Disulfiram-induced psychosis still an important clinical entity: A case series

Abstract

Disulfiram, an FDA-approved medication for treating alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS), is often used surreptitiously, resulting in severe adverse drug reactions such as disulfiram-induced psychosis (DIP). DIP presents diagnostic challenges, despite being perceived as common; however, there is limited literature available on DIP in India. We describe four cases with a history of psychosis in the background of disulfiram exposure. Our four male patients, aged 30–46 years old, had a history of ADS ranging from 7 to 16 years. They developed DIP after 5–15 days of exposure to disulfiram in doses ranging from 500 to 750 mg. In all cases, disulfiram was administered surreptitiously based on advice from non-experts. Predominant symptomatology included delusion, followed by perceptual disturbances. Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale was applied to establish disulfiram as the probable cause of psychosis in all cases. All patients responded to disulfiram discontinuation and a brief period of low-dose antipsychotic therapy within 7 days. The probability of DIP should be explored in a case of ADS presenting with an acute psychotic episode. Disulfiram, though an effective agent, should be used cautiously in selected cases at the recommended dose. Awareness building among family members may prevent and aid in the early detection of DIP.

Keywords

• adverse drug reaction
• alcohol dependence syndrome
• disulfiram
• disulfiram-ethanol reaction
• psychosis