Campral (Acamprosate): Uses For Alcohol Addiction, Side Effects & More

Campral, also known by its generic name, acamprosate, is a medication that can be prescribed for alcohol addiction treatment to help patients maintain sobriety.¹ Learn how it works, its side effects, and more.

What Is Campral (Acamprosate)?

Campral (acamprosate) is a medication that helps prevent relapse for people recovering from alcohol addiction after they have achieved abstinence.¹ The brand name Campral is no longer sold. However, acamprosate is still available in its generic form.¹ Though the drug has been well-researched, its mechanism of action is not thoroughly understood.¹

Campral in Addiction Treatment

Prescription acamprosate is frequently used to help those with alcohol use disorder maintain abstinence.¹ Researchers theorize that it works by interacting with the brain’s GABA and glutamate receptors (also affected by alcohol), restoring the brain’s natural chemical balance.¹

Acamprosate relieves alcohol cravings and increases adherence to abstinence after a person’s acute withdrawal symptoms have receded. Beginning treatment with acamprosate immediately after acute withdrawal can help cravings and prevent relapse in response to protracted withdrawal symptoms. Research suggests it is less helpful for people who have not yet gone through detox.²

Campral can be particularly helpful for people who may have liver disease (whether alcohol-related or not) because the liver does not metabolize it.¹ 

Is Campral Addictive?

Campral (acamprosate) is not a controlled substance and does not have any known addictive potential. There is no evidence of withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of therapy.¹

Side Effects of Campral

Acamprosate calcium (Campral) can cause some side effects. The most common side effect of acamprosate is diarrhea.⁴ Often, the side effects of acamprosate therapy are mild enough to be worth continuing the use of the medication.

Talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or exploring other alcohol use disorder medications, such as naltrexone or disulfiram, if you experience rare, serious side effects.⁴

Campral Dose

For most people, the recommended dose of Campral is 666mg (2 tablets) 3 times per day. Though it does not need to be taken with a meal, many people choose to do so. The medication is processed and eliminated from the body through the kidneys.¹

People with kidney damage or chronic kidney disease may need to discuss alternate dosing or other medications with their doctors.¹ Each patient should discuss with their doctor to determine how acamprosate should be taken and at what dose.

What Happens If You Drink on Campral?

Drinking alcohol while taking Campral does not affect the body’s ability to process either alcohol or Campral. Unlike disulfiram, another medication commonly used to assist with abstinence from alcohol, acamprosate does not cause a negative reaction when taken alongside alcohol.¹

But, if you are taking acamprosate and thinking about or have already relapsed, reach out to an American Addiction Centers (AAC) admissions navigator at to help you find your path to recovery.

Effectiveness of Campral (Acamprosate) For Alcohol Use Disorder

Several European studies have found acamprosate to be more effective than a placebo in helping people achieve and maintain abstinence, though U.S. studies have had mixed results.⁵

As with many aspects of addiction treatment, acamprosate is most effective with patients who are highly motivated to achieve long-term abstinence.⁵

Each person’s treatment and recovery journey is different. There is no one-size-fits-all for addiction treatment. Medication is just one tool alongside other approaches that may include behavioral therapies, peer and family support, and overcoming other barriers to wellness.

Finding Medication-Assisted Addiction Treatment Near You

For many, taking medication can play an important role in addiction recovery. Addiction medications can ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms to help patients focus on honing skills, coping strategies, and other important aspects of recovery gained through behavioral therapy and peer support.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers addiction rehabs across the country with evidence-based care personalized to fit your needs. Admissions navigators are ready 24/7 to verify your insurance, guide you through the admissions process, and answer questions about medical detox, rehab, and aftercare. Call today at or use our text line.