How long does it take for acamprosate to work?
Acamprosate usually takes several days to a week to start working fully. About five days after you start taking this medication, you’ll reach a point where the amount of acamprosate in your system will remain at a consistent level if you continue to take it as prescribed.
Acamprosate comes in the form of a delayed-release tablet. The recommended dose of acamprosate is two tablets taken three times a day with or without food.
Acamprosate is used to help prevent the cravings and urge to drink alcohol that people with alcohol use disorder experience. It is not used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but is instead prescribed after alcohol detox has been completed to help prevent a relapse.
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.
References
- Alcohol Rehab Guide. Acamprosate. February 25, 2022. [Accessed 28 September, 2022]. Available from: https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/treatment/acamprosate/
- National Library of Medicine. Glenmark Generics Acamprosate Calcium Product Label. [Accessed 28 September, 2022]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=43e9ef60-2d85-4394-906b-93042fea099a&audience=consumer
Read next
Acamprosate vs naltrexone: How do they compare?
Acamprosate and naltrexone are two different medications that are used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. They work in different ways to help people who are dependent on alcohol to abstain from drinking it. Naltrexone is also used for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Acamprosate was thought to be slightly more effective at helping people with alcohol use disorder remain off alcohol, while naltrexone was thought to be slightly more effective at helping reduce heavy drinking and cravings, according to the results of a meta-analysis which used data from 64 trials.
Results from two small studies, however, indicate that naltrexone is more effective than acamprosate in a number of areas. Continue reading
Does acamprosate make you sick if you drink alcohol?
Acamprosate does not make you feel sick if you drink alcohol, unlike some other medications used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (alcoholism). Continue reading
Does acamprosate cause weight gain?
Weight gain is frequently reported as a side effect of acamprosate by people taking it to control alcohol cravings associated with alcohol use disorder. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Acamprosate Information for Consumers
- Acamprosate prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Acamprosate (detailed)
- Acamprosate user reviews (272)
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