Uses
What is acamprosate used for?
Acamprosate is commonly used to help people with alcohol use disorder who have already stopped drinking maintain their ability not to drink.
Acamprosate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does acamprosate work (mechanism of action)?
Acamprosate may work by balancing certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that may have been changed by alcohol use over a long time.
How is acamprosate supplied (dosage forms)?
Acamprosate is available as 333 mg delayed-release oral tablets that are taken by mouth.
How should I store acamprosate?
Acamprosate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of acamprosate?
The most common side effects of acamprosate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Accidental injury
- Feeling weak or unusually tired
- Pain
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea, gas, nausea
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in your arms, feet, or face
- Itching
- Sweating
There may be other side effects of acamprosate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of acamprosate?
While less common, the most serious side effects of acamprosate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Acamprosate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking acamprosate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts and Depression. Acamprosate may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people taking it. Depression is an important cause of suicidal thoughts, especially in people with a history of alcohol use disorder. If you are about to hurt yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available at all times. Caregivers and family should also monitor people taking acamprosate for suicidal thoughts and depression. Call a healthcare provider right away if you or your loved one has any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use acamprosate?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take acamprosate.
- Acamprosate
- Campral
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific acamprosate products they stock.
Kidney Problems. Acamprosate should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.
What should I know about acamprosate before using it?
Do not take acamprosate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share acamprosate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep acamprosate out of the reach of children and pets.
While acamprosate may be taken with or without food, it is suggested to take with each meal if you routinely eat three meals a day. The tablets are delayed-release, so swallow them whole. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have trouble swallowing the medicine.
Acamprosate does not reduce or get rid of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
This medicine helps you not drink or not want to drink alcohol only if you are also in a treatment program that offers counseling and support. Acamprosate should be continued even if you begin to drink alcohol again or have the urge to drink alcohol again. Should this occur, you should call your healthcare provider.
Acamprosate can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how acamprosate affects you.
Acamprosate can be used for as long as you feel it is helping. Should you wish to stop acamprosate, call your healthcare provider.
People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from acamprosate. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are 65 or older.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using acamprosate?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if acamprosate is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider about any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Depression
- History of suicidal thoughts or attempts
- History of or ongoing substance use other than alcohol
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how acamprosate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take acamprosate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if acamprosate passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take acamprosate while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does acamprosate interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between acamprosate and foods or drinks.
There are no known interactions between acamprosate and alcohol.
Does acamprosate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between acamprosate and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much acamprosate?
If you or someone else has used too much acamprosate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of acamprosate?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Acamprosate?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.