PSYCHOTIC REACTIONS DURING TETRAETHYLTHIURAMDISULFIDE (ANTABUSE®) THERAPY

Abstract

In a recent series of 37 patients treated for chronic alcoholism with tetraethylthiuramdisulfide (antabuse®), we have noted six in whom transient psychotic reactions occurred. Early reports have not described this complication. Since the first clinical application in Denmark in 1948 by Hald, Jacobsen and Larsen,¹ great interest has been shown in this drug and the possibility of its release for general use.² Because numerous investigators have found the treatment not without danger, we wish to note the complication of transient psychotic reaction to aid further evaluation of this new therapy. Our use of tetraethylthiuramdisulfide in the psychiatric department of a private general hospital, following the general procedure and precautions outlined by Glud,³ is reported elsewhere.⁴ On admission, the patient is actively treated for complications and acute manifestations of alcoholism. His status is determined by psychiatric, neurological and physical examination, including urinalysis, complete blood cell count, serologic