Acamprosate Side Effects
Campral (acamprosate) treatment is well-tolerated by most patients. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of when being treated with Campral (acamprosate).
Campral side effects may include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Gas
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Itching
- Weakness
- Feelings of anxiety
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Sweating
Some side effects can be serious. If burning, tingling or numbing sensations are felt in extremities or a rash develops, contact a medical professional.
Campral Drug Interactions
Campral (acamprosate) does not have many interactions with other medications or drugs. When consumed with alcohol, anxiolytics, hypnotics, and sedatives (including benzodiazepines) or non-opioid pain relievers no additional side effects were experienced in patients during clinical trials.
When studied with other medications that may be used in the treatment of alcohol dependence (i.e., disulfiram, diazepam, and naltrexone), there were no interactions seen that would cause a change in treatment or dosage.
Risks
The potential risks associated with acamprosate are considered to be minimal, especially when compared to the risks associated with continued alcohol use. As long as there is no opposing factor to the use of acamprosate, for example, severe kidney disease or experiencing severe side effects, acamprosate can be effective in the maintenance of abstinence in alcohol dependence treatment. It is important to discuss any concerns with a doctor.
Overdose
In all reported cases of overdosage, the only symptom associated with acamprosate alcohol treatment was diarrhea. High calcium levels may be possible in long-term overdosage, but that is uncommon. Treatment of overdosage should be based on the patient’s symptoms and any other medications that may also have been overdosed.