Acamprosate
Generic name: acamprosate calcium
Brand name: Campral (discontinued)
Dosage form: oral delayed-release tablet
Drug class:Drugs used in alcohol dependence
What is acamprosate?
Acamprosate calcium is a prescription medication that helps people who are dependent on alcohol to abstain from drinking it. It is used along with psychosocial support and helps to prevent the cravings and urge to drink alcohol that people with alcohol use disorder experience.
Drinking alcohol alters the balance of the chemical messengers or neurotransmitters in your brain. Acamprosate works by helping to restore the balance of these neurotransmitters.
Acamprosate is similar in structure - an analog of - a chemical messenger that you make called GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid). Acamprosate is thought it work like GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that produces a calming effect on your body by blocking messages sent between nerve cells in your brain. Acamprosate is also an analog of taurine and is thought to also work by restoring the activity of an excitatory neurotransmitter or chemical messenger called glutamate.
In 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a branded version of acamprosate calcium called Campral. Campral has since been discontinued, but generic versions of acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets are available.
What is acamprosate used for?
Acamprosate is used for the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation. Acamprosate should be used as part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support.
Acamprosate is not used to help the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Important information
- Before starting treatment with acamprosate you must have stopped drinking alcohol.
- If you relapse and start drinking alcohol, continue to take acamprosate and see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. In the event of a relapse, treatment with acamprosate should be continued.
- Do not stop taking acamprosate, even when you feel better. Talk with your healthcare provider about how long you should take acamprosate for.
- Missing doses of acamprosate may increase your chances of relapsing.
- If you have kidney problems you may need lower doses and need blood tests while using acamprosate. If you have severe kidney problems acamprosate may not be right for you.
- People with substance use disorders are at a higher risk for depression and suicidal thoughts. If you experience any thoughts of self-harm, call 911 or go to your closest emergency room.
- Acamprosate should be used in combination with counseling and other support.
Who should not take acamprosate?
Do not take acamprosate if you are allergic to acamprosate calcium or any of the other ingredients in it. Do not use acamprosate if you have severe renal impairment.
What should I tell my doctor before taking acamprosate?
Before taking acamprostate tell your healt...
