Disulfiram is a medication used to treat chronic alcoholism. It works by blocking the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which is responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. When alcohol is consumed while taking disulfiram, acetaldehyde builds up in the body, causing a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including:
- Flushing of the face
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Mental confusion
- Sweating
- Choking
- Breathing difficulty
- Anxiety
These symptoms typically begin within 10 minutes of alcohol consumption and can last for several hours.