# A Potential Case of Acamprosate-Induced Syncope in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

## TL;DR

An elderly patient experienced unexplained fainting after starting acamprosate, suggesting a possible but unconfirmed link to this medication.

## Contribution

Highlights a potential, previously unrecognized adverse effect of acamprosate in elderly patients.

## Key findings

- An elderly woman developed syncope after starting acamprosate with no other identifiable causes.
- Discontinuation of acamprosate was followed by no further syncope episodes.
- The case suggests a possible but unconfirmed link between acamprosate and syncope in elderly patients.

## Abstract

Acamprosate is commonly prescribed to maintain abstinence in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and is generally well tolerated; however, syncope is not typically recognized as a potential adverse effect. We present the case of an elderly woman with no prior cardiac or neurological history who developed unexplained syncope shortly after initiating acamprosate. A comprehensive diagnostic workup was unremarkable. Acamprosate was discontinued, and no further episodes occurred during follow-up. Although a definitive causal relationship cannot be confirmed, the absence of other identifiable causes and the temporal association raise the possibility of a link between acamprosate and syncope. This case underscores a potentially unrecognized adverse effect of acamprosate, particularly relevant in elderly patients, and emphasizes the need for clinicians to be aware of this possible association.