Acamprosate usually takes several days to a week to start working fully. About five days after you start taking this medication, you’ll reach a point where the amount of acamprosate in your system will remain at a consistent level if you continue to take it as prescribed.

Acamprosate comes in the form of a delayed-release tablet. The recommended dose of acamprosate is two tablets taken three times a day with or without food.

Acamprosate is used to help prevent the cravings and urge to drink alcohol that people with alcohol use disorder experience. It is not used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but is instead prescribed after alcohol detox has been completed to help prevent a relapse.

Acamprosate is also known by the name Campral, which is a discontinued brand name of the drug. Various generic versions of acamprosate are currently available.