Compare Disulfiram: Alternatives, Side Effects, and What Works Best

When you're trying to quit drinking, disulfiram, a medication that causes unpleasant reactions when mixed with alcohol. Also known as Antabuse, it's been used for decades to help people stay sober by making drinking feel unbearable. It doesn't reduce cravings like some other drugs — instead, it creates a strong physical deterrent. If you drink alcohol while taking disulfiram, you'll likely get a nasty reaction: flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, and sometimes dangerous drops in blood pressure. It’s not for everyone, but for some, that fear of feeling sick is exactly what they need to stay off alcohol.

Disulfiram is just one tool in the toolbox for alcohol dependence treatment, a medical approach to helping people stop or reduce harmful drinking. Others include naltrexone, which blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol, and acamprosate, which helps stabilize brain chemistry after quitting. Then there’s topiramate and baclofen — off-label options some doctors use when standard choices don’t work. Each has different side effects, dosing schedules, and success rates. Disulfiram requires strict daily use and total alcohol avoidance. Naltrexone can be taken as a daily pill or monthly shot. Acamprosate needs to be taken three times a day. None of them are magic bullets, but they work better when paired with counseling or support groups.

If you’ve tried quitting on your own and kept relapsing, disulfiram might make sense — if you’re ready to commit. But if you’re still unsure about giving up alcohol completely, or if you’re worried about side effects like drowsiness, liver issues, or depression, other options might be safer. The key is matching the drug to your lifestyle, health, and goals. Some people do better with a medication that reduces cravings. Others need the fear factor of disulfiram to stay on track. And some need both meds and therapy to rebuild their lives.

Below, you’ll find detailed comparisons of disulfiram with other treatments, real stories from people who’ve used it, and clear breakdowns of how each drug works, what to watch out for, and which one might fit your situation best. No fluff. Just facts you can use.