Which psychiatric symptom is commonly associated with disulfiram use?

Disulfiram, commonly used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder, works by inhibiting the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. This leads to the accumulation of acetaldehyde when alcohol is consumed, causing unpleasant reactions that discourage drinking. Among the potential side effects of disulfiram, fatigue is particularly noteworthy. This symptom can result from the physiological stress related to the disulfiram-alcohol interaction and the body’s overall adjustment to the medication.

While hallucinations, paranoia, and obsessive thinking can occur in various psychiatric conditions or as side effects of other substances or medications, they are not commonly associated with disulfiram use. Fatigue, on the other hand, is a more expected reaction that patients may experience, reflecting the body’s response to the medication and its underlying mechanism of action. This understanding is important for clinicians to provide appropriate support and management for patients undergoing treatment with disulfiram, ensuring they recognize and address fatigue as a potential side effect.