What is Acamprosate?
Acamprosate helps people with alcohol use disorder who have stopped drinking alcohol already to maintain their ability not to drink again.
Doctors prescribe Acamprosate tablets along with behavioural therapy and social support to help people prevent an urge to drink alcohol.
However, Acamprosate will not prevent the withdrawal symptoms which you might experience after stopping alcohol consumption.
Acamprosate is sold under the brand name Campral. After a doctor’s prescription, you can buy this medicine from licensed pharmacies.
How does Acamprosate work?
Acamprosate tablets belong to a class of medicines known as Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Analog.
Acamprosate works by restoring the balance of chemicals in the brain that might have changed during the years you have been consuming alcohol.
How to take Acamprosate?
Acamprosate comes as a delayed-release tablet, which is taken by mouth. You can take this medicine with or without food three times a day.
Swallow the tablet as a whole, and do not crush, split, or chew it. Acamprosate will help you to prevent alcohol consumption only as long as you take it.
Even if you do not think you are likely to start alcohol consumption again, continue taking the Acamprosate tablet. Without a doctor’s recommendation, do not stop taking this medicine.
What are the Side effects of Acamprosate?
Most side effects of Acamprosate do not require medical attention as they disappear once your body adjusts to the medicine.
Some common side effects of Acamprosate tablet include:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Dry mouth
- Itching of skin
- Excessive gas in the stomach
- Sleep disturbances
- Drowsiness
Seek medical help if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
What are the Drug interactions for Acamprosate?
Inform the doctor about all other prescription & non-prescription medicines and herbal supplements you take to avoid drug interactions.
All medicines interact differently from person to person. Check all the possible interactions with your doctor before taking Acamprosate.
What are the Precautions and warnings for Acamprosate?
- Doctors do not prescribe Acamprosate for people who are allergic to it and for children below 18 years of age.
- Before starting treatment with Acamprosate tablet, inform the doctor about your medical history, such as kidney and liver disease.
- Do not take Acamprosate unless it is recommended to you by a doctor or a healthcare provider.
- Meet your doctor immediately if you notice sudden changes in your mood or develop suicidal thoughts.
Frequently asked questions about Acamprosate (FAQs)
Is Acamprosate addictive or a narcotic?
Acamprosate is not addictive when taken in the prescribed dose and duration as the doctor advises. You should know that Acamprosate is not a narcotic.
How long does Acamprosate take to show effects in the body?
You can experience the peak effect of the Acamprosate tablet within 3 to 8 hours.
Can Acamprosate tablets make you drowsy or cause weight gain?
These side effects are uncommon and rare with Acamprosate tablets. However, if you experience one or more such symptoms, stop the medicine and consult your doctor immediately.
How to store Acamprosate tablets?
You can store Acamprosate tablets at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
