Campral (acamprosate) is a medication used to help individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) maintain abstinence from drinking and reduce the risk of relapse. It supposedly functions by reestablishing a chemical balance in the brain that long-term alcohol use has upset. Campral binds to certain receptors in the brain that are involved in regulating emotions and motivation. It may also help people affected by AUD cope better with stress and improve their overall mood.

While Campral is helpful for many people with AUD, it should be taken along with other treatments, such as counseling or support groups, for best results. Additionally, those taking Campral should abstain from drinking or else risk serious health consequences arising from combining it with alcohol.

Campral contains the active drug acamprosate, which is available in generic form. It is only available via prescription from a licensed health care provider.

The FDA has approved Campral for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol dependence. It is not a cure for alcoholism, but it helps individuals struggling to quit drinking alcohol maintain their abstinence by reducing cravings and other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol use disorder is the medical term for excessive alcohol use or the inability to control one’s drinking habits. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can put your health and safety at risk. AUD includes binge drinking– when a male has five or more drinks within 2 hours or a female has four or more drinks within 2 hours. Alcohol use disorder can seriously affect personal relationships, work habits, and lifestyles.

If left untreated, excessive drinking can also lead to serious medical problems such as high blood pressure (hypertension), kidney problems, kidney disease, and cirrhosis.

While Campral has proven effective at helping people with AUD stay sober, it is important to remember that it should not be taken as a substitute for other forms of treatment, such as counseling or community support groups. It should also be noted that taking Campral alone does not guarantee sobriety; rather, it should be seen as an adjunct treatment of alcohol dependence that assists in maintaining abstinence.

Campral is not approved for treatment for other forms of substance use disorders.

Mild side effects have been reported from Campral use. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms become severe or do not go away after a few days.

Mild side effects reported from Campral use include:

• Diarrhea
  
• Gas
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Dizziness
  
• Nausea
  
• Anxiety
  
• Insomnia
  
• Sweating
  
  

In addition to these physical side effects, some people taking Campral may experience psychological side effects such as agitation, confusion, or depression. Other possible side effects include an increased heart rate or blood pressure and chest pain or tightness. While these symptoms are usually mild and short-lived, they may be more pronounced in certain individuals depending on their health status or other medications being taken in conjunction with Campral. If any of these side effects occur, it is important to contact a doctor for medical advice as soon as possible.

More serious side effects of Campral use include:

• Feelings of depression or sadness
  
• Suicidal thoughts
  
• Burning, tingling, or numbness in the hands, feet, arms, or legs
  
• Rash
  
  

If you feel chest tightness or experience a rash, seek medical attention immediately. These are signs of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Campral has been shown to alter mood in sudden and unexpected ways. If you begin to experience feelings of sadness, isolation, depression, or suicidal thoughts, talk to a health care provider right away.

Tell your doctor about any prescription drugs or supplements you are taking before starting treatment with Campral. Let your doctor know if you are currently taking other medications for alcohol use disorder (such as naltrexone or disulfiram). Also, talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you manage before starting treatment.

Campral may affect your thinking and decision-making. Only operate heavy machinery or drive a car once you have tried the medication and learned how it does or does not affect you.

Finally, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before starting Campral treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Campral, inform your health care provider immediately. Do not take Campral if you are currently breastfeeding.

Campral is supplied as an oral tablet. This medication should not be used if you are still drinking alcohol but after you have achieved abstinence.

The exact dosage you are prescribed may vary depending on your medical history, age, and the severity of your condition.

In general, adults should take two tablets three times per day. Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush or chew the medication. You can take this medication with or without food.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled.

Keep Campral in a closed container at room temperature. Avoid exposing this medication to excessive heat or moisture. Keep all medication containers out of reach of small children.

Do not exceed the dosage prescribed or discontinue the use of Campral without consulting your health care provider first.

Campral is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor's visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not Campral is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for Campral to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.