Substance use: acamprosate: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Substance use: acamprosate

Sample item

Which drug helps maintain abstinence in alcohol dependence by modulating glutamate (NMDA) and GABA neurotransmission, and is contraindicated in severe renal impairment?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Acamprosate

Acamprosate reduces craving and protracted withdrawal symptoms after detoxification, and is excreted renally so contraindicated in severe renal failure. It is started after abstinence is achieved.

Option by option

  • A. Disulfiram

    Disulfiram acts on aldehyde dehydrogenase.

  • B. Varenicline

    Varenicline is for nicotine dependence.

  • C. Acamprosate (correct)

    Correct. Acamprosate acts on NMDA/GABA systems and is renally cleared.

  • D. Chlordiazepoxide

    Chlordiazepoxide is used for withdrawal, not relapse prevention.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Acamprosate. Acamprosate reduces craving and protracted withdrawal symptoms after detoxification, and is excreted renally so contraindicated in severe renal failure.

Why is "Disulfiram" not the answer?

Disulfiram acts on aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Why is "Varenicline" not the answer?

Varenicline is for nicotine dependence.

Why is "Chlordiazepoxide" not the answer?

Chlordiazepoxide is used for withdrawal, not relapse prevention.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Substance use: acamprosate in Psychiatry. It is started after abstinence is achieved.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Substance use: acamprosate?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.