Acamprosate
What is Acamprosate?
Acamprosate is a medication that helps to reduce cravings for alcohol. It works by balancing the levels of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, which have become unbalanced by the heavy use of alcohol. We would recommend using acamprosate alongside counselling.
Who prescribes acamprosate?
One of our recovery workers and someone from our clinical team will give you a full health and wellbeing assessment. If the assessment shows that acamprosate is the best option for you, we’ll prescribe it. You might also have a blood test to find out how healthy your liver is. Once you’ve settled into your treatment with acamprosate, your prescription will be looked after by either your local service or your doctor.
Why choose acamprosate?
Some people suffer from cravings when they stop drinking. And sometimes, this carries on for months and leads some people to start drinking again. Acamprosate is not addictive, and people taking it are less likely to start drinking again.
How long will it take to work?
It takes up to 7 days for acamprosate to reach a steady level in your body, however, you may notice it working before this. You might need to take it for up to a year.
Taking acamprosate
Acamprosate comes as a 333mg tablet that you swallow with water. If you weigh more than 60kg, your dose will be 666mg (2 tablets) taken three times a day with meals. If you weigh less than 60kg, your dose will be four tablets divided into three doses each day (2 tablets with breakfast, 1 tablet with lunch and 1 tablet with your evening meal). Usually, you will start taking acamprosate as soon as possible after your withdrawal period from alcohol is over. Usually, people take acamprosate for up to a year. Acamprosate is not effective if you are still drinking alcohol, and even a small amount of alcohol can make it stop working completely.
Other things to know about acamprosate:
- Acamprosate is more effective when you are also getting other support such as counselling.
- All medication must be kept out of reach of children and animals. If you have children, or if children visit your home, keep your medicines in a safe storage box. Ask your worker about getting one(free of charge).
- Always call 999 if you think a child has swallowed your medication.
- Find out more in the information leaflet you’ll be given with your medication.