These sedative effects can be intensified in individuals who are also taking other sedative medications or consuming alcohol. Those on long-term Baclofen therapy might worry about its impact on their health. The patient developed an altered mental state that required readmission and, ultimately, another stay within the intensive care unit. Her symptoms were resistant to all measures to increase her alertness and respiratory effort until her oral baclofen was reinstated and her symptoms quickly resolved. You should not stop the administration of baclofen abruptly as you may suffer from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The follow-up data were extracted from the follow-up notes available in the personal case files of the patients.
Baclofen therapeutics, toxicity, and withdrawal: A narrative
Baclofen is the generic name for a muscle relaxant that is prescribed under the brand names Gablofen® and Lioresal®. Baclofen can alleviate discomfort but can not cure muscle-related conditions. Addiction is marked by compulsive drug abuse despite the negative consequences it causes. People with a substance use disorder will find that they struggle to stop abusing substances, even though they may want to or try.
In addition, researchers have found that baclofen also works with GABA receptors to reduce anxiety. In doing so, it resembles the clinical activity of other anxiety-reducing drugs such as Xanax, Valium, Klonopin and other benzodiazepines. Because of this, baclofen is also considered an effective treatment for PTSD. Baclofen is in a class of prescription drugs known as skeletal muscle relaxants. As the name suggests, it acts directly on spinal cord nerves to relax the spasms that cause the jerking, twitching, and involuntary “jack-knifing” caused by neurological orders. Baclofen also works on the central nervous system to relieve pain and muscle stiffness, which can be profound and even crippling in an MS spasticity attack.
Baclofen is similar to the naturally-occurring brain neurotransmitter GABA, which is released in the brain and the central nervous system to relax the activity of other nerves. Since baclofen acts similarly to GABA, it’s believed that it blocks certain nerve activity that controls skeletal muscle contraction and relaxation. Specifically, baclofen can be used to treat skeletal muscle contraction, muscle clonus, pain from disorders like multiple sclerosis and rigidity. For the most part, baclofen is taken orally, but it can also be injected into the spinal cord for patients with severe cases of spasticity.Off-label uses of baclofeninclude managing alcohol and drug dependence.
Mixing Alcohol and Baclofen
For example, a person taking baclofen for opiate withdrawals may no longer feel the effects and may take opiates again. Physicians typically prescribe three daily doses that patients take at different intervals. Although it comes with a risk of dependence, can baclofen be abused it is also important to not stop taking the drug suddenly. When a person stops taking baclofen as directed suddenly, there is a risk of hallucinations, seizures, fever, and confusion. Typically, as with any drug, these side effects (as well as the risks of having them) become more pronounced at higher doses of baclofen.
- If you are looking for treatment for substance abuse or addiction, you’re not alone—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
- It can intensify negative effects on your body such as dizziness or acute nausea.
- A baclofen overdose can only happen when the prescription drug is used in a recreational way and not for a medicinal purpose.
- Baclofen can help ease the anxiety that comes with alcohol addiction and withdrawal.
What is Intrathecal baclofen pump? How they are responsible for baclofen withdrawal syndrome?
- This may induce bradycardia or an extremely slow heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, sluggish reflexes, or coma.
- Below is a list of medications that, in most cases, should not be crushed.
- Tolerance occurs when the body becomes used to the drug and requires higher doses to achieve the same effects.
- You should never stop this medication before prior consent to the doctor as the severe cases of withdrawal can be fatal.
One of the biggest adherents of baclofen treatment was a French cardiologist, Dr. Olivier Ameisen, who, as an alcoholic himself, believed that baclofen had a profound effect in controlling his alcoholism. Likewise, this same clinical activity with GABA receptors is the reason why baclofen is now increasingly being prescribed for alcohol addiction. In recent years, baclofen has gained attention for its off-label use in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). While it wasn’t originally developed for this purpose, research and clinical experience have shown that baclofen can be helpful for some people in recovery.
Addiction Treatment that Just Works
According to researchers, preclinical evidence on baclofen’s effectiveness was promising. Since then, however, subsequent studies have continued to yield conflicting results. If used as prescribed, most people aren’t at risk of becoming addicted to baclofen. For example, maybe you were prescribed baclofen to help with muscle spasticity but hid the fact that you drink daily.
This means that, according to federal law, baclofen is not considered to have a high potential for abuse, dependence, or addiction, at least not in the way that drugs like opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants are. These are valid concerns, especially if you or a loved one has a history of substance use or is currently in recovery. Any medication that affects the brain and body naturally raises questions about safety, misuse, and long-term effects. Yes, using baclofen without medical supervision or in excessive amounts can lead to severe side effects and pose a significant health risk.
Baclofen is a type of muscle relaxant that affects the central nervous system. It is prescribed to individuals suffering from conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy. Baclofen works by blocking certain nerve signals in the brain, reducing muscle spasms and relaxation.
If you’re using the liquid form of baclofen, be sure to use a medication dose cup, spoon, or syringe to measure out your dose. Case management services are also available after people finish treatment to help them stay in recovery. Group, family, and individual therapy structures give people the care they need to have individual support, the support of others who struggle with addiction, and the support of family members. Using multiple types of therapy to treat each person’s unique needs, therapists help them learn the keys to break the cycle of addiction. While the NIH report stresses the unusual nature of these cases, it also serves as a reminder that any drug that gives a heightened sense of well-being can subsequently be abused.