Acamprosate For Alcohol Use Disorder

How Is Acamprosate Used For Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

Acamprosate (also known by the brand name Campral) is one of three medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). It is associated with a reduction in alcohol cravings and an increased rate of abstinence because it impacts the glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) systems in the brain.

Acamprosate is often taken in conjunction with other alcoholism medications such as naltrexone and disulfiram. Studies have shown that alcohol cessation is most effective when acamprosate is taken with naltrexone.

How Does Acamprosate Work?

Acamprosate reacts with the neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Although the exact mechanism by which it works is not fully understood, the drug helps modulate and normalize brain activity that has been thrown into disarray by the cessation of alcohol use. In particular, acamprosate impacts the glutamate and GABA systems. Some of the other benefits of acamprosate are that it reduces symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness.

Unlike aversive medications such as disulfiram, if a person relapses while taking acamprosate, they do not need to stop taking the medication. Acamprosate is usually started immediately after alcohol withdrawal (detox). Unlike alternative alcoholism treatment medications, acamprosate is broken down by the digestive tract instead of the liver. This makes the drug advantageous to those dealing with liver-related health concerns caused by alcoholism.

Dosage

The usual acamprosate dosage is two 333 mg tablets (666 mg) taken three times a day. Acamprosate is most typically prescribed for a period of one year, although many users take it for shorter or longer periods of time. Acamprosate is usually prescribed for up to six months in duration, but it can be taken longer if the individual is benefiting from this medication.

Acamprosate should be prescribed only after the patient has ceased alcohol use and gone through initial alcohol detox. As a prescription medication, acamprosate should only be used under the guidance of a physician. It is not advisable to take acamprosate while pregnant or if you suffer from kidney issues. Acamprosate should be used in conjunction with therapy and other medications in an alcohol treatment program.

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

If you miss a dose of acamprosate, don’t panic, and take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next dose. If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as planned. Do not double the dose.

Side Effects Of Acamprosate

Most side effects of acamprosate are mild and tend to subside the longer the treatment continues. However, there are several side effects, some of which are potentially very serious. Side effects can include:

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Who Is Acamprosate Appropriate For?

Acamprosate is a medication used to help manage alcohol use disorder by reducing alcohol cravings. It should be used for people who want to stop drinking altogether and become abstinent, rather than cutting down on alcohol or drinking less. It should be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities, such as psychotherapy approaches and medications such as naltrexone. Acamprosate is a prescription medication and, therefore, should be prescribed by a licensed medical clinician.

Treatment For Alcohol Use Disorder

If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, a comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment program can provide psychotherapy modalities and treatment medication like acamprosate to help you recover.

If you or a loved one needs help battling alcoholism, help is available. Contact a treatment provider or visit our rehab directory today to explore the many rehab options available to you.