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Campral - Uses & Side Effects

Generic name: Acamprosate calcium

Campral is a medication that helps people stay alcohol-free in combination with counseling or support groups once they have stopped drinking. Campral is thought to restore the normal brain balance, which has been disturbed in someone who is alcohol dependent. This review focuses on acamprosate (Campral), which is another type of drug that may help alcoholics maintain abstinence by preventing relapse. This drug is not yet approved for use in the United States. In studies in Europe, Campral appeared to decrease the return to drinking, following a brief period of abstinence, that is typical of alcohol dependence.

Campral Dosage

• The usual starting dose is two tablets (each tablet contains 333 milligrams) taken three times a day, for a total of six tablets a day. Your doctor may lower the dose as needed.
• People with moderate kidney disease take half the regular dose—one tablet three times a day.

Uses of Campral

• Campral is used to help people with alcohol dependence quit drinking alcohol.
• Campral may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• Campral is used to help patients with alcoholism stay alcohol-free after they have stopped drinking. 

Side Effects of Campral

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Campral. Side effects may include:

• Anxiety, body pain or weakness, chest pain, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, heart failure, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, kidney failure, nausea, seizure, sudden death, and suicidal thinking or suicide attempt.

Warnings and precautions before taking Campral:

• You must completely avoid alcohol while taking Campral. If you begin drinking again, keep taking Campral and call your doctor right away to discuss your relapse. Campral does not relieve the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
• Use Campral with caution if you have kidney problems.
• Campral could affect your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in hazardous activities until you know how Campral affects you.
• Use of Campral does not eliminate or diminish withdrawal symptoms.

Drug Interaction :- Campral does not appear to interact with other medications often used during alcoholism treatment, such as disulfiram (Antabuse) and naltrexone (ReVia), or with antianxiety, antidepressant, or hypnotic (sleep-inducing) medications. Additional drug interaction information should be forthcoming.

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Diarrhea