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USES |
BRAND NAMES
Campral
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes
Drug class: Alcohol-abuse deterrent
|
USES |
Treatment for alcohol dependence. It is used after alcohol withdrawal to help maintain abstinence by reducing cravings. The drug should be part of a complete treatment plan (e.g., counseling, behavior therapy and support of family and friends). The drug does not diminish or eliminate withdrawal symptoms.
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DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION |
How to take:
Delayed-release tablet—Swallow whole with liquid. May be taken with or without food. Do not chew, crush or split tablet.
When to take:
Usually three times a day at the same times each day (such as at mealtimes).
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, wait for that dose (don’t double this dose) and resume regular schedule.
What drug does:
Action is not fully understood. It appears to affect chemicals (called neurotransmitters) in the brain and reduces the craving for alcohol.
Time lapse before drug works:
About one week.
Don’t take with:
Any other medicine or any dietary supplement without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
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OVERDOSE |
SYMPTOMS:
Diarrhea and possibly other symptoms.
WHAT TO DO:
If person uses much larger amount than prescribed or if accidentally swallowed, call poison control center 1-800-222-1222 for instructions or dial 911 (emergency) for help.
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POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS |
| SYMPTOMS | WHAT TO DO |
Life-threatening:
None expected.
| Common: | |
| Diarrhea, dizziness, itching, nausea, gas, bloating, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, insomnia. | Continue. Call doctor when convenient. |
| Infrequent: | |
| Depression, anxiety, increase or decrease in sexual desire, rash or other skin reaction, heart palpitations, fainting, muscle pain, swelling (face, feet or ankles). | Continue, but call doctor right away. |
| Rare: | |
• Thoughts of suicide or patient talks of suicide. |
Discontinue. Get emergency help. |
• Low blood pressure, increased heart rate, other symptoms that may occur (can be due to the drug or are a result of alcohol abuse or alcohol withdrawal symptoms). |
Continue. Call doctor when convenient. |
Don’t take if:
You are allergic to acamprosate. Allergic reactions are rare, but may occur.
Before you start, consult your doctor if:
• You have kidney (renal) disease or severe kidney impairment.
• You suffer from depression, have thoughts about suicide or have history of drug abuse.
Over age 60:
No special problems expected.
Pregnancy:
Decide with your doctor if drug benefits justify risk to unborn baby. Risk category C (see here).
Breastfeeding; Lactation; Nursing Mothers:
This drug is generally acceptable with breastfeeding. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
Infants & children up to age 18:
Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been established. Consult doctor.
Prolonged use:
Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to determine drug’s effectiveness and to monitor for symptoms and suicidal thoughts.
Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
• Avoid if the drug makes you feel dizzy; otherwise no problems expected.
• If you start drinking alcohol again, avoid driving, piloting or hazardous work.
Discontinuing:
Do not stop taking acamprosate without talking to your doctor. Continue taking acamprosate even if you start drinking alcohol again.
Others:
• Advise any doctor, dentist or pharmacist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
• Drug may affect the accuracy of some medical tests.
• Contact your doctor if you develop symptoms of depression, have suicidal thoughts or start drinking alcohol again.
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POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS |
| GENERIC NAME OR DRUG CLASS | COMBINED EFFECT |
None expected.
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POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES |
| INTERACTS WITH | COMBINED EFFECT |
| Alcohol: | None expected, but all alcohol should be avoided. |
| Beverages: | None expected. |
| Cocaine: | Effects unknown. Avoid. |
| Foods: | None expected. Avoid foods that contain alcohol. |
| Marijuana: | Seek medical advice. |
| Tobacco: | None expected. |
