Acamprosate treatment: what it does and how to use it

If you're trying to stay off alcohol, acamprosate can be a helpful tool. It’s a medicine often prescribed after detox to reduce cravings and increase the chance of staying sober. Think of it as support for the brain while you rebuild new habits.

Acamprosate (brand name Campral in many places) works on brain chemistry linked to alcohol dependence. It doesn’t make you feel sick if you drink, and it’s not a sedative. Instead, it helps calm the overactive systems that drive craving after stopping alcohol. Clinical trials show it modestly improves abstinence rates when combined with counseling or support programs.

How it's usually taken

Standard dosing for adults is often 666 mg three times a day (two 333 mg tablets per dose), but your doctor will pick the right dose for you. It’s best taken regularly—spacing doses through the day helps steady the effect. If you forget one dose, take the next at the usual time; don’t double up unless your doctor says so.

Acamprosate is mainly for people who are already alcohol-free when they start treatment. Doctors usually recommend starting after detox and continuing for several months. Some people stay on it longer, depending on their progress and relapse risk. Your clinician will check how it's working and decide on duration together with you.

Side effects, safety, and who should avoid it

Common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, and headache. Most side effects are mild and improve in a few weeks. Serious reactions are rare, but if you notice severe allergic signs, sudden mood changes, or suicidal thoughts, get help right away.

People with severe kidney problems usually should not take acamprosate, because the drug is cleared by the kidneys. It’s safe for many older adults but dose adjustments may be needed. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss risks and benefits with your doctor—data are limited and decisions are made case by case.

Acamprosate doesn’t interact much with alcohol or many other drugs, but always tell your provider about all medicines you use. Combining medication with therapy, peer support, or counseling raises the odds of success. Medication alone rarely fixes addiction; it’s a tool you use with treatment and lifestyle changes.

How do you get it? Acamprosate requires a prescription in most countries. Talk to your primary care doctor, an addiction specialist, or a clinic that treats substance use. If cost or access is a problem, ask about generic versions or patient assistance programs. Our site has guides on finding affordable pharmacies and checking credentials if you order medication online.

Final point: be honest with your healthcare team about drinking, other drugs, and mental health. That helps them pick the right plan. With the right supports—therapy, social help, and sometimes acamprosate—many people keep moving forward and stay alcohol-free longer than with counseling alone.