Detox Los Angeles logo
Login

What side effects did you get on Antabuse and did they fade?

Posted by emberfield208 on August 10, 2026

Original post

I started Antabuse about three weeks ago and the first few days were rough, with a pounding headache and unusual tiredness by mid afternoon most days. My skin also broke out a bit around my jawline, which I didn't expect from a medication like this. Has anyone else dealt with these and did they ease up after the first month, or is this pretty much how it stays the whole time you're on it?

2 replies

  • willowcreek934Marked as the answer
    The headaches and fatigue you're describing sound almost exactly like my first two or three weeks on Antabuse. For me they faded out gradually, and by week four the headaches were rare and the tiredness only showed up on nights I hadn't slept well anyway. The skin issue is one I haven't heard from others, so that might be worth flagging to your doctor just to rule out anything else going on, but the classic fatigue and headache combo does seem to settle down for most people I've talked to in my program.
  • cinderpath1462
    I only made it about two weeks on Antabuse before switching medications, so I can't speak to the long term fade, but early on I had similar headaches plus a metallic taste in my mouth that was honestly worse than the headache. My counselor mentioned that reactions can vary a lot from person to person and encouraged me to bring any new or worsening symptoms straight to my prescriber rather than just waiting them out. If your fatigue or headaches get more intense instead of easing, that's the kind of thing worth a call rather than pushing through alone.

Add your reply

Peer support only, not medical advice. Crisis posts are reviewed first.