Acamprosate

Acamprosate For Alcoholism Treatment

Acamprosate (often referred to by the brand name Campral) is one of three medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of alcoholism. Acamprosate is likely the most used medication in the United States for alcohol abuse treatment and is even more common in dozens of countries around the world.

Unlike other alcohol treatment medications which either reduce the pleasurable impacts of alcohol or create deterring side effects from alcohol use, Acamprosate reduces the brain’s dependence on alcohol. Alcohol use changes the chemistry and functioning of the brain, and these changes become more severe the longer an addiction lasts and the more severe it becomes. When alcohol is no longer entering the body, the brain is no longer able to function in the same way that it has. This leads to cravings as the body enters alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal can be extremely painful, and in some extreme cases, even fatal.

Acamprosate reacts with the neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Although the exact mechanism by the which Acamprosate 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 gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) systems. Some of the other benefits of Acamprosate are that it reduces symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness.

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.

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Proper Use Of Acamprosate

Acamprosate should be prescribed only after the patient has ceased alcohol use and gone through initial 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 alone is not enough to treat alcoholism, and it should be combined with therapy and potentially other medications.

Acamprosate is taken orally three times a day. It can be taken with or without food, although many users choose to take it with meals because it easier to remember to take if it is part of the breakfast, lunch, and dinner rituals. 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 often taken in conjuction with other alcoholism medications such as Naltrexone and Disulfiram. Studies have shown that this increases the effectiveness of Acamprosate, though not necessarily the effectiveness of the other medications.

Side Effects Of Acamprosate

Most side effects of Acamprosate are mild and subside the longer treatment continues. It is this comparative lack of side effects that make the drug a more popular choice than alternatives. This is especially the case when it comes to liver related side effects. However, there are a number of side effects, some of which are potentially very serious.

Benefits of Acamprosate

• Absorbed through the digestive tract rather than the liver, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects for patients with liver damage.
• Fewer, generally less severe, and less prevalent side effects than other medications.
• No known drug interactions with other medications or substances.
• Actively reduces cravings for and dependence on alcohol, by reacting with neurotransmitters in the brain, rather than reducing the pleasurable impacts of alcohol or creating negative side effects from alcohol use.

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Get Help For Alcoholism Today

Although Acamprosate has proven very effective in the treatment of alcoholism, it is not enough on its own. Before Acamprosate can be prescribed, the patient needs to have already gone through initial withdrawal and detox. If you or a loved one need help battling alcoholism, please get help now. Contact a treatment provider today to find rehab facility options.