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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by NikkiT2 on November 24, 2003, at 12:47:02
I've just found out that a good friend of mine took a massive overdose if Antabuse mixed with alcohol last night.
He is still in a coma, but breathing for himself at the moment, but doctors say it is very much touch and go.. But they are not sure of any long term damage that might be done (My brother has power of attorny for him, which is why I know the details)Does anyone know the long term prognosis for this??
<I>*sighing*</i>
Nikki xx
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 24, 2003, at 14:57:10
In reply to Disulfiram / Antabuse overdose, posted by NikkiT2 on November 24, 2003, at 12:47:02
I believe Antabuse works by preventing the body from being able to break down alcohol correctly, such that even small amounts of alcohol can make someone very ill. That's a very painful way to choose to kill oneself.
I've never heard of someone doing that and I don't have any answers for you, but I will add your friend to my prayers. If he makes it, please make him understand that he's incredibly lucky to be given a 2nd chance, instead of thinking that he is a failure at committing suicide on top of everything else.
I'm glad he has friends that care. :)
KDi in TX
> I've just found out that a good friend of mine took a massive overdose if Antabuse mixed with alcohol last night.
> He is still in a coma, but breathing for himself at the moment, but doctors say it is very much touch and go.. But they are not sure of any long term damage that might be done (My brother has power of attorny for him, which is why I know the details)
>
> Does anyone know the long term prognosis for this??
>
> <I>*sighing*</i>
>
> Nikki xx
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 24, 2003, at 15:04:20
In reply to Disulfiram / Antabuse overdose, posted by NikkiT2 on November 24, 2003, at 12:47:02
<googled>
KNOWN SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSAGE AND PARTICULARS OF ITS TREATMENT:
A severe reaction is likely to occur when an overdose of Antabuse and alcohol is taken. Psychotic reactions, such as depressive psychosis (with suicidal tendencies), paranoia, paranoid schizophrenia, mania and Korsakoff's psychosis have been reported as well as a few fatalities. No specific treatment for severe Antabuse-alcohol reactions has yet been developed. The treatment of shock and electrolyte imbalance is most commonly used.
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 24, 2003, at 15:06:44
In reply to Disulfiram / Antabuse overdose, posted by NikkiT2 on November 24, 2003, at 12:47:02
<googled>
Disulfiram (Antabuse) plus even small amounts of alcohol produces flushing, throbbing in head and neck, throbbing headache, respiratory difficulty, nausea, copious vomiting, sweating, thirst, chest pain, palpitation, dyspnea, hyperventilation, tachycardia, hypotension, syncope, marked uneasiness, weakness, vertigo, blurred vision, and confusion. In severe reactions, there may be respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, acute congestive heart failure, unconsciousness, convulsions, and death. The intensity of the reaction may vary with each individual but is generally proportional to the amount of disulfiram and alcohol ingested. In the sensitive individual, mild reactions may occur when the blood alcohol concentration is increased to as little as 5 to 10 mg/100 mL. At a concentration of 50 mg/100 mL symptoms are usually fully developed, and when the concentration reaches 125 to 150 mg/100 mL unconsciousness may occur.
The duration of the reaction is variable, from 30 to 60 minutes in mild cases, up to several hours in more severe cases or as long as there is alcohol remaining in the blood. In severe reactions, supportive measures to restore blood pressure and treat shock should be instituted. Other measures such as the administration of oxygen or carbogen (95% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide), massive i.v. doses of vitamin C (1 g), ephedrine sulfate, or antihistamines i.v. might be indicated. Potassium levels should be monitored particularly in patients on digitalis since hypokalemia has been reported.
Posted by T_R_D on November 24, 2003, at 17:27:57
In reply to Disulfiram / Antabuse overdose, posted by NikkiT2 on November 24, 2003, at 12:47:02
Oh boy...that's heavy. Hang in there...my thoughts are with you.
Karen
This is the end of the thread.
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