Campral

Prescribed to treat alcohol dependence, Campral with generic name Acamprosate helps in stabilizing the chemical balance in the brain that can be interrupted by alcoholism, by probably blocking glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and activating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors. Studies show that acamprosate functions only in conjunction of attending support groups and moderation from alcohol. Some chronic side effects consist of allergic reactions, uneven heartbeats, and low or high blood pressure. Certain less complicated side effects are insomnia, headaches, and impotence. Avoid taking Acamprosate by people with kidney problems or allergies towards the drug.

Medications and Prescriptions
Generic name: acamprosate

Product Brand Name: Campral

Product Manufacturer: Merck, France

Why is Campral prescribed?

Prescribed for treating alcohol dependence, Campral helps people who have already quit using alcohol from resuming again. Before taking Campral, you should be alcohol-free for its effective working. It is also important to follow a total alcohol treatment plan that consists of both mental and behavioral health counseling. Campral is believed to function by reinstating and regulating brain chemicals that continues to be interupted by long-term alcohol exposure. Campral cannot be taken for any type of substance dependence except alcohol.

Mechanism of action:

Like amino acid, Glutamate is an imperative messenger substances utilized by the nervous system. The receiving neuron’s cell membrane consists of NMDA receptors that bind the arriving glutamate so that plenty of sodium and calcium ions are flooded inside the neuron, thereby starting an action potential that stimulates the cell. Alcohol obstructs the binding of glutamate to NMDA receptors. Thereby slowing or impeding the forwarding of messages. In order to compensate and arouse the chance of capturing glutamate, the number of receptors and their sensitivity are augmented in the brain of patients who are consuming alcohol chronically.
But if the supply of alcohol is blocked during a period of moderation or even during a sleep of single night for the majority of dependent alcoholics, the receptors may persist to be more sensitive as the brain cannot amend quickly enough to the new chemical condition. Consequently, neurons react excessively to glutamate. This hyperexcitatory situation is the main factor that causes many withdrawal symptoms including craving, unbalanced blood circulation and anxiety. This excessive activity can also destroy plenty of neurons effectively by poisoning them with lots of chemicals, thereby leading to dementia or permanent damage of the nervous system.

Mechanism: Acamprosate helps in suppressing the NMDA helps people suffering from conditioned withdrawal. Clinical studies reveal that such patients stay dry for the first year following detoxification while using acamprosate. This drug is chiefly effective during the first few hard months of abstinence, when relapse rates are the maximum.

Most important fact about Campral:

Patients using Campral and their caregivers should be conscious of the fact that alcohol dependence and mental health problems occur together frequently. It is important to pay special notice to any worsening of depression or any fresh symptoms including agitation, hostility, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts or behavior occurring while using Campral. It should be reported to the doctor immediately.
How should you take Campral?

Campral can be taken along with food or on an empty stomach. Yet, consuimg it with meals is healthier to keep on a regular schedule. Continuing with using Campral regularly is advised for those who experience a relapse. Take the forgotten dose immediately if you miss a dose. But if it is time for the next dose, skipping the missed dose and returning to your regular schedule is recommended. Never take two doses right away.

Storage instructions: Store at room temperature.

Campral side effects

There are side effects that cannot be anticipated. Tell your doctor immediately for any developing or changing in intensity of side effects as only your doctor can decide if it is safe and sound for you to continue taking Campral.
Side effects may comprise of:

Anxiety, chest pain, body pain or weakness, depression, dizziness,diarrhea, headache, insomnia, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, sudden death, nausea, kidney failure, seizure, and suicidal thought or suicide attempt.
Why should Campral not be prescribed?

Campral should not be prescribed for those having severe kidney disease. Stop taking it if it leads to an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about Campral

Avoid alcohol completely while using Campral. If you resume drinking, continue taking Campral and consult your doctor immediately to talk about your relapse. Campral cannot treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It should be used with caution if you suffer from kidney problems. Inform your doctor about any mood or behavior change while taking Campral as mental health problems and alcoholism occur together frequently. Campral offers adverse affect towards your judgment, thinking and motor skills. Avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery, or participating in dangerous activities until Campral affects on you.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Campral

So far, no documented drug interactions are reported with Campral. But, you should inform the doctor about any drug interactions that comes from over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or herbal supplements.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Affect of Campral on pregnant women has not been studied so far and should be used only if it provides benefits that outweigh the potential risks. Inform your doctor if you become pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Studies show that Campral is excreted in the milk of breastfeeding animals, but no known if it appears in human breast milk. It is advised to avoid breastfeeding while using this drug.

Recommended dosage for Campral:

ADULTS

The normal initial dose is two tablets (each tablet contains 333 milligrams) taken thrice a day, for a total of six tablets daily. The dosage may be lowered by your doctor as needed. People having mild kidney disease should take half the regular dose, that is one tablet thrice a day.

CHILDREN

The safety and efficiency of Campral in children is not yet studied.

Overdosage

Like any other medication, Campral can also produce have serious consequences when taken in excess. When suspected of overdose, look for emergency treatment instantly.

Diarrhea is the symptoms of overdose.

Campral notes:
Campral is prepared by a French company called Merck with the product brand name acamprosate. This alcoholism medicine Campral helps people who have quitted drinking. Campral is not prescribed to hundred percent alcohol free people or who are not prepared to endure a total alcohol treatment that includes the health counseling associated with the mental and behavioral conditions. Moreover, it is not prescribed for people with addictions excluding alcoholism.
Along with reviving the brain chemicals, Campral drug helps in bringing them back its normal functioning that has been obstructed by the continuous long time alcohol exposure. The brain cells of an alcoholic are clearly sensitive and the mechanism of action of drug acamprosate treats the hyper sensitivity of the brain cells. If the patients who has already taken a detoxification uses Campral, they can keep away from the push for to resuming drinking of alcohol.
According to Campral reviews, some of the patients prescribed with this drug are found to develop symptoms like agitation, hostility, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts or behavior. You should report any such symptoms to the doctor immediately. Furthermore, the caregivers of alcohol dependents should be aware that alcohol dependence can cause mental health problems, and alcoholism medicine should be combined with love and care for its effective treatment.
Even though, Campral costs are somewhat high, it is still the best drug prescribed for alcoholics. Campral 333 mg of an 84 tablet packing costs USD 98.00. You can take Campral either empty stomach or along with meals. If you forget to take the dose, it should be taken immediately when you remember, except if it is time for the next dose.