Get help today 888-287-0471 or sign up for 24/7 text support.
American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Acamprosate Detox and Withdrawal

Acamprosate is a prescription medication that is used to assist with the treatment of alcohol abuse. Precise mechanisms of action are unknown, but it acts on both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitter systems in the brain. This drug is sometimes used in conjunction with alcohol recovery, as it has been demonstrated to curtail continued drinking behavior. Use of acamprosate can be accompanied by some gastrointestinal and dermatologic side effects, and should never be taken without a proper prescription and clinician supervision.

Common Side Effects of Acamprosate

Many patients may experience side effects when taking this drug, but some of these shouldn’t cause concerns. These side effects may include drowsiness, feeling faint, headache, constipation and blurred vision. Serious side effects that need medical attention include hallucinations, agitation, trouble walking, tremors, decreased sexual interest, mood swings and difficulty urinating. If you notice that someone is experiencing these problems, it could mean they have been on the medication for too long a period of time.

Sings of an allergic reaction should also be treated quickly, such as a rash on the body, difficulty swallowing, swelling or problems breathing. Common side effects can be a sign of addiction, and exaggerated symptoms could signal an acamprosate overdose.

Signs of Addiction

Addiction signs are easy to recognize if you are watchful. A person who is taking large amounts of medication at one time or taking the medication several times throughout the day may be addicted to the drug. Taking acamprosate without a prescription and purchasing it off the streets may also indicate a substance abuse problem. There are social and psychological signs along with these physical signs that can indicate an addiction.

An addict will start to become withdrawn from social events and friends. He or she may start hanging out with new people, adopting new behaviors, and may lose interest in responsibilities like school and work. The addict may also show signs of depression. Severe mood swings, constant irritability and edginess may also signal an addiction. Once the signs are verified, an acamprosate detox center that can address addiction treatment should be considered.


Withdrawal Treatment Facilities

“The acamprosate detox program during treatment is the most difficult for the addict, because the patient is withdrawing from the substance.”Inpatient rehab is one of the most successful methods of treatment. The patient will have no access to outside substances or influences. The addict will get the necessary personal attention and attend group therapy sessions to get support from others. The addict is taught how to live a life that is free of addiction. A healthy lifestyle will be practiced inside the facility, so the addict can be successful on their own after treatment. Some will even continue with outpatient sessions after their inpatient session is completed. This can help them stay clean and help prevent a relapse.

The acamprosate detox program during treatment is the most difficult for the addict, because the patient is withdrawing from the substance. Patients may be cut off from the medication in full when they enter treatment, and others may be weaned off slowly. This will be decided by a medical health professional. It will depend on how long the addict has been taking this medication and how much the addict was taking. One of the most beneficial parts of inpatient treatment is having trained staff to assist with withdrawal. Side effects that the addict may experience during withdrawal include:

  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Severe mood swings
  • Tremors
  • High fever
  • Vomiting
  • Cravings

With the support of family, loved ones and friends, the addict will get through this difficult time. The first step towards recovery will be reaching out to the addict and getting him or her to commit to entering a detox center to start to battle the addiction.

Confronting the Addict

Many addicts will deny they have a substance abuse problem until they are ready to confront the issue. They may even become angry or upset at the accusation from you or any attempt to highlight the problem. Explaining that you’re coming from a place of love and support may help you get through to him or her. Discussing the dangers of the addiction and having information on hand can help the two of you discuss the problem.

You may want to persuade your friend or loved one to check into a professional treatment center if you want him or her to have the most success safely fighting the addiction. Get the information you need for a confrontation by calling our treatment advisors at . Learn the different ways you can approach treatment and how entering an acamprosate detox center as an initial step can help save his or her life.

Factoids:

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control, 100 people in the United States die every day from drug addiction.
  • Acamprosate is used to prevent alcohol addiction relapse, but the exact way the drug works to stop alcohol cravings is unknown.
  • Acamprosate can also be prescribed for the treatment of tinnitus.
Was this page helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information. We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Read our full editorial policy

While we are unable to respond to your feedback directly, we'll use this information to improve our online help.

(0/100)