Acamprosate is a prescription medication that can effectively treat alcohol use disorder and help people maintain sobriety. This article will examine the science behind acamprosate: acamprosate side effects, proper dosage, and its mechanism of action.
What Is Acamprosate?
Acamprosate, also known by its brand name Campral, is a medication primarily used to help people maintain abstinence from alcohol after they have stopped drinking. It works by stabilizing the chemical balance in the brain that is typically disrupted by chronic alcohol consumption, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Acamprosate was first approved for use in France in 1989 and later became widely available in Europe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acamprosate in 2004. It’s often prescribed for alcohol dependence, alongside counseling or other support programs. The typical adult dosage for acamprosate is 666 mg orally, taken three times per day with meals.
Today, acamprosate is considered a safe and reliable first-line response to alcohol use disorder. A meta-analysis from the Journal of the American Medical Association found acamprosate was safe and effective for treating alcoholism.
Is Gabapentin a Narcotic?
No, gabapentin is not a narcotic. Narcotic is another term for opioid, which gabapentin is not.
However, although gabapentin is not a narcotic, it does affect the nervous system and can cause drowsiness or dizziness. In recent years, some states like Kentucky, Michigan, West Virginia, and others have classified gabapentin as a controlled substance due to concerns about its potential for misuse, particularly when combined with other substances like opioids. However, it does not have the same risk of physical dependence or addiction associated with narcotics.
If gabapentin is prescribed, it’s important to follow the dosage carefully, as misuse can lead to unwanted side effects.
Medication-assisted treatment for Alcohol Addiction
TMedication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol addiction combines behavioral therapies with medications to provide a more comprehensive approach to recovery. While counseling and support groups can address the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction, medications are often needed to provide much-needed fast relief from withdrawal symptoms that can derail sobriety.
How Does Acamprosate Work for Alcohol Abuse?
Acamprosate is a neurotransmitter modulator medication that works by activating the brain’s glutamate and GABA systems. These are two key neurotransmitters that respectively stimulate and relax the brain. Chronic alcohol consumption alters the balance of these neurotransmitters, leading to issues like cravings, anxiety, and insomnia.
By restoring GABA sensitivity in the brain, acamprosate helps reduce withdrawal symptoms. Likewise, by reducing glutamate levels, brain activity is quieted, which leads to a reduction in cravings.
What Are the Side Effects of Acamprosate?
Acamprosate is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects in some individuals.
Here are the most common and some less common side effects associated with acamprosate:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal Pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
Less common acamprosate side effects include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, rashes, and paresthesia, a tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Very rarely, people can experience severe allergic reactions or even suicidal thoughts while on acamprosate. If this occurs, you should cease using it immediately.
Naltrexone vs Acamprosate for Alcohol Abuse
These are two different drugs, both used for treating alcoholism but with different applications.
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist – it blocks opioid receptors in the brain. However, it also is often used for treating alcoholism. It can reduce the pleasurable effects of alcohol, which can help decrease cravings and the desire to drink. It’s particularly effective for those who experience strong urges to drink due to alcohol’s euphoric effects.
The drugs are often used together: naltrexone is a bit better for reducing cravings, whereas acamprosate is ideal for those who have already achieved sobriety and wish to maintain their abstinence.
Acamprosate Interactions with Other Drugs
Acamprosate can interact with other medications, potentially affecting its efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects.
Obviously, it’s not a good idea to take it with alcohol. Alcohol inhibits acamprosate’s effects and may increase the risk of side effects.
Depressants, benzodiazepines, opioids, barbiturates, and certain sleep medications can increase acamprosate’s sedative effects. This could heighten the risk of respiratory depression. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and muscle relaxants can also combine with acamprosate and lead to increased sedation as well.
While acamprosate is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, interactions with other medications can occur. Patients should inform their healthcare providers of all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. It’s crucial to follow a healthcare professional’s guidance on using acamprosate, especially if other medications are involved, to ensure safe and effective treatment for alcohol use disorder.
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Call 866-881-1184How Does Treatment for Alcoholism Work?
Treatment for alcoholism follows many stages, including detox, inpatient and outpatient rehab, and aftercare. Because it doesn’t address withdrawal symptoms during detox, acamprosate is usually used first during inpatient and outpatient treatment and even going forward after treatment is completed. It’s used to stabilize brain chemistry and maintain sobriety.
Therapies for Alcohol Abuse
Keep in mind it’s not all about just medication – acamprosate for alcohol abuse is just one facet of overall alcohol addiction treatment. Many people benefit from a combination of therapies that address the emotional, psychological, and social factors contributing to addiction.
Psychotherapy for Alcohol Abuse
Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy,” focuses on helping a person address the root psychological or behavioral causes of their addiction.
Key approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps the individual tackle self-destructive thought patterns and behaviors linked to addiction. During therapy sessions, individuals work with their therapist to learn coping and stress management skills.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): This approach strengthens a person’s motivation to complete treatment. Through empathetic, non-confrontational sessions, MI encourages individuals to explore their reasons for drinking and to take responsibility for their recovery.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A modified form of CBT, DBT teaches people to control their emotions. It combines cognitive and behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to reduce alcohol cravings and help individuals handle distressing situations.
There are also other therapies that can help complement using acamprosate for alcohol addiction, such as holistic therapy programs.
Holistic Therapy for Alcohol Abuse
Holistic therapies aim to support recovery by treating the individual as a whole and addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. These therapies can be especially helpful for those who find traditional treatments limiting or prefer alternative approaches.
Common holistic therapies include meditation, mindfulness, sound healing, and life skills training.
How Does Acamprosate Work for Alcohol Abuse?
Acamprosate is a neurotransmitter modulator medication that works by activating the brain’s glutamate and GABA systems. These are two key neurotransmitters that respectively stimulate and relax the brain. Chronic alcohol consumption alters the balance of these neurotransmitters, leading to issues like cravings, anxiety, and insomnia.
By restoring GABA sensitivity in the brain, acamprosate helps reduce withdrawal symptoms. Likewise, by reducing glutamate levels, brain activity is quieted, which leads to a reduction in cravings.
What Are the Side Effects of Acamprosate?
Acamprosate is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects in some individuals.
Here are the most common and some less common side effects associated with acamprosate:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal Pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
Less common acamprosate side effects include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, rashes, and paresthesia, a tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Very rarely, people can experience severe allergic reactions or even suicidal thoughts while on acamprosate. If this occurs, you should cease using it immediately.
Naltrexone vs Acamprosate for Alcohol Abuse
These are two different drugs, both used for treating alcoholism but with different applications.
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist – it blocks opioid receptors in the brain. However, it also is often used for treating alcoholism. It can reduce the pleasurable effects of alcohol, which can help decrease cravings and the desire to drink. It’s particularly effective for those who experience strong urges to drink due to alcohol’s euphoric effects.
The drugs are often used together: naltrexone is a bit better for reducing cravings, whereas acamprosate is ideal for those who have already achieved sobriety and wish to maintain their abstinence.
Acamprosate Interactions with Other Drugs
Acamprosate can interact with other medications, potentially affecting its efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects.
Obviously, it’s not a good idea to take it with alcohol. Alcohol inhibits acamprosate’s effects and may increase the risk of side effects.
Depressants, benzodiazepines, opioids, barbiturates, and certain sleep medications can increase acamprosate’s sedative effects. This could heighten the risk of respiratory depression. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and muscle relaxants can also combine with acamprosate and lead to increased sedation as well.
While acamprosate is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, interactions with other medications can occur. Patients should inform their healthcare providers of all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. It’s crucial to follow a healthcare professional’s guidance on using acamprosate, especially if other medications are involved, to ensure safe and effective treatment for alcohol use disorder.
Looking for quality substance abuse treatment that’s also affordable? South Coast accepts most major insurance providers. Get a free insurance benefits check now.
Check Your CoverageAlcohol Abuse Treatment Near Me
If you or a loved one are seeking treatment of alcohol dependency, South Coast Behavioral Health is here to help. The first step in treating addiction is a medical detox. This means using drugs to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Our medical detox program in California is staffed by caring and compassionate professionals who can provide you with medications to manage your alcohol withdrawal symptoms during alcoholism treatment.
At South Coast, we take pride in offering care that is closely tailored to specific issues. To that end, we offer gender-specific detox programs, with medical detox for men in Irvine, CA, and medical detox for women in Huntington Beach, CA.
After detoxing, proper treatment can begin.
Treatment for substance abuse takes place along an entire spectrum of care. Along that entire spectrum are various behavioral therapies, support groups, and the use of medically-assisted treatment (MAT).
These levels of treatment are, in order, as follows:
Residential Treatment in California
After successfully completing medical detox, you’ll receive inpatient treatment in Orange County, California. There, you’ll receive medically-assisted treatment and dual diagnosis treatment to deal with any cravings or co-occurring mental health issues you may be battling.
We also offer residential treatment facilities in Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Huntington Beach for those who desire gender-specific treatment. There, patients get round-the-clock medical attention and monitoring while living at the institution full-time.
In addition to individual and group counseling and medication management, you’ll also have access to leisure activities and family support services.
Partial Hospitalization in California
Most clients start substance abuse treatment with South Coast in our residential treatment program. After completing that, many desire something that still provides structure and support but with extra space and time to oneself. For that, we offer Partial Hospitalization in Newport Beach.
A step down from inpatient care but with more structure than conventional outpatient programs, partial hospitalization offers a good balance for those looking to ease back into normal life. Clients can receive care five to seven days a week for a number of hours each day, returning back to their homes in the evening.
This way, they can recover without putting their daily lives completely on hold, receiving intense therapeutic interventions like group and individual therapy, skill development, and medication management as necessary.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment in California
For those leaving inpatient residential treatment or partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are yet another gradual step forward on the road to recovery.
With a focus on group therapy, individual counseling, and education, clients undergoing Intensive Outpatient Treatment in Newport Beach can meet three to five days a week. Each session lasts three hours.
This level of care requires the least amount of attendance at a facility for treatment of alcohol abuse.
Get Started Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction but wonder how long addiction treatment takes or have other questions, call us at 866-881-1184 or contact us here. Our highly qualified staff will be happy to help give you an idea of what to expect from your addiction recovery timeline, help verify your insurance, and assist with any other questions you may have.