apollo

Select Address

0
  • Login

Acamprosate

About

Acamprosate belongs to a group of drugs known as psychiatric agents. It is used to treat alcohol addiction. Psychosis is a condition that affects the way your brain processes information. It causes you to lose touch with reality. A mental or physical illness, substance abuse, or extreme stress or trauma can cause it. In alcohol addiction the person not being able to stop drinking when he/she has started and wants to drink more alcohol to feel the same result.

Acamprosate contains Acamprosate that works by stabilizing the chemicals (substances) in your brain that were damaged due to unnecessary use of alcohol. Because alcohol enters the brain's reward system, there is a greater possibility for people to act on impulses when they drink.

Take Acamprosate as prescribed. You are advised to take Acamprosate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. You may experience certain common side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, decreased libido (sexual desire), itching, and flatulence (passing gas from the digestive system out of the back passage). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.

If you are known to be allergic to Acamprosate or any other medicines, please inform your doctor. Before taking Acamprosate, let your doctor know if you have liver disease or kidney disease. If you are taking any other medicine, then contact your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, or trying for a baby. If you are a breastfeeding mother immediately contact your doctor.

Uses of Acamprosate

Alcohol addiction

Medicinal Benefits

Acamprosate belongs to a group of drugs known as psychiatric agents. It is used to treat alcohol addiction. Acamprosate works by stabilizing the chemicals (substances) in your brain that were damaged due to unnecessary use of alcohol. Because alcohol enters the brain's reward system, there is a greater possibility for people to act on impulses when they drink. Acamprosate can be useful along with treatment if you are concerned that cravings for alcohol may cause you to drink once again. It acts in your brain to decrease your need to drink alcohol. It is used to help keep you free from alcohol.

Directions for Use

Take Acamprosate with or without food as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Acamprosate

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Decreased libido (sexual desire)
  • Itching
  • Flatulence (passing gas from the digestive system out of the back passage)

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

If you are known to be allergic to Acamprosate or any other medicines, please inform your doctor. Before taking Acamprosate, let your doctor know if you have liver disease, kidney disease. If you are taking any other medicine, then contact your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying for a baby. If you are a breastfeeding mother immediately contact your doctor. This Acamprosate may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using alcohol. It may also cause a few people to have suicidal thoughts and or to become more depressed. If you notice any of these unwanted effects, inform your doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug interactions: No interactions reported in clinical trials.

Drug-Food interactions: Do not use alcohol-containing foods like vinegar and sauces.

Drug-Disease interactions: Acamprosate may have interactions with severe kidney disease.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:

Safety Advice

  • Safety Warning

    Alcohol

    caution

    Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Acamprosate. If you have a drink of alcohol, inform your doctor

  • Safety Warning

    Pregnancy

    caution

    This Acamprosate should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.

  • Safety Warning

    Breast Feeding

    caution

    It is unknown if this Acamprosate passes into breast milk. Inform your doctor before breast-feeding.

  • Safety Warning

    Driving

    caution

    Acamprosate causes dizziness as a side effect. Therefore, drive with caution.

  • Safety Warning

    Liver

    safe if prescribed

    Patients with liver damage can safely take the Acamprosate because Acamprosate is not metabolized in the liver.

  • Safety Warning

    Kidney

    unsafe

    Acamprosate is not recommended in patients with a history of kidney diseases because serious side effects could occur.

  • Safety Warning

    Children

    unsafe

    The safety and efficacy of Acamprosate have not been recognized in the children.

Habit Forming

No

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Acamprosate is only effective after you have totally stopped drinking alcohol.
  • Do not use alcohol-containing foods like vinegar and sauces.
  • Inform your doctor if you notice unexpected changes in mood or develop suicidal thoughts.

Special Advise

 

Patients Concern

Disease/Condition Glossary

Psychosis: It is a condition that affects the way your brain processes information. It causes you to lose touch with reality. You might see, hear, or believe things that are not real. Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness. A mental or physical illness, substance abuse, or extreme stress or trauma can cause it.

Alcohol addiction: It is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking of alcohol. In this the person not being able to stop drinking when he/she has started and wants to drink more alcohol to feel the same result. In alcohol addiction the person not being able to stop drinking when he/she has started and wants to drink more alcohol to feel the same result.

FAQs

Never take more than the prescribed dose. Immediately go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened. Take the container with you even if this is empty.

Acamprosate is not addictive when given at prescribed dose and duration as advised by your doctor.

Do not stop Acamprosate without your doctor's advice. Sudden discontinuation may worsen the condition.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (with a snack). If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Yes, Acamprosate cause dizziness as a side effect. In this condition do not drive and do not work anything that requires concentration.

Available Medicines for

Acamprosate

VIEW MORE PRODUCTS