Acamprosate
About Acamprosate
Acamprosate belongs to a group of drugs known as psychiatric agents. It is used to treat alcohol addiction. Psychosis is a condition that affects the way your brain processes information. It causes you to lose touch with reality. A mental or physical illness, substance abuse, or extreme stress or trauma can cause it. In alcohol addiction the person not being able to stop drinking when he/she has started and wants to drink more alcohol to feel the same result.
Acamprosate contains Acamprosate that works by stabilizing the chemicals (substances) in your brain that were damaged due to unnecessary use of alcohol. Because alcohol enters the brain's reward system, there is a greater possibility for people to act on impulses when they drink.
Take Acamprosate as prescribed. You are advised to take Acamprosate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. You may experience certain common side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, decreased libido (sexual desire), itching, and flatulence (passing gas from the digestive system out of the back passage). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
If you are known to be allergic to Acamprosate or any other medicines, please inform your doctor. Before taking Acamprosate, let your doctor know if you have liver disease or kidney disease. If you are taking any other medicine, then contact your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, or trying for a baby. If you are a breastfeeding mother immediately contact your doctor.
Uses of Acamprosate
Medicinal Benefits
Acamprosate belongs to a group of drugs known as psychiatric agents. It is used to treat alcohol addiction. Acamprosate works by stabilizing the chemicals (substances) in your brain that were damaged due to unnecessary use of alcohol. Because alcohol enters the brain's reward system, there is a greater possibility for people to act on impulses when they drink. Acamprosate can be useful along with treatment if you are concerned that cravings for alcohol may cause you to drink once again. It acts in your brain to decrease your need to drink alcohol. It is used to help keep you free from alcohol.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Acamprosate
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Decreased libido (sexual desire)
- Itching
- Flatulence (passing gas from the digestive system out of the back passage)
Drug Warnings
If you are known to be allergic to Acamprosate or any other medicines, please inform your doctor. Before taking Acamprosate, let your doctor know if you have liver disease, kidney disease. If you are taking any other medicine, then contact your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying for a baby. If you are a breastfeeding mother immediately contact your doctor. This Acamprosate may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using alcohol. It may also cause a few people to have suicidal thoughts and or to become more depressed. If you notice any of these unwanted effects, inform your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: No interactions reported in clinical trials.
Drug-Food interactions: Do not use alcohol-containing foods like vinegar and sauces.
Drug-Disease interactions: Acamprosate may have interactions with severe kidney disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid drinking alcohol while taking Acamprosate. If you have a drink of alcohol, inform your doctor
Pregnancy
cautionThis Acamprosate should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown if this Acamprosate passes into breast milk. Inform your doctor before breast-feeding.
Driving
cautionAcamprosate causes dizziness as a side effect. Therefore, drive with caution.
Liver
safe if prescribedPatients with liver damage can safely take the Acamprosate because Acamprosate is not metabolized in the liver.
Kidney
unsafeAcamprosate is not recommended in patients with a history of kidney diseases because serious side effects could occur.
Children
unsafeThe safety and efficacy of Acamprosate have not been recognized in the children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Acamprosate is only effective after you have totally stopped drinking alcohol.
- Do not use alcohol-containing foods like vinegar and sauces.
- Inform your doctor if you notice unexpected changes in mood or develop suicidal thoughts.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Psychosis: It is a condition that affects the way your brain processes information. It causes you to lose touch with reality. You might see, hear, or believe things that are not real. Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness. A mental or physical illness, substance abuse, or extreme stress or trauma can cause it.
Alcohol addiction: It is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking of alcohol. In this the person not being able to stop drinking when he/she has started and wants to drink more alcohol to feel the same result. In alcohol addiction the person not being able to stop drinking when he/she has started and wants to drink more alcohol to feel the same result.
FAQs
Acamprosate is used to treat alcohol addiction.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. Immediately go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened. Take the container with you even if this is empty.
Acamprosate is not addictive when given at prescribed dose and duration as advised by your doctor.
Do not stop Acamprosate without your doctor's advice. Sudden discontinuation may worsen the condition.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (with a snack). If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
Yes, Acamprosate cause dizziness as a side effect. In this condition do not drive and do not work anything that requires concentration.
Yes, Acamprosate is effective if taken as advised by the doctor without missing the doses of the treatment. It is only effective after completely stopping the intake of alcohol.
Acamprosate doesn’t get you high. It is mostly used to treat alcohol dependence. It may cause drowsiness, but not for everyone as it isn’t a sedative. Weight gain is not a side effect of Acamprosate, but it differs for everyone based on their health conditions. Please, consult the doctor if the side effects worsen or persist for longer durations.
