What is acamprosate?
Acamprosate affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced in a person who is addicted to alcohol. Acamprosate works by restoring this chemical balance in the brain in an alcohol-dependent person who has recently quit drinking.
Acamprosate is used to help a person who has recently quit drinking alcohol continue to choose not to drink (remain abstinent from alcohol). It is used together with behavior modification and counseling support to help you stop drinking.
Acamprosate is not likely to be helpful to a person who has not already quit drinking or undergone detoxification. It may not be helpful to a person who is also addicted to other substances besides alcohol.
Acamprosate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about acamprosate?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to acamprosate, or if you have severe kidney disease.
Acamprosate will not treat or prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Before you take acamprosate, tell your doctor if you have any type of kidney problem. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.
You may have thoughts about suicide while you are taking acamprosate. Tell your doctor if you feel depressed or have any suicidal thoughts or actions during treatment.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or behavior. Make sure your caregivers know how to contact your doctor in case you have mood changes or suicidal thoughts or actions.
Acamprosate can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time, even if you relapse and drink alcohol. While you are taking acamprosate, tell your doctor about any alcoholic drinks you consume, no matter how many.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acamprosate?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to acamprosate, or if you have severe kidney disease.
Acamprosate will not treat or prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Before you take acamprosate, tell your doctor if you have any type of kidney problem. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether acamprosate is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether acamprosate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
You may have thoughts about suicide while you are taking acamprosate. Tell your doctor if you feel depressed or have any suicidal thoughts or actions during treatment.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or behavior. Make sure your caregivers know how to contact your doctor in case you have mood changes or suicidal thoughts or actions.