[Acamprosate--new preclinical research aspects]

Abstract

Acamprosate has been shown to be effective and safe in relapse prevention of alcoholism. The effect of acamprosate is explained by a functional antagonistic action on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Under normal physiological conditions acamprosate augments the functionality of the NDMA receptor, but it inhibits the overactivity of that receptor triggered by alcohol abuse and withdrawal. In addition, conditioned withdrawal phenomena that can lead to a relapse, are also reduced. The substance is not a substitution drug, nor does it have addictive potential. Moreover, it also has a neuroprotective action. Whether acamprosate has a role as a neuroprotective agent in humans needs to be investigated.