Acamprosate is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue for which evidence is accumulating of a clinically useful benefit when used as an adjunct for conventional treatments to prevent relapse in alcohol dependence. This paper reviews published randomized controlled studies involving 1304 patients. To date no abstinence syndrome associated with acamprosate has been identified nor serious adverse effects. It is not effective in all patients, and the characteristics of the individuals most likely to respond and the treatment setting and modalities in which it is likely to be most helpful, have yet to be specified.
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