Description
Indications
Campral is a medication used to help maintain sobriety in adults who are dependent on alcohol and are no longer drinking it. The active ingredient in Campral is acamprosate calcium, which works by restoring balance in the brain after a person stops drinking alcohol.
Campral is available in the form of oral tablets, with each tablet containing 333 mg of acamprosate calcium (equivalent to 300 mg of acamprosate). It is used in combination with behavioral therapy to help prevent relapse. It helps reduce the craving for alcohol and can be an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Uses and Dosage
Campral is available in the form of oral tablets, to be taken by mouth with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider, usually three times a day. Swallow the tablet whole, and do not crush or chew it. Take Campral regularly at the same times each day, to receive the maximum benefit from it.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. If you begin drinking alcohol again, continue to take this medication and tell your doctor promptly. As with any medication, follow the instructions and guidance of your healthcare provider, and report any side effects or concerns promptly.
The dosage will be based on your medical condition and response to treatment, and your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with more specific instructions. However, the usual recommended dose is 2 tablets (total of 666 mg) by mouth three times a day. Your dose may differ if you have kidney problems.
Side effect
Common Side Effects of Campral (Acamprosate):
- Anxiety
- Depressed mood
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry
- Dry mouth
- GasGas
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Itching
- Joint or muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingly feeling
- Pain or weakness
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Sweating
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Campral (Acamprosate):
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Burning, prickling, or tingling in arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Chest pains
- Depression
- Fluttering in your chest
- Mood or behavior changes
- Passing urine less often
- Pounding heartbeats
- Severe anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Swelling in your hands or feet
Form and Strength
Campral (Acamprosate) is available in the following forms and strength:
Campral: Tablet
- 333 mg
Acamprosate Calcium: Tablet
- 333 mg
Caution
- Patients should only take Campral under the supervision of a doctor.
- Campral is not a cure for alcohol dependence and should be used in conjunction with counseling and support.
- The safety of using Campral during pregnancy or while breastfeeding has not been established. Consult a doctor before taking Campral in these circumstances.
- It is important to discuss all medications, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, with a doctor before taking Campral.
- Campral does not reduce the effects of alcohol and should not be taken with alcohol.
- Common side effects of Campral include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- Campral should not be taken by individuals with severe kidney problems.
- There is limited data on the safety and efficacy of Campral in individuals under 18 years of age.
- Patients should report any unusual side effects or allergic reactions to Campral to their doctor immediately.
- Campral may interact with certain medications, including those affecting the kidneys or the central nervous system.
- Patients with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts should be carefully monitored when taking Campral.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long can you continue to take acamprosate?
There’s no set length of treatment time for acamprosate. You should work closely with your care team to determine how long you should continue treatment.
Is Campral addictive?
No, Campral is not addictive.
Can Campral be taken with other medications?
Discuss all medications, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, with a doctor before taking Campral.
How long does Campral take to work?
Campral may take several weeks to produce its full effect.
Can Campral be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
The safety of using Campral during pregnancy or while breastfeeding has not been established. Consult a doctor before taking Campral in these circumstances.
Can Campral be taken with alcohol?
Campral does not reduce the effects of alcohol and should not be taken with alcohol.
Is Campral a cure for alcohol dependence?
There is no known cure for alcohol dependence, but Campral may be used along with counseling and support to help manage alcohol dependence.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/acamprosate/what-is#faqs
- https://www.verywellmind.com/campral-treatment-for-alcoholism-67513#toc-side-effects
- https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-medications/campral
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-92241/campral-oral/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021431s013lbl.pdf
- https://www.drugs.com/campral.html
- https://www.rxlist.com/campral-drug.htm
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