Effects of acamprosate on memory in healthy young subjects

Objective: Several studies have shown acamprosate (calciumacetylhomotaurina te) to increase abstinence rates in weaned alcoholics. Chronic alcoholics o ften suffer from cognitive deficits. Since acamprosate appears to interact with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, a subclass of glutamate recepto rs playing an important role in learning and memory processes, this study w as performed in order to investigate different cognitive functions during a dministration of acamprosate. Method: A randomized. double-blind, cross-ove r, placebo-controlled design, involving 12 healthy male volunteers was used . Acamprosate 2g daily per os or placebo were administered for 7 days respe ctively, with a wash-out interval of 21 days between phases. Mood and diffe rent memory functions (i.e., working memory, delayed recall, recognition ta sks) were assessed. Results: it was shown that a dose of acamprosate 2g/day for 7 days may produce an impairment in delayed free recall. Recognition t asks, short term working memory and mood were not altered. Conclusions: The present study supports the hypothesis that acamprosate impairs memory func tions. This is in keeping with the concept of acamprosate acting as NMDA re ceptor antagonist. The limitations of the study are discussed.