Acamprosate tablets

About acamprosate

Acamprosate is used to help you maintain abstinence from alcohol if you have previously been alcohol-dependent and have now stopped drinking.

It will be started as soon as possible after you have stopped drinking alcohol. Acamprosate can be useful alongside counselling if you are concerned that cravings for alcohol may result in you drinking again. It acts in your brain to reduce your desire to drink alcohol.

The most common side effects of acamprosate are:

• Diarré.

• Illamående.

• Kräkningar.

• Stomach ache.

• Farting.

• Itchy rash.

• Reduced sex drive or ability.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Om du upplever några andra symtom som du tror kan bero på tabletterna, tala med din läkare eller apotekare för vidare råd.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking acamprosate it is important that your doctor knows:

• Om du är gravid, försöker bli gravid eller ammar.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works or with the way your kidneys work.

• Om du tar några andra läkemedel. Detta inkluderar alla läkemedel du tar som finns att köpa utan recept, samt växtbaserade och komplementära läkemedel.

• Om du någonsin har haft en allergisk reaktion mot en medicin.

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack of tablets. It will give you more information about acamprosate and will provide you with a full list of the side effects which you may experience.

• Take acamprosate exactly as your doctor tells you to. You will be prescribed one or two tablets to take three times a day. Your dose will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you. Take your doses after meals, or with a snack.

• Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not crush or break the tablets - they should be swallowed whole as they have a special coating.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember (with a snack). If when you remember, it is nearly time for your next dose then leave out the missed dose and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor and counsellor. This is so your progress can be checked on a regular basis.

• Make sure your family and friends know how important it is that you do not drink any alcohol so they can be a support to you.

• Keep taking the tablets unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You may need to continue to take acamprosate for about a year, although your doctor will review this regularly.

• Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

• Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.

How successful is acamprosate?

Acamprosate can be effective in helping people maintain abstinence from alcohol, particularly when combined with counselling or support programs.

What is the difference between acamprosate and disulfiram?

Acamprosate reduces cravings and the urge to drink, making it easier to stay abstinent from alcohol. Disulfiram works by causing unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed, acting as a deterrent.

Does acamprosate calm anxiety?

Acamprosate mainly reduces alcohol cravings. It may indirectly ease anxiety linked to drinking, but other treatments may be needed for anxiety itself.

How long does it take for acamprosate to work?

Acamprosate usually takes a few days to start reducing cravings, but its full effect can take several weeks.