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GENERIC NAME: acamprosate
BRAND NAME: Campral
Campral is prescribed to treat alcohol dependence. It helps people who
have already stopped drinking alcohol keep from starting again. You must
be alcohol-free before taking Campral for it to work. You must also be
prepared to follow a complete alcohol treatment plan that includes mental
and behavioral health counseling. Campral is thought to work by restoring
and regulating brain chemicals that have been disrupted by long-term exposure
to alcohol. Campral is not used for any type of substance dependence other
than alcohol.
Mechanism of action:
Glutamate, as amino acid, is one of the most important messenger substances
used by the nervous system. The cell membrane of the receiving neuron
has NMDA receptors that bund the incoming glutamate. Binding leads to
a flood of sodium and calcium ions inside the neuron, setting off an action
potential that arouses the cell. Alcohol blocks the binding of glutamate
to NMDA receptors – slowing or stopping the forwarding of messages.
To compensate – and raise the chance of capturing glutamate –
the number of receptors and their sensitivity are increased in the brain
of people who chronically consume alcohol.
Yet if the alcohol supply is interrupted – duting a period of abstinence
or even duting a single night’s sleep for the most dependent alcoholics
– the receptors continue to be more sensitive, because the brain
cann not adjust quicly enough to the new chemical situation. As a result,
neurons overreact to glutamate. This hyperexcitatory condition is a major
factor leading to withdrawal symptoms such as craving, unstable blood
circulation and anxiety. The excessive activity can also kill off large
numbers of neurons – essentially by poisoning them with too many
chemicals – causing dementia or lasting damage of the nervous system.
Mechanism: Acamprosate suppress NMDA receptors and seems especially helpful
for persons suffering conditioned withdrawal. Clinical studies shows patients
remain dry for the first year after detoxification while taking acamprosate.
The drug is particularly effective during the first few hard month os
abstinence, when relapce rates are the highest.
Most important fact about Campral
Individuals being treated with Campral and their caregivers should be
aware that alcohol dependence and mental health problems frequently occur
together. Pay special attention to any worsening of depression or any
new symptoms that occur while taking Campral--especially agitation, anxiety,
hostility, and suicidal thoughts or behavior--and report them to the doctor
immediately.
How should you take Campral?
Campral may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. However, taking
it with meals may make it easier to keep on a regular schedule. Continue
taking Campral regularly even if you experience a relapse.
--If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular
schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Campral side effects
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
Why should Campral not be prescribed?
You cannot use Campral if you have severe kidney disease. You must also
avoid the drug if it causes an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about 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. Because
mental health problems and alcoholism frequently occur together, tell
your doctor about any change in mood or behavior while using Campral (see
"Most important fact about Campral"). 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.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Campral
At this time, there are no documented drug interactions with Campral.
However, you should always tell the doctor about any medicines you take,
including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Campral has not been studied in pregnant women and should be used only
if the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Be sure to tell your doctor
if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant. In lab studies Campral
showed up in the milk of breastfeeding animals. It is not known whether
Campral appears in human breast milk. Your doctor may advise you not to
breastfeed while taking this drug.
Recommended dosage for Campral
ADULTS
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.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Campral have not been studied in children.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect
an overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include: Diarrhea
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