![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 124px 36px"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 22px 22px"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24px 24px"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Acamprosate
INFORMATION ABOUT ACAMPROSATE
Acamprosate Uses
Acamprosate is used in the treatment of alcohol addiction.
How Acamprosate works
Acamprosate is believed to stabilize the chemical balance in the brain by blocking glutaminergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and activating the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors.
Common side effects of Acamprosate
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Diarrhea
CONTENT DETAILS
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 48 48"%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=small}
Written By
Dr. Swati Mishra
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
11 Jun 2025 | 01:47 PM (UTC)
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 90px 75px"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information
Read our editorial policy
Medicine brands for Acamprosate
Expert advice for Acamprosate
- Acamprosate reduces craving for alcohol in people who have stopped drinking.
- Take it in combination with a counselling programme to help you maintain abstinence from alcohol.
- It is only effective after you have completely stopped drinking alcohol.
- This medicine does not relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms and does not prevent the harmful effects of continued alcohol abuse.
- Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
- It will take time, support, willpower and determination to readjust to not drinking and learn to live without alcohol.
Frequently asked questions for Acamprosate
Acamprosate is not addictive when given at prescribed dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Acamprosate is a calcium acetylhomotaurinate and not a narcotic
Acamprosate is effective if used at prescribed dose and duration as advised by your doctor
Acamprosate is a drug and not a placebo
Acamprosate or acamprosate calcium along with counselling is used as a therapy to maintain the practice of avoiding alcohol drinking again in people who are alcohol dependent
These side effects are rare or uncommon with Acamprosate treatment. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience one or more such symptoms and stop taking Acamprosate immediately.