Baclofen: Description, uses, side effects, and more

The risk of severe withdrawal is high if you have used the injectable form. Treatment is supportive and can include medications to control seizures and muscle stiffness. In severe withdrawal, your doctor may give a low dose of baclofen. This is because it’s commonly used to treat an existing addiction to alcohol or other substances. Many people who have a co-occurring mental illness also take prescription medications.

Warning Signs of Baclofen Addiction

Understanding potential dependencies and proper management is crucial for safe and effective treatment. Withdrawal symptoms from baclofen are reportedly extremely uncomfortable and cause many who are attempting to stop use to relapse. Withdrawal symptoms from baclofen can also be dangerous and should always be overseen by a medical professional in a dedicated detox setting.

• Thus, it is critically important to use the drug as prescribed.
• Other people that could develop more side effects to baclofen include the elderly, and people with impaired renal function.
• It’s important to taper off the medication slowly under medical supervision.
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can include drugs like methadone or naltrexone to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• More dangerous and severe side effects of baclofen include seizures and difficulty breathing.
• Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using baclofen.

Can I drink alcohol while taking baclofen?

These conditions include spinal cord injury, spinal nerve damage, brain injury, trigeminal neuralgia, hypoxia, dystonia, cerebral palsy, and nocturnal myoclonus. Baclofen is prescribed to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals facing these challenges. At Swift River, we understand the complexities of baclofen addiction and offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs to help individuals achieve lasting recovery. Baclofen will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using baclofen.

• If you’ve been looking for addiction treatment resources and services, allow us to help you.
• It’s important for those who are suffering from addiction to find hope at addiction treatment centers that have their best interest in mind.
• There are certain drugs that are dangerous when taken with baclofen and greatly increase the risk of fatal overdose.
• Unlike gabapentin, baclofen is not controlled throughout the US.
• Unfortunately, substance use disorders affect individuals and their families alike.

The Potential for Abuse

Please note, this is is baclofen addictive only a quote of benefits and/or authorization. We cannot guarantee payment or verification eligibility as conveyed by your health insurance provider will be accurate and complete. Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service. Addiction Resource does not offer medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services. If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately.

Baclofen Withdrawal Timeline

As a result, the levels of baclofen in your body when taking it could reach higher than normal levels and cause side effects. To counterbalance this, your doctor may prescribe you a lower than normal dosage of baclofen to start. Baclofen was first used as an addiction aid in 2004 when French cardiologist Olivier Ameisen tested its effectiveness against alcohol addiction on himself.

Treatment Specialties

If you cannot stop taking baclofen without experiencing withdrawals, then it means that you have developed a dependence on it. Mixing alcohol and baclofen can even increase your blood pressure and heart rate and cause you to have seizures. Drinking alcohol while taking baclofen can also cause you to unknowingly overdose on baclofen. Because baclofen and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants, mixing them heightens both of their effects to dangerous levels. People who take baclofen may mix it with alcohol to heighten their euphoric and calming effects.

How Common Is Baclofen Abuse?

Follow-up care is also provided to ensure the individual’s continued progress and recovery. In cases where seizures occur, anticonvulsant medications like benzodiazepines may be necessary to prevent further complications. Providing a supportive environment is also essential during Baclofen withdrawal syndrome, with adequate rest, hydration, and nutrition contributing to overall well-being. Baclofen is a medication that acts on the nervous system, specifically targeting the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It modulates GABA receptors, leading to a reduction in nerve activity and muscle tone.