Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Acamprosate (Acamprosate Calcium) is an FDA-approved medication used to help maintain abstinence from alcohol in adults who have alcohol dependence and are already abstinent when starting treatment. It was originally marketed under the brand name Campral, which has since been discontinued — only generic versions are currently available.
Acamprosate is classified as a GABA analogue and works by restoring the chemical balance in the brain that is disrupted by chronic alcohol use. It is one of only three FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder, alongside Naltrexone and Disulfiram.
It is not a controlled substance and does not have abuse potential, making it a safe option for patients in recovery.
Acamprosate is a structural analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission. Chronic alcohol use disrupts the balance between excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) signaling in the brain. When a person stops drinking, this imbalance causes neurological hyperexcitability — contributing to cravings, anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness.
Acamprosate helps restore this balance by reducing excessive glutamate activity, which eases the discomfort of protracted withdrawal and supports long-term abstinence. It does not prevent intoxication or cause adverse reactions if alcohol is consumed — it simply reduces the drive to drink.
Patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30–50 mL/min) take a reduced dose of 333 mg three times daily. The brand name Campral has been discontinued; only generic Acamprosate Calcium tablets remain on the market.
Acamprosate currently has a findability score of 35 out of 100, meaning it is significantly harder to find than most medications. There is an active shortage driven by Zydus temporarily discontinuing production of Acamprosate 333 mg tablets. With limited manufacturers still supplying the market — primarily Viatris (Mylan) — many pharmacies are out of stock or receiving inconsistent shipments.
If your local pharmacy doesn't have Acamprosate, try using Medfinder to search pharmacies near you that currently have it in stock. You may also want to call independent pharmacies, which sometimes have better access to limited-supply generics.
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Because Acamprosate is not a controlled substance, any licensed prescriber can write a prescription. Common prescribing specialties include:
Acamprosate can also be prescribed via telehealth platforms, making it accessible for patients who may not have a local addiction specialist. Use Medfinder to find providers and pharmacies near you.
No. Acamprosate is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It does not produce euphoria, does not have abuse potential, and is not addictive. This makes it easier to prescribe and refill compared to some other medications used in addiction treatment. There are no special prescribing restrictions — any licensed healthcare provider can prescribe it, and refills do not require a new prescription each time.
Most side effects of Acamprosate are mild and often improve over time. The most commonly reported include:
Serious but rare side effects include suicidal thoughts or behavior, acute kidney failure, severe allergic reactions, and irregular heartbeat. Patients should be monitored for signs of depression or suicidality, especially early in treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious symptoms.
If you cannot find Acamprosate in stock or it is not the right fit for you, several alternatives may help with alcohol use disorder:
Always consult your prescriber before switching medications. For help finding any of these alternatives, visit Medfinder.
Acamprosate has very few drug interactions, which is one of its advantages over some other medications. Notable interactions include:
Acamprosate does not interact with alcohol (it won't cause a reaction if you drink), benzodiazepines, or most common medications. Food decreases its bioavailability slightly, but no dose adjustment is needed — it can be taken with or without food.
Acamprosate is a well-established, FDA-approved medication that plays an important role in supporting long-term sobriety for people recovering from alcohol dependence. Its favorable safety profile — no abuse potential, no controlled substance restrictions, and minimal drug interactions — makes it an accessible treatment option for many patients.
However, the ongoing shortage caused by Zydus discontinuing production has made Acamprosate significantly harder to find in 2026. With a findability score of just 35 out of 100, patients and providers may need to check multiple pharmacies or use tools like Medfinder to locate available stock.
If you're having trouble finding Acamprosate, don't give up — explore independent pharmacies, ask about alternatives like Naltrexone, and check discount programs to reduce your costs when you do find it.
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