDICATION TO HELP REDUCE ANXIETY AND STRESS FOR SOMEONE WITH A DRINKING PROBLEM , WHO WANTS TO TAKE ANTABUSE IN ORDER NOT TO DRINK ?

CAN YOU TAKE AN ANXIETY MEDICATION ALONG WITH ANTABUSE ?

IS THERE ANOTHER MEDICATION TO TAKE OTHER THAN ANTBUSE ?

Answer
Dear Barbara

I forgot in my previous memo to tell you that the drug naltexone which has been used to treat heroin addiction is also very often successful in the treatment of alcoholism. It does not have the same problems as Antabuse and takes away the desire from alcohol.

Dear Barbara

There is another drug completely unlike Antabuse called acamprosate (this is a generic name, trade names may vary in different countries). which can be used. However, it is only useful after the initial withdrawal of the alcohol. It does not cause vomiting with alcohol therefore does not involve avoidance therapy. It appears to take away the desire for alcohol. There is no really strong reason why an antianxiety medication cannot be taken with  antabuse, either Valium or one called chlormethiazole which is often used to treat the anxiety of alcohol withdrawal.

This treatment should only be instigated by a practitioner experienced in drug addictions.

I hope this answers your question.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith