The Acamprosate is used as a component of drugs to support withdrawal therapy for alcohol addicts. It inhibits the irritability of the brain and thus the desire of the person concerned.
What is acamprosate?
Acamprosate is a white substance that occurs in powder form. It is only slightly soluble in water and is therefore usually given as a tablet. In contrast, the drug is also resistant to gastric juices and can enter the bloodstream without restrictions through oral intake and be transported from there to the brain.
There, in turn, alcohol addicts have an increased level of the messenger substance glutamate. This stimulates the consciousness and increases the urge for addictive substances. The acamprosate is supposed to inhibit this desire. To do this, it attaches itself to the existing nerve cells. These can no longer be controlled by the glutamate. The healing success is said to be a calming of the brain and a soothing of the nerves, which results in a reduced need for alcoholic beverages.
Pharmacological effect
In its structure, acamprosate resembles a neurotransmitter. In this respect, it is ideally suited for docking with the synapses of the nerve cells. Here it can also restore the balance between inhibiting and demanding messenger substances.
In addicts in general and alcohol addicts in particular, an increase in glutamate can be seen. This has an irritating effect and increases the desire for spirits. In contrast, the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid is too small. The imbalance between the two substances increases the dominance of the disease. The person concerned is controlled by his addiction. However, after ingestion, the acamprosate enters the brain through the bloodstream.
Here it occupies the receptors of the nerve cells. The glutamate can no longer adhere to these points and is reduced. The occurrence of gamma-aminobutyric acid, however, remains unaffected. The natural relationship between the two messenger substances is established in this way. As a result, the stress on the brain and nerves is reduced. The patient appears calmer and more balanced. The craving for alcohol decreases.
Medical application & use
Acamprosate is of great importance in the phase after the drug addiction has stopped being used. A physical detoxification and a mental fight against addiction must therefore be completed before the prescription.
Only after its success can the acamprosate be taken for a limited time. It is used three times a day before meals. The duration is usually limited to six to 12 months. The remedy lowers the irritation of the brain and stimulates the nerve cells. This goes hand in hand with a decreasing desire for spirits. However, the acamprosate is not prescribed to every addict as a follow-up to weaning.
A relapse could have serious consequences, especially if abstinence is not yet resilient. In this situation, the alcohol and the drug would interact. This would mean that the effect of each and every one of them would remain.
The influence of alcohol on the brain in particular would be fatal and could undo previous successes in weaning. Likewise, the acamprosate cannot be used for causal addiction therapy, but must only be used afterwards.
Risks & side effects
In addition, the physical condition of the patient must be assessed before taking the acamprosate. If this tends to weaken the gastrointestinal tract, vomiting and diarrhea are to be expected as side effects. Likewise, the person affected can suffer from a sensitivity of the stomach only on a few days.
The doctor would have to decide whether the acamprosate should be suspended for an hour or taken in the conventional manner. In addition, the agent can also stimulate the nerve cells of the skin. In these cases, itching and redness can occur as a result. On the other hand, rashes are less common. Often times, the feeling in the fingers and hands is slightly changed.
Reaching for the house key or shaking hands with a friend can now be accompanied by a slight tension or tickling. However, all side effects should subside after a few days.
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