If you have a turbulent relationship with alcohol, you may have heard of Antabuse – a medication that is designed to help promote abstinence. However, it can be difficult to know where to start, or even how to get the medication.
In this article, we will discuss exactly what is needed to get a prescription for Antabuse, and where you can get it from. We will cover:
- What Antabuse is
- How Antabuse works
- If Antabuse can be purchased over the counter
- How to get Antabuse: the process explained
- Insurance coverage for Antabuse.
Let’s get into it.
Can Antabuse Be Bought Over the Counter?
Yes. Antabuse can be brought from a pharmacy with a valid prescription. A pharmacist can help answer questions about common side effects, the treatment of alcoholism, and any other questions you may have about the medication.
How to Get Antabuse
Antabuse is a prescription medication, which can be purchased either in person or from online pharmacies.
There are a few steps that need to be taken before the medication can be purchased:
Medical Assessment
Your healthcare professional will ask you a series of questions about your healthand past alcohol use before prescribing you the medication, to make sure it is right for you.
They will likely ask you about your medical history, including if you have had:
- Mental illness
- Allergic reactions
- Severe reactions to other medications
- Liver disease including liver injury, and any liver function tests you may have had
- History of heart disease, including heart attacks and blood vessel disease
- Possible brain damage
- Underactive thyroid
- If you take any nonprescription drugs.
Prescription Process
Once meeting with your doctor, they will ask you about your recovery journey.
Before prescribing Antabuse, they may ask to run some medical tests such as laboratory tests and ask about your treatment goals.
Depending on other medical conditions they will prescribe you the right dosage of Antabuse which you can pick up at the pharmacy.
Dosages
Antabuse comes in a tablet form, which is taken once a day.
The dosage forms are either 250 mg or 500 mg. Your addiction specialist will be able to tell you exactly what dose is best for you.
Regular Follow-Ups
It is important to take the medication under medical supervision.
Although Antabuse is an effective deterrent and helps many people with alcohol addiction, it is not a treatment for alcohol cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
It is important to discuss your treatment with your doctor and let them know if you experience any unwanted side effects.
This will help promote long-term sobriety, and make the path to sobriety much smoother.
Insurance Coverage
Most health insurance will coverthe cost of Antabuse, at least in part.
There is also other financial support available to people who are looking to take the medication. This includes Medicaid coverage or other payment support.
Final Thoughts
Getting Antabuse requires a valid prescription from a healthcare professional.
When you meet with your doctor, they will ask you about your drinking along with your past medical history.
They may be required to run some simple tests to make sure the medication is safe for you to take, as well as the dosage you require.
Once you have this prescription, you can buy the medication from a pharmacy either in person or online.
It is useful to check your insurance coverage, as insurance providers often help to subsidize this cost.
