Side Effects of acamprosate: A Synthesis of Findings from 27 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Acamprosate is a medication used to treat alcohol dependence. It has been shown to be effective in reducing alcohol cravings and relapse in patients with alcohol dependence. 12 Acamprosate has also been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in most patients, with no significant impairment in psychomotor performance or driving ability. 19 However, some side effects have been reported with acamprosate.

Reasons for Side Effects

Acamprosate works by modulating glutamate and GABA neurotransmission, which are involved in alcohol dependence. 12 The side effects of acamprosate are thought to be caused by its effects on these neurotransmitter systems.

Common Side Effects

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common side effect of acamprosate. 1 2 It is thought to be caused by acamprosate's effect on the digestive system.

Headache

Headache is another common side effect of acamprosate. 1 It is thought to be caused by acamprosate's effect on blood vessels in the brain.

Dizziness

Dizziness is a side effect of acamprosate that has been reported in some patients. It is thought to be caused by acamprosate's effect on the inner ear.

Skin Rash

Skin rash is a less common but possible side effect of acamprosate. 3 It is thought to be caused by an allergic reaction to acamprosate.

Extrapyramidal Symptoms

Extrapyramidal symptoms, such as muscle stiffness and tremors, are a rare but possible side effect of acamprosate. 4 They are thought to be caused by acamprosate's effect on dopamine neurotransmission.

Side Effect Management

Diarrhea

If you experience diarrhea, talk to your doctor. They may recommend over-the-counter medications or dietary changes to help manage this side effect.

Headache

If you experience a headache, talk to your doctor. They may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or other strategies to manage this side effect.

Dizziness

If you experience dizziness, talk to your doctor. They may recommend medications to help manage this side effect.

Skin Rash

If you experience a skin rash, talk to your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of an allergic reaction, and you may need to stop taking acamprosate.

Extrapyramidal Symptoms

If you experience extrapyramidal symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately. These symptoms can be serious and may require treatment with other medications.

Comparison of Studies

Similarities

Most studies have shown that acamprosate is effective in treating alcohol dependence. They have also shown that acamprosate is generally safe and well-tolerated.

Differences

There have been some differences in the findings of various studies, likely due to differences in study design, participants, or other factors. Some studies have reported a higher incidence of certain side effects, while others have not.

Real-Life Application Considerations

Acamprosate can be a helpful medication for patients with alcohol dependence. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. If you are prescribed acamprosate, make sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have and to report any side effects you experience.

Limitations of Current Research

The research on acamprosate is still ongoing, and more studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of the medication. There is also a need for more research on the effectiveness of acamprosate in different populations, such as individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on understanding the long-term effects of acamprosate and its effectiveness in various populations. Researchers should also investigate ways to prevent or minimize side effects associated with acamprosate.

Conclusion

Acamprosate is a promising medication for treating alcohol dependence, but it is important to be aware of its potential side effects. If you are prescribed acamprosate, be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have and report any side effects you experience. Further research is needed to gain a better understanding of acamprosate's safety and effectiveness in the long term.

Keywords
Benefit Keywords
Alcohol dependence treatment
Safe and tolerable
1
Effective treatment for alcohol dependence
2
Alcohol craving reduction
4
Alcohol dependence treatment
5
Treat AUD
7
Alcohol dependence treatment
Improved functioning
Promising treatment for alcohol dependence
effective treatment for alcohol dependence
8
Improved treatment outcomes
9
Alcohol dependence treatment
Relapse prevention
10
Alcohol dependence prevention
11
Acamprosate for schizophrenia
12
Alcohol relapse prevention
Effective treatment
Reduced alcohol consumption
Safe treatment
Well-tolerated
Withdrawal prevention
13
Abstinence maintenance
Alcohol dependence treatment
15
Acamprosat efficacy
Alcoholism treatment
Effective treatment
Few side effects
Reduced relapse
Reduced relapse rate
Reduced relapses
Relapse reduction
Substance abuse
Substance relapse
16
Medication testing
18
Improved psychomotor performance
No psychomotor impairment
Psychomotor performance
Relapse prevention
no impairment of psychomotor performance
relapse prevention
19
Tinnitus treatment
20
Alcohol dependence prevention
22
Relapse prevention
23
Alcohol dependence treatment
24
Binge drinking reduction
25
Allergic rhinitis treatment
27
Risk Keywords
Anger
Depression
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Headache
Nervousness
Somnolence
1
Cutaneous adverse drug reactions
3
Extrapyramidal symptoms
4
Side effects
5
Treatment compliance
Treatment initiation
6
Cost
Costs
Side effects
costs
side effects
8
Opioid withdrawal syndrome
Pharmacological interactions
9
Disulfiram side effects
11
Glutamatergic hyperactivity
12
Abuse potential
Adverse side effects
13
Alcohol use disorders
Cross-addiction
Cross-tolerance
Dependence
Withdrawal symptoms
14
Few side effects
Side effects
16
Limited discriminative ability
18
None reported
19
Oxidative stress
21
Disulfiram side effects
22
Side effects
24
Alcohol use disorder
26
Literature analysis of 27 papers
Positive Content
21
Neutral Content
2
Negative Content
4
Article Type
5
1
2
10
26
1.

Dose-ranging kinetics and behavioral pharmacology of naltrexone and acamprosate, both alone and combined, in alcohol-dependent subjects.

Author: JohnsonBankole A, O'MalleyStephanie S, CirauloDomenic A, RoacheJohn D, ChambersRobert A, Sarid-SegalOfra, CouperDavid

Alcohol dependence treatment
Safe and tolerable
Anger
Depression
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Headache
Nervousness
Somnolence

Naltrexone and acamprosate, used alone or together for alcohol dependence, are generally safe at the tested doses. Combined use may lead to more side effects like anger, depression, and headache.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

2.

Acamprosate in alcohol dependence: a randomized controlled efficacy study in a standard clinical setting.

Author: BaltieriDanilo Antonio, De AndradeArthur Guerra

Effective treatment for alcohol dependence

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of acamprosate in treating alcohol dependence. The results showed that acamprosate was more effective than placebo in reducing relapse rates and was well-tolerated.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

3.

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions to psychotropic drugs and their risk factors - a case-control study.

Author: GreilWaldemar, ZhangXueqiong, StassenHans, GrohmannRenate, BridlerRené, HaslerGregor, TotoSermin, BleichStefan, KasperSiegfried

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) were more prevalent in patients treated with clomipramine, maprotiline, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, acamprosate, clomethiazole, and disulfiram. Women were more vulnerable to CADRs, especially those under 50 years of age.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

Pharmacologic approaches to the management of alcoholism.

Author: AntonR F

Alcohol dependence treatment
Side effects

This article reviews medications used to treat alcohol dependence, including naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, discussing their mechanisms of action and side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

6.

Patient Perspectives on Pharmacotherapy of Alcohol Dependence.

Author: WellensiekJulian, SpeckaMichael, JustJohannes, BangerMarkus, BonnetUdo, ScherbaumNorbert

Treatment compliance
Treatment initiation

This study aimed to understand why patients with alcohol dependence (AD) don't start or continue taking medications like naltrexone or acamprosate.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.

Language : English

7.

Alcohol addiction - the safety of available approved treatment options.

Author: AntonelliMariangela, FerrulliAnna, SestitoLuisa, VassalloGabriele A, TarliClaudia, MosoniCarolina, RandoMaria M, MirijelloAntonio, GasbarriniAntonio, AddoloratoGiovanni

Treat AUD

Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) is a significant health problem. Disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate are approved treatments in the US and Europe. Other treatments, such as nalmefene, sodium oxybate, and baclofen, have varying degrees of approval.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

8.

Recent developments in the pharmacotherapy of alcohol dependence.

Author: SchuckitM A

Alcohol dependence treatment
Improved functioning
Promising treatment for alcohol dependence
effective treatment for alcohol dependence
Cost
Costs
Side effects
costs
side effects

Three medications (naltrexone, buspirone, and acamprosate) show promise in treating alcohol dependence. However, none are definitively proven effective for the average alcoholic. Further research is needed to identify subgroups that might benefit most from these drugs.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

12.

Glutamatergic dysfunction in schizophrenia: from basic neuroscience to clinical psychopharmacology.

Author: PazRodrigo D, TarditoSonia, AtzoriMarco, TsengKuei Y

Acamprosate for schizophrenia
Glutamatergic hyperactivity

Schizophrenia is associated with prefrontal cortical hypofunction, possibly due to excessive glutamatergic activity. Drugs like acamprosate, which reduce this activity, could be a safer treatment option.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

13.

Efficacy and safety of sodium oxybate in alcohol-dependent patients with a very high drinking risk level.

Author: van den BrinkWim, AddoloratoGiovanni, AubinHenri-Jean, BenyaminaAmine, CaputoFabio, DematteisMaurice, GualAntoni, LeschOtto-Michael, MannKarl, MaremmaniIcro, NuttDavid, PailleFrançois, PerneyPascal, RehmJürgen, ReynaudMichel, SimonNicolas, SöderpalmBo, SommerWolfgang H, WalterHenriette, SpanagelRainer

Alcohol relapse prevention
Effective treatment
Reduced alcohol consumption
Safe treatment
Well-tolerated
Withdrawal prevention
Abuse potential
Adverse side effects

This article summarizes data from published and unpublished trials on the efficacy of sodium oxybate for alcohol relapse prevention and reduction of consumption. It suggests that sodium oxybate is especially effective for alcohol-dependent patients with very high drinking risk levels. While concerns about abuse potential exist, the data suggest that sodium oxybate is well-tolerated and safe.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

14.

Alcohol use disorders and current pharmacological therapies: the role of GABA(A) receptors.

Author: LiangJing, OlsenRichard W

Alcohol use disorders
Cross-addiction
Cross-tolerance
Dependence
Withdrawal symptoms

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are a significant health problem. This abstract reviews current treatments like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, and discusses the potential role of GABA receptors and novel agents like dihydromyricetin in treating AUD.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

15.

Efficacy of acamprosate in the treatment of alcohol-dependent outpatients.

Author: BaltieriDanilo Antonio, de AndradeArthur Guerra

Abstinence maintenance
Alcohol dependence treatment

Acamprosate proved to be safe and effective in treating alcohol-dependent patients and to maintain the abstinence during 24 weeks.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

16.

[Acamprosate--a stabilizing factor in long-term withdrawal of alcoholic patients].

Author: LadewigD, KnechtT, LeherP, FendlA

Acamprosat efficacy
Alcoholism treatment
Effective treatment
Few side effects
Reduced relapse
Reduced relapse rate
Reduced relapses
Relapse reduction
Substance abuse
Substance relapse
Few side effects
Side effects

Acamprosate was found to be effective in reducing relapse rates in substance abuse patients, demonstrating a potential benefit in the treatment of addiction.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : German

17.

What's new in clinical pharmacology and therapeutics.

Author: ChawlaParamjith S, KocharMahendr S

This article summarizes several new drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in recent years that are relevant to primary care physicians. These drugs represent new classes of medications or offer improved profiles in terms of administration, duration of action, or side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

18.

Can experimental paradigms and animal models be used to discover clinically effective medications for alcoholism?

Author: EgliMark

Medication testing
Limited discriminative ability

This study explores the use of animal models to predict the effectiveness of medications for treating alcoholism. It reviews the effects of naltrexone and acamprosate in these models and discusses the challenges of identifying clinically effective compounds. The goal is to improve preclinical testing to predict which medications are likely to help reduce alcohol consumption and promote abstinence in humans.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

19.

Effects of acamprosate on psychomotor performance and driving ability in abstinent alcoholics.

Author: SoykaM, AichmüllerC, PreussU, MöllerH J

Improved psychomotor performance
No psychomotor impairment
Psychomotor performance
Relapse prevention
no impairment of psychomotor performance
relapse prevention
None reported

Acamprosate, a drug used for alcohol dependence, did not seem to impair psychomotor performance or driving ability in a small study of alcoholic patients.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

20.

Tinnitus treatment with acamprosate: double-blind study.

Author: AzevedoAndréia A, FigueiredoRicardo R

Tinnitus treatment

Tinnitus remains a difficult condition to treat, with many different approaches and inconsistent results. This study investigates the potential of acamprosate, a medication used for alcohol addiction, to treat tinnitus. Acamprosate works by regulating neurotransmitters in the brain, which may be helpful for tinnitus.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

21.

Acamprosate modulates alcohol-induced hippocampal NMDA receptors and brain microsomal Ca2+-ATPase but induces oxidative stress in rat.

Author: CalişkanAli Metehan, NaziroğluMustafa, UğuzAbdulhadi Cihangir, OveyIshak Suat, SütçüRecep, BalRamazan, CalişkanSila, OzcankayaRamazan

Oxidative stress

This study investigated the effects of acamprosate on alcohol-induced oxidative stress and brain function in rats. Alcohol exposure increased oxidative stress and altered NMDAR subunit levels. Acamprosate further increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant vitamins, suggesting potential negative effects on brain health in the context of alcohol consumption.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

23.

OMEGA-3 Interventions in Alcohol Dependence and Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Propositions.

Author: GaldurózJosé Carlos F, BezerraAndréia Gomes, PiresGabriel Natan, PauluciRenata, NotoAna Regina

Relapse prevention

Currently, only three drugs are approved for alcohol dependence, with limited efficacy and side effects. The study explores the potential of omega-3 fatty acids as a new approach to relapse prevention.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

24.

[Does disulfiram still have a role in alcoholism treatment?].

Author: BlancM, DaeppenJ-B

Alcohol dependence treatment
Side effects

Disulfiram can be helpful for some alcohol-dependent patients, but its efficacy is unclear due to methodological limitations. Implants are not recommended, and it should be avoided during pregnancy and in patients with unstable cardiovascular disease. Liver function should be monitored closely.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : French

25.

Evaluation of alcohol use disorders pharmacotherapies in a new preclinical model of binge drinking.

Author: González-MarínMaría Carmen, LebourgeoisSophie, JeanblancJérôme, DioufMomar, NaassilaMickaël

Binge drinking reduction

A new model of binge drinking in rats was used to test existing pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorder. All tested drugs (acamprosate, (R)-baclofen, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, nalmefene and naltrexone) were effective in reducing alcohol consumption, with some differences in their impact on motivation and relapse.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

27.

Pharmacotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Author: McPheetersMelissa, O'ConnorElizabeth A, RileySean, KennedySara M, VoisinChristiane, KuznacicKaitlin, CoffeyCory P, EdlundMark D, BobashevGeorgiy, JonasDaniel E

Allergic rhinitis treatment

This meta-analysis found that oral naltrexone at 50 mg/d and acamprosate are effective first-line pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorder, when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions. The number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent 1 person from returning to any drinking was 11 for acamprosate and 18 for oral naltrexone. While both medications can cause gastrointestinal distress, oral naltrexone was associated with lower rates of return to heavy drinking compared with placebo (NNT of 11).

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

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