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Clinical Pharmacy Specialist for National Institute of Mental Health, Clinical Center Pharmacy Department, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD
Post-Doctoral Fellow, College of Pharmacy, Substance Abuse Research Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Associate Professor of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Department of Psychiatry, The University of Michigan
Reprints: Gerald P Overman PharmD, Clinical Center Pharmacy Department, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 10 Center Dr., Building 10, Room 1N257, Bethesda, MD 20892-1196, FAX 301/496-0210, E-mail goverman{at}cc.nih.gov
OBJECTIVE: To review the literature related to the treatment of alcohol dependence with acamprosate, a synthetic compound structurally similar to the naturally occurring amino acid, homotaurine.
DATA SOURCES: Primary literature and review articles were identified by MEDLINE search (1966–June 2003). Abstracts from recent meetings were also reviewed.
DATA SYNTHESIS: Acamprosate has been marketed in 24 countries. Although the precise mechanism of acamprosate in the treatment of alcohol-dependent patients is unclear, it may restore the balance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. European trials have shown consistent increases in abstinence rates compared with placebo when acamprosate use was paired with appropriate psychosocial and behavioral therapies. Decreased direct and indirect healthcare costs associated with acamprosate treatment have also been reported.
CONCLUSIONS: Acamprosate is a promising medication for the treatment of alcohol dependence in the US.
Key Words: acamprosate, alcohol dependence
Published Online, June 23, 2003. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1C351
THIS ARTICLE IS APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
ACPE
UNIVERSAL PROGRAM NUMBER: 407-000-03-021-H01
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