Brand name:
Campral
Pronounced: CAM-prawl
Generic name:
Acamprosate calcium
Why is Campral prescribed?
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.
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
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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