For someone trying to overcome their alcohol addiction, the journey is sometimes not as easy as they think. Many people try and fall back into the habit. But there are medical treatments that can help you on this journey and strengthen your resolve. That's the kind of treatment we're going to talk about today.
What is Acamprosate?
Simply put, acamprosate is a medication that helps someone who is trying to quit alcohol completely to continue their efforts. It is usually given in conjunction with other support programs, such as counseling. This means that it works as part of a complete treatment program, rather than working alone.
The important thing is that this is not a drug for withdrawal symptoms , that is, physical discomfort (such as fever, tremors , vomiting ). It works differently. It helps restore the brain chemistry to normal when you are not drinking alcohol.
In Sri Lanka, you may find this medicine under the brand name ACampral.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medication to you, your doctor will need to know your complete health status. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
- Depression or other mental illnesses .
- If you have previously thought about committing suicide or attempted it.
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have allergies to acamprosate, sulfites, other medications, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, your doctor will be able to decide whether this medication is right for you or not.
How should I use the medicine?
To get the most out of the medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. These are delayed-release tablets, so doing so may interfere with the effectiveness of the medicine.
- This medicine can be taken before or after meals. Your doctor will advise you further.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the prescribed intervals.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without medical advice.
- Special care may be required when using this medicine in children, so talk to a pediatrician about it.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular medical checkups : Visit your doctor on scheduled days to monitor your progress.
- If you start drinking again: If you start drinking again while taking this medication, do not stop taking it. But, be sure to tell your doctor about it. It is normal to have setbacks along the way, but the important thing is to try again and talk openly with your doctor about it.
- Drowsiness and dizziness : This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this affects you.
- Dizziness: Especially if you are older, avoid standing up suddenly from a sitting position. This can reduce the risk of dizziness.
- Other medications: Some medications, such as Naltrexone, can interact with this medication. So, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies) and your habits (smoking, other drugs).
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medication, Acamprosate can cause side effects in some people. Some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face. |
| Mental changes | Severe anxiety, restlessness, depression, suicidal thoughts. |
| Nerve problems | Feeling of burning and numbness in the arms, legs, palms, and soles of the feet. |
| Chest pain | Sudden chest pain. |
| Urinary problems | Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine you produce. |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite. |
| Other minor ailments | Itching, sweating, insomnia. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor about them as well.
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep it in a safe place out of reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Acamprosate is a medication that helps with the journey of abstinence from alcohol, not a medication for withdrawal symptoms that occur when you stop drinking alcohol.
- For this treatment to be successful, it must be combined with other support services, such as counseling.
- Swallow the tablets whole, without breaking, crushing, or chewing them. Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time.
- If you drink alcohol again while taking the medication, tell your doctor immediately without stopping the medication.
- Be on the lookout for serious side effects such as depression or suicidal thoughts. If you experience any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
- For any concerns, talk openly with your doctor. He or she is your biggest supporter on this journey.
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