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Multiple Choice

Which drug is an antidipsotropic used to deter drinking by causing unpleasant effects if alcohol is consumed?

An antidipsotropic drug works by making any alcohol you drink cause unpleasant effects, so it deters future drinking. Disulfiram does this by blocking the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. When someone drinks alcohol while taking it, acetaldehyde builds up in the body and triggers a cluster of aversive symptoms such as flushing, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, and low blood pressure. These uncomfortable reactions are intended to motivate ongoing abstinence. This approach requires strict adherence and careful avoidance of any alcohol-containing products, including hidden sources like certain mouthwashes, cough syrups, and some foods. It can also carry risks like liver toxicity and drug interactions, so it isn’t suitable for everyone. Naltrexone helps reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol by blocking opioid receptors, but it doesn’t produce aversive reactions. Methadone and buprenorphine are opioid medications used for opioid use disorder, not deterrents to drinking. Therefore, the antidipsotropic described is disulfiram.

An antidipsotropic drug works by making any alcohol you drink cause unpleasant effects, so it deters future drinking. Disulfiram does this by blocking the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. When someone drinks alcohol while taking it, acetaldehyde builds up in the body and triggers a cluster of aversive symptoms such as flushing, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, and low blood pressure. These uncomfortable reactions are intended to motivate ongoing abstinence. This approach requires strict adherence and careful avoidance of any alcohol-containing products, including hidden sources like certain mouthwashes, cough syrups, and some foods. It can also carry risks like liver toxicity and drug interactions, so it isn’t suitable for everyone. Naltrexone helps reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol by blocking opioid receptors, but it doesn’t produce aversive reactions. Methadone and buprenorphine are opioid medications used for opioid use disorder, not deterrents to drinking. Therefore, the antidipsotropic described is disulfiram.