What is Campral?

Campral is an oral tablet that is made up of acamprosate. This drug can be bought as its brand name (Campral) or purchased just as Camprals main active ingredient (the generic alternative) as acamprosate. The generic may be different in appearance and price but both are made up of acamprosate. You can purchase both in 333mg doses.

What is Campral used for?

Campral is given to patients who recently quit drinking alcohol after becoming dependent on it and need help continuing to stay clean of it. This is done in combination with behavior modification therapy and counseling support. This drug can only reach full effectiveness if the person taking it has already quit drinking, it will not help a person to quit drinking. It will also be less effective if the person is also addicted to other drugs besides alcohol.

How does Campral work?

Often times when a person is dependent on alcohol, it is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Campral works by correcting this imbalance in the brain.

Your doctor will tell you before prescribing you Campral exactly how to take this medication. Follow his or her directions carefully, they can usually be found on the prescription label if you forget.

Ensure you don’t miss a dose by taking this medication at the same time every day. You can also use a pillbox to help remember.

Start taking this medication as soon as you quit drinking.

Refrain from chewing, crushing, or breaking this tablet. It should be swallowed whole, with or without food.

Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor says so. This includes if you relapse and drink alcohol. Keep note of how many drinks you’ve consumed and tell your doctor if you do relapse.

This medication is only effective if properly taken; in combination with therapies and a continue abstinence of alcohol.

Do not take Campral if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Be sure to mention any drug allergies you may have.

This medication is not a treatment for withdrawal symptoms and will not prevent them from occurring.

Campral may induce suicidal thoughts for some and should be taken into consideration; ensure someone is monitoring you for signs of suicidal thoughts and/or actions.

It is not known whether or not this medication will harm and unborn baby as well as if it passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are concerned about pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

Common side effects of Campral may include:

pain or weakness; loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, gas; dizziness, anxiety; itching or sweating; depressed mood; sleep problems (insomnia); dry mouth; or numbness or tingly feeling.

Serious side effects of Campral may include:

severe anxiety or depression; mood or behavior changes; thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself; swelling in your hands or feet; or pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest.

Signs to watch for:

Allergic Reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Does Campral help with anxiety?

Since it works by restoring the chemicals in your brain, it may also help to reduce anxiety, which can also be caused by an imbalance in the brain.

Does Campral cause weight gain?

If this medication is taken with an anti-depressant, there is a chance weight gain will be a side effect.

What happens if I drink alcohol while taking Campral?

You may experience unpleasant side effects like nausea and headaches which will cause acamprosate to become less effective. Mixing the two will not harm you.

How should I store Campral?

Store away from moisture and heat at room temperature.