Campral (Acamprosate) is a prescription medication used to maintain sobriety in alcohol-dependent adults who no longer drink alcohol. This drug is often used with behavioral therapy and support to prevent the urge to drink again. Campral restores the chemical balance in an alcohol-dependent person who has recently quit alcohol. The active ingredient in Campral is Acamprosate. Acamprosate belongs to a class of drugs called psychotropic drugs. It works by restoring the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain, which are altered by drinking alcohol. The drug decreases the excessive excitation that accompanies alcohol dependence. This medication will not treat or prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Campral should only be used when you have stopped drinking alcohol completely. The drug becomes less effective if you keep drinking.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Campral from Canada manufactured by Mylan and from Turkey manufactured by Merck in the strength of 333mg tablets. The generic Acamprosate is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Campral. The most common side effects of Campral may include the following:
• Anxiety;
• Appetite loss;
• Decreased sexual desire;
• Depressed mood;
• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness;
• Dry mouth;
• Itching;
• Nausea;
• Sleeping difficulties;
• Weakness
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Breathing difficulties;
• Reduced urinary output;
• Severe anxiety or depression;
• Severe diarrhea;
• Shortness of breath;
• Suicidal or self-harm thoughts;
• Swelling of face and throat;
• Tiredness;
• Wheezing
These are not all of the side effects of Campral. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Campral if you are allergic to Acamprosate or any ingredient in Campral. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have severe kidney disease;
• Have severe liver disease
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Campral and other medicines, including ibuprofen, lansoprazole, minocycline, methotrexate, melatonin, etc. Avoid pantoprazole, quinidine, rifampicin, tenoxicam, or apalutamide with Campral. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if Campral will harm an unborn baby. It is unknown if Campral is excreted in breast milk. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Take Campral precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Take this drug for the full length of time, even if you relapse or drink alcohol. Inform your doctor of any alcoholic drink you consume, no matter how many. You can take Acamprosate with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Campral may affect your thinking, coordination, and ability to make decisions. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Keep this drug out of sight and reach of children.
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