Does acamprosate make you sick if you drink alcohol?
Acamprosate does not make you feel sick if you drink alcohol, unlike some other medications used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (alcoholism).
Acamprosate is a prescription medication that is used after you have detoxed from alcohol to help prevent the cravings and urge to drink alcohol. It does not help treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
It’s not clear exactly how acamprosate works, but it is thought to help by restoring the balance of chemical messengers in your brain that are altered by drinking alcohol.
Acamprosate works differently to drugs such as Antabuse (disulfiram), which are also used to treat alcohol dependence. Antabuse blocks your body from breaking down alcohol, which causes the buildup of a toxic compound that makes you feel sick if you drink alcohol while taking this medication. This unpleasant reaction encourages people taking this medication to avoid alcohol. Acamprosate does not cause this same reaction. It does not affect the way your body processes alcohol and alcohol does not affect the way your body processes acamprosate.
Acamprosate is used to help overcome an addiction to alcohol. Talk to your healthcare provider if this medication does not reduce your craving for alcohol.
Acamprosate is also known by the name Campral, which is a discontinued brand name of the drug. Various generic versions of acamprosate are currently available.
References
- Alcohol Rehab Guide. Acamprosate. February 25, 2022. [Accessed 28 September, 2022]. Available from: https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/treatment/acamprosate/
- National Library of Medicine. Glenmark Generics Acamprosate Calcium Product Label. [Accessed 28 September, 2022]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=43e9ef60-2d85-4394-906b-93042fea099a&audience=consumer
Read next
Acamprosate vs naltrexone: How do they compare?
Acamprosate and naltrexone are two different medications that are used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. They work in different ways to help people who are dependent on alcohol to abstain from drinking it. Naltrexone is also used for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Acamprosate was thought to be slightly more effective at helping people with alcohol use disorder remain off alcohol, while naltrexone was thought to be slightly more effective at helping reduce heavy drinking and cravings, according to the results of a meta-analysis which used data from 64 trials.
Results from two small studies, however, indicate that naltrexone is more effective than acamprosate in a number of areas. Continue reading
How long does it take for acamprosate to work?
Acamprosate usually takes several days to a week to start working fully. About five days after you start taking this medication, you’ll reach a point where the amount of acamprosate in your system will remain at a consistent level if you continue to take it as prescribed. Continue reading
Does acamprosate cause weight gain?
Weight gain is frequently reported as a side effect of acamprosate by people taking it to control alcohol cravings associated with alcohol use disorder. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Acamprosate Information for Consumers
- Acamprosate prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Acamprosate (detailed)
- Acamprosate user reviews (272)
Related support groups
- Acamprosate (5 questions, 24 members)
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