Effect of acamprosate on neuronal hyperexcitability

Acamprosate may modulate glutamatergic transmission through blockade of metabotropic glutamate receptors, resulting in modulation of the actions of excitatory and inhibitory amino acids. Importantly, these effects were only observed in the setting of alcohol dependence, with no effect in non-dependent animals. The mechanisms involved are complex and likely involve of changes in the activity of excitatory glutamate receptors and also modulation of feedback systems. The net result is that acamprosate prevents the harmful increase in glutamate release during withdrawal from alcohol.