acamprosate
Acamprosate is a first-choice medication used to treat alcohol use disorder in adults who've already stopped drinking. It's a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor modulator that works by balancing chemicals in the brain to minimize the desire to drink. Acamprosate is taken by mouth, typically three times a day. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, trouble sleeping, and nervousness. Brand name Campral has been discontinued; acamprosate is only available as a generic.
What is Acamprosate?
What is Acamprosate used for?
Maintain abstinence from alcohol in alcohol use disorder
How Acamprosate works
Acamprosate is a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor modulator. The exact way it works isn't well-understood. But it's thought to lower alcohol cravings by balancing certain chemicals in the brain, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Acamprosate?
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea (16%)
- Trouble sleeping (7%)
- Nervousness or anxiety (6%)
- Physical weakness or lack of energy (6%)
- Depression (5%)
Other Side Effects
- Nausea
- Gas
- Dry mouth
- Itchiness
- Sweating
- Accidental injury
Serious Side Effects
- Depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior
Source: DailyMed
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The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Symptoms of Overdose
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Abdominal pain
confusion
headache
incoherent speech
increased urination
metallic taste
muscle weakness
thirst
unusual tiredness
vomiting
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More Common
Discouragement
feeling sad
irritability
lack of appetite
lack or loss of strength
loss of interest or pleasure
nervousness
tiredness
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Acamprosate
Pros
A first-choice treatment option for alcohol use disorder
Possible option for people with liver problems
Available as a lower-cost generic
Not many known interactions with other medications
Cons
Taken three times a day
Won't treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
Possible risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems
Pharmacist tips for Acamprosate
Typically, acamprosate is taken by mouth three times a day. You can take this medication with or without food. But if you eat three meals a day, taking it with your meals can help you remember to take it.
Discuss with your healthcare team what your treatment for alcohol use disorder looks like. Typically, acamprosate is prescribed as a part of a holistic treatment plan that also involves support groups and therapy.
You can continue taking acamprosate if you relapse and have a drink. Let your healthcare team know about what happened so they can help you prevent future relapses by identifying and avoiding triggers.
Let your healthcare team know if you experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal like tremors, trouble sleeping, and anxiety. Acamprosate isn't likely to ease symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and you might need more medical attention.
Tell your prescriber if you become pregnant or are breastfeeding during treatment with acamprosate. There isn't enough information to know whether this medication causes harm to babies. But it's important that you continue to get help for alcohol use disorder during pregnancy and while you're nursing. Your healthcare team can talk with you about possible options.
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Frequently asked questions about Acamprosate
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What are the risks and warnings for Acamprosate?
Acamprosate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Suicidal thoughts and behavior
Though not common, people who took acamprosate in clinical studies had higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behavior than those treated with placebo. People who experienced suicidal ideations and thoughts of self-harm often did so during alcohol relapse. It's important that you work closely with members of your care team throughout your alcohol recovery process. Report signs of worsening mood or thoughts of self-harm. Tell your loved ones and family members to watch for changes in your behavior. They should report unusual behavior to your prescriber if appropriate.
Kidney problems
Your kidneys are responsible for clearing acamprosate from your body. The medication can build up in your body if your kidneys aren't working well. People who have mild kidney problems might be instructed to take half of the usual recommended dose. People with severe kidney problems shouldn't use acamprosate.
Might not help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Research suggests acamprosate might not help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This medication is meant to be started after you've already quit drinking alcohol and have gone through the initial alcohol withdrawal phase. But you can continue treatment with acamprosate if you've had a relapse. Check in regularly with your healthcare team so they can provide you with the support and resources needed to maintain recovery.
Acamprosate dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 333mg | 180 tablets | $46.95 | $0.26 |
Typical dosing for Acamprosate
Each tablet contains 333 mg of acamprosate.
Adults: The typical dose is 2 tablets by mouth three times a day. Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.
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Interactions between Acamprosate and other drugs
More on Acamprosate interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Acamprosate cost?
Acamprosate contraindications
Severe kidney problems
What are alternatives to Acamprosate?
Maintain abstinence from alcohol in alcohol use disorder
What is the latest news about Acamprosate?
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References
Best studies we foundKampman, K. M., et al. (2009). Initiating acamprosate within-detoxification versus post-detoxification in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Addictive Behaviors.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2009). Chapter 2–Acamprosate. Incorporating Alcohol Pharmacotherapies Into Medical Practice.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2015). Medication for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A brief guide.
Witkiewitz, K., et al. (2012). Acamprosate for treatment of alcohol dependence: Mechanisms, efficacy, and clinical utility. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management.
Zydus Lifesciences Limited. (2023). Acamprosate calcium tablet, delayed release [package insert]. DailyMed.
Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. (2023). Acamprosate calcium tablet, delayed release [package insert]. DailyMed.
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