Which of the following is a possible symptom of a disulfiram-alcohol reaction?

Which of the following is a possible symptom of a disulfiram-alcohol reaction?

• A. Headache only
• B. Respiratory difficulty
• C. Numbness
• D. Euphoria

Answer: (B)

Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, so when alcohol is consumed, acetaldehyde accumulates and causes an aversive reaction. This can include flushing, sweating, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, low blood pressure, and sometimes respiratory difficulty due to airway irritation or bronchospasm in susceptible individuals. Respiratory difficulty is a recognized possible symptom of this reaction, making it the best match among the options. Headache can occur, but “headache only” is not typical; numbness isn’t characteristic; and euphoria would not be expected in a disulfiram–alcohol reaction.

Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, so when alcohol is consumed, acetaldehyde accumulates and causes an aversive reaction. This can include flushing, sweating, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, low blood pressure, and sometimes respiratory difficulty due to airway irritation or bronchospasm in susceptible individuals. Respiratory difficulty is a recognized possible symptom of this reaction, making it the best match among the options. Headache can occur, but “headache only” is not typical; numbness isn’t characteristic; and euphoria would not be expected in a disulfiram–alcohol reaction.