Acamprosate Calcium 333mg

Acamprosate Calcium 333mg — Uses and Benefits

Acamprosate Calcium is mainly used to support recovery from alcohol dependence.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Helping people who have stopped drinking alcohol to maintain abstinence
• Reducing craving for alcohol as part of a de-addiction programme
• Used along with counselling, support groups and lifestyle changes

HOW IT WORKS

• It acts on certain brain chemical pathways (GABA and glutamate systems) that become imbalanced due to long-term alcohol use
• It helps restore this balance, which reduces the urge to drink
• It does not act like a sedative and does not make you feel intoxicated

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as shakes or seizures
• It does not reverse liver damage caused by alcohol
• It is not a cure for alcoholism on its own and does not work if a person is still drinking
• It is not used for general anxiety or depression not linked to alcohol dependence

How to Use Acamprosate Calcium 333mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with meals to reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet with water; do not crush or chew unless your doctor says so
• Continue taking it regularly, even if you have a slip and drink alcohol, unless your doctor advises otherwise
• It works best when combined with counselling and support for alcohol dependence
• Do not stop suddenly without talking to your doctor

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original pack until it is time to take it
• Keep out of reach of children
• Discard expired or unused medicine safely, as advised by your pharmacist

Acamprosate Calcium 333mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Diarrhoea or loose stools
• Nausea
• Stomach pain or bloating
• Headache
• Reduced interest in sex

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Skin itching or rash
• Sweating
• Weight changes

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing
• Severe skin rash or blistering
• Signs of kidney problems such as reduced urination or swelling of legs
• Thoughts of self-harm or worsening mood/depression

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Acamprosate Calcium 333mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to acamprosate or any ingredient in the tablet
• Have severe kidney disease
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor specifically advises it

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any kidney problems
• Have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts
• Are currently taking other medicines for alcohol dependence or psychiatric conditions
• Are elderly, as dose adjustment may be needed

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Disulfiram, if used together, should be monitored closely by your doctor
• Other medicines affecting the kidneys
• Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does this medicine cause intoxication or make me feel high?

No, it does not have any intoxicating or sedative effect; it simply helps reduce alcohol cravings.

Can I take this medicine if I am still drinking alcohol?

It works best once you have stopped drinking, so it is usually started after detoxification, as guided by your doctor.

How long do I need to take this medicine?

• Treatment duration varies for each person and is usually decided by your doctor based on your progress, often continuing for several months.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.