Does acamprosate cause weight gain?

Weight gain is frequently reported as a side effect of acamprosate by people taking this medication to control alcohol cravings associated with alcohol use disorder. Acamprosate can also cause weight loss, but this is reported infrequently.

Weight gain and weight loss are more commonly reported by patients who take both acamprosate and antidepressant medications at the same time.

Weight gain linked to acamprosate is thought to be caused by the increase in appetite that some people taking this medication experience. It is not clear whether increased appetite is caused by the medication itself or from stopping drinking alcohol.

Acamprosate is also known by the name Campral, which is a discontinued brand name of the drug. Various generic versions of acamprosate are currently available.