Acamprosate
Restores brain chemical balance disrupted by chronic drinking, reducing post-acute withdrawal symptoms like insomnia and anxiety. Taken three times daily, acamprosate helps maintain abstinence by stabilizing brain function without causing sickness if relapse occurs.
TL;DR
Acamprosate is a safe, non-aversive medication that calms alcohol-altered brain chemistry to cut cravings and post-detox insomnia, anxiety, and relapse risk when taken as three daily tablets alongside counseling.
Key Points
- âś“Stabilizes brain chemistry by quieting excess glutamate and supporting GABA balance, easing insomnia and anxiety that often trigger relapse.
- ✓Does NOT cause sickness if you drink—unlike disulfiram—so slips don’t derail treatment or adherence.
- ✓Most effective when started immediately after detox and combined with therapy, support groups, or other medications for at least 6–12 months.
- âś“Common side-effects are mild (diarrhea, nausea); needs kidney-function check and renal dose adjustment if clearance <30 mL/min.
Acamprosate (brand name Campral) is your brain’s “reset button” after chronic drinking. Alcohol hijacks two key chemical messengers—calming GABA and stimulating glutamate—so when you stop, the rebound glutamate surge leaves you jittery, sleepless, and craving. Taken as two 333 mg tablets three times daily, acamprosate steadies this seesaw, cutting the edgy insomnia and anxiety that peak weeks or even months after detox.
How it fits into your recovery plan
Start the day you finish medical detox; it does NOT treat acute withdrawal shakes or DTs. Pair every dose with breakfast, lunch, and dinner to protect your stomach and build habit strength. Because it is not addictive and won’t make you sick if you relapse, you can keep taking it during slips—removing the fear that “one beer = disaster.” Expect your prescriber to re-check kidney blood work; if your creatinine clearance is low, the dose drops. Plan on 6–12 months of daily use alongside counseling, SMART or 12-step meetings, and possibly naltrexone for a one-two punch against cravings and reward memories.
What you will—and won’t—feel
Most people notice smoother sleep within two weeks and fewer 3 p.m. “I need a drink” thoughts by week four. You will not feel “high,” sedated, or suddenly “cured.” Side-effects are usually gut-related (loose stools, mild nausea); taking tablets with food and plenty of water helps. If diarrhea persists, ask about a slow titration start—one pill per dose for the first week. Rare mood changes warrant a quick call to your clinician, especially if you have depression history.
Money and adherence hacks
A month’s supply (180 tablets) runs about $125 without insurance; many state Medicaid plans and manufacturer discount cards cut the cost to $30–40. Use a weekly pill box or phone alarms—missed doses drop blood levels and effectiveness. Track craving intensity (1–10 scale) in a recovery app; share the trend with your prescriber to decide when to taper off. Never stop cold; a gradual two-week wind-down prevents rebound anxiety.
Bottom line
Acamprosate is a silent ally that quiets the leftover neurological noise of heavy drinking so you can focus on therapy, relationships, and new coping skills. It is not willpower in a bottle, but it buys precious weeks of brain calm while you rebuild a life worth staying sober for.