Desperate measures of involuntary deaddiction: A case report of acute disulfiram poisoning

Authors

  • Nanma Livingstone Department of Psychiatry, Sree Uthradom Thirunal Academy of Medical Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
  • Arya Jith Department of Psychiatry, Sree Uthradom Thirunal Academy of Medical Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30834/KJP.37.1.2024.445

Keywords:

Disulfiram, direct toxic effects, adult, covert use

Abstract

Disulfiram is an effective deterrent drug for alcohol use in patients who have undergone detoxification and who are motivated to remain abstinent. Disulfiram poisoning is not common; only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Although most patients tolerate disulfiram well, severe toxic side effects have also been reported including hepatitis, encephalopathy, psychosis, optic neuropathy, and peripheral neuropathy. This is a case report of disulfiram toxicity in a 30-year-old man who developed mental status changes, pruritic rashes, and blurred vision after being given one gram of disulfiram per day covertly. He was managed conservatively and the symptoms subsided gradually. This case report highlights the importance of creating awareness about the dangers of covert administration of medications for alcohol use.

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References

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Published

05-08-2024

How to Cite

Livingstone, N., and A. Jith. “Desperate Measures of Involuntary Deaddiction: A Case Report of Acute Disulfiram Poisoning”. Kerala Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 37, no. 1, Aug. 2024, pp. 55-58, doi:10.30834/KJP.37.1.2024.445.

Issue

Section

Case Report