Campral

Generic name: Acamprosate
Drug class: Drugs used in alcohol dependence

Usage of Campral

Campral affects chemicals in the brain that may be 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.

Campral is used to help maintain sobriety in alcohol-dependent adults who no longer drink alcohol. This medicine is used with behavioral therapy or counseling support to help prevent an urge to drink again. Campral will not treat or prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Campral may not be as effective if you have not gone through detox and stopped drinking alcohol completely. This medicine is also unlikely to be effective in people who abuse drugs or other substances.

Campral side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Campral: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe anxiety or depression;

mood or behavior changes;

thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;

severe diarrhea; or

kidney problems - swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common Campral side effects may include:

anxiety, depressed mood;

dizziness;

sleep problems;

pain, weakness;

itching, sweating, tingling;

nausea, diarrhea, gas, loss of appetite; or

dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Campral

You should not use Campral if you are allergic to acamprosate, or if you have severe kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney problems.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Campral. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Campral

Usual Adult Dose for Alcohol Dependence:

666 mg orally 3 times a day Comments: -Doses should be taken with meals in patients who regularly eat 3 meals a day. -Treatment should begin as soon as possible after the withdrawal period (when the patient achieves abstinence) and should be maintained if the patient relapses. -This drug should be used as part of a comprehensive psychosocial treatment program. -Lower doses may be effective in some patients. Use: For the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation

Warnings

You should not use Campral if you have severe kidney disease.

Campral 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 Campral for the full prescribed length of time, even if you relapse and drink alcohol. While you are taking this medicine, tell your doctor about any alcoholic drinks you consume, no matter how many.

What other drugs will affect Campral

Other drugs may interact with acamprosate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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