Saturday, September 3, 2011

A note on Acomprosate

Acomproste (Campra), is a drug used for treating alcohol dependence but effective only during abstinence from alcohol.

Withdrawal from alcohol induces a surge in release of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate, which activates N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Acamprosate reduces this glutamate surge.

Side effects include diarrhea, irregular heart beat, hypotension, headaches, insomnia, and impotence. It is relatively contraindicated in renal failure.

Recommended dose is 666 mg (taken as two 333-mg tablets) three times daily.

Acamprosate is also said to be an effective treatment for tinnitus.