Information ACAMPROSATE

Transcription

1 Information ACAMPROSATE

2 Why am I taking Acamprosate? Drinking too much alcohol may harm your health and cause physical, psychological and social problems. If this occurs you may be advised to stop drinking completely. If you have been drinking excessively, your body can get used to the effects of alcohol. When you stop drinking you can experience unpleasant effects known as alcohol withdrawal which can last a few weeks. After stopping drinking, you may also feel a craving to drink again because your mind has become accustomed to the effects of alcohol. This type of dependence can last for a long time. Counselling often helps and Acamprosate may be used alongside the counselling. It is important to understand that it can take a considerable amount of time for your body to re-adjust to being alcohol free and Acamprosate is not a miracle cure. Acamprosate does not treat the physical symptoms of withdrawal Acamprosate does not prevent the harmful effects of continued alcohol abuse. 2

3 How does Acamprosate work? Alongside counselling, Acamprosate can assist in preventing you to start drinking again. It does this by acting on the chemical changes that have taken place in your brain whilst you were drinking alcohol and reduces the cravings for alcohol. Although Acamprosate can help considerably with coping with your alcohol cravings, it is essential that you realise that you will still need your own determination and will-power. Counselling can help you to develop ways of coping without alcohol and identify methods of distracting yourself when you begin to feel cravings. What is the usual dose of Acamprosate? If you weigh 60kg or more: Two tablets, three times a day, with meals If you weigh less than 60kg: Two tablets in the morning, one at lunch and one at tea-time, all with meals. What should I do if I miss a dose? Never change the dose without checking with the person who prescribed the Acamprosate. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within a couple of hours of when you should have taken it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. 3

4 What will happen when I start taking the Acamprosate? Your alcohol counsellor or your G.P should review your treatment with you regularly, to ensure you are gaining the best benefits from it. You may still experience some cravings whilst taking the medication and as with all medications, side effects are possible but many will go away after a few doses. Discuss with your alcohol counsellor or your G.P if you have any concerns. Alcohol and other medications Drinking alcohol whilst taking Acamprosate doesn t make you sick, however it is best not to drink at all during your treatment. Drinking only a little amount of alcohol could jeopardise your future ability to remain alcohol free and you may begin to drink excessively again. Acamprosate is often given with other medicines to help with alcohol withdrawal. So far, there are no reports of Acamprosate interfering with other medicines. Always check with your G.P or pharmacist if starting any new medications. Stopping Acamprosate Make sure that when you decide to stop taking Acamprosate, that you do so in a planned way and are ready to do so. Treatment with Acamprosate will usually be for a year but can be extended. Your alcohol counsellor or G.P will advise you how to stop them and gradually reducing the dose over a few days is common. Additional counselling after stopping the medication is usually recommended. 4

5 Queries and Advice The Alcohol Liaison Nurse service is available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on Need help with your drinking? All services are free and confidential and can be contacted on: Northamptonshire CAN: Kettering/Corby : Wellingborough: Northampton : Rutland and Leicestershire: Swanswell Charity: Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. It is free and available 24hrs/day on

6 If you need this information in another format or language, please telephone Further information about the Trust is available on the following websites: KGH - NHS Choices - Ref: PI.*** May 2011 Review: May 2013