• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

What is acamprosate?
Acamprosate affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced in patients with alcohol dependence. Acamprosate is used to help people with alcohol dependence quit drinking alcohol. Acamprosate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

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What are the possible side effects of acamprosate?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking acamprosate and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• an irregular heartbeat or pulse;

• low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);

• high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);

• chills or fever;

• unusual bleeding or bruising;

• a rash or hives.

If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking acamprosate and talk to your doctor:

• headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;

• stomach pain, constipation, increased appetite, weight gain;

• amnesia, abnormal thinking, tremor, flushing;

• abnormal vision, difficulty tasting; or

• decreased sex drive or impotence.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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How should I take acamprosate?
Take acamprosate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with water. Acamprosate may be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking acamprosate without first talking to your doctor. It is important to take acamprosate regularly to get the most benefit. Store acamprosate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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What is the most important information I should know about acamprosate?
Acamprosate may impair judgement, thinking, or motor skills. Do not operate hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until you are reasonably certain that acamprosate does not affect your ability to engage in such activities.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

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What other drugs will affect acamprosate?
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Acamprosate has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of genotoxicity, but have revealed possible cases of teratogenicity. However, it is difficult to ascertain if these cases were a result of acamprosate therapy or ethyl alcohol ingestion. Animal studies have also shown an increased incidence of still-born fetuses. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. The manufacturer recommends acamprosate be used during pregnancy only when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.

Studies have shown acamprosate to be teratogenic in rats when administered in doses equivalent to human doses, and in rabbits when administered in doses equivalent to three times the human dose.

There are no data on the excretion of acamprosate into human milk. The manufacturer recommends the use of caution when administering acamprosate to nursing women.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to acamprosate or any ingredient in the formulation.
• Severe renal impairment (Cl_cr <30mL/minute).

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What does my medication look like?
Acamprosate is available with a prescription generically and under the brand name Campral. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a acamprosate overdose may include diarrhea.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acamprosate?
Acamprosate has been shown to help alcohol dependent patients to not start drinking again only when it is used as part of a treatment program that includes counseling and support. Continue taking acamprosate even if you start drinking again. Discuss the fact that you have started drinking again with your doctor if this happens. While you are taking acamprosate monitor for symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment with acamprosate. Do not stop taking acamprosate without first talking to your healthcare provider.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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