As a general rule, nursing should not be undertaken while a patient is on a drug since many drugs are excreted in human milk. Currently, studies have not proven that the drug helps with opiate or cannabis addiction. Scientists got a success rate of 68.2%, but only 43 patients were tested in the study. Another study showed similar results with a success rate of 56.8% in 320 patients. Patients who start taking the medication should be aware of Baclofen side effects and interactions. The medicine comes in the form of pills, injectables, and a pump.

The feel-good effects of baclofen can lessen cravings for other substances altogether. As a result, baclofen helps people suffering from addiction manage their withdrawal symptoms. 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.

Dopamine levels are affected by substance abuse, and, as such, the brain begins to crave the rush of dopamine that the drug provides. The drug acts as a relaxant, activating the GABA receptors in the central nervous system. Because of this effect and the fact that it causes pleasant feelings when taken, it does have abuse potential. People may begin to abuse baclofen to increase these feelings, either after initially taking it for legitimate use or obtaining it illegally.

Masking Cravings

It is usually found under the brand name Lioresal and is prescribed by physicians to treat a variety of conditions. As a treatment for muscle spasticity, it’s often used by patients with spinal cord problems or injuries. This misuse can involve taking higher doses than prescribed, taking the medication more frequently than recommended, or using Baclofen without a legitimate medical need. The medicine has been considered helpful in treating anxiety and depression in individuals suffering from alcoholism or substance abuse. Studies have shown the success of Baclofen for anxiety in lowering the anxiety level in drug addicts. This effect, in turn, reduces their cravings to indulge in addictive behavior.

Oral baclofen dosing in hepatic impairment

If the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus and oral baclofen is continued during pregnancy, gradually reduce the dose and discontinue baclofen before delivery. If slow withdrawal is not feasible, advise the parents or caregivers of the potential for neonatal withdrawal. Apart for the two widely used, the US-Food and Drug Administration approved, drugs acamprosate and naltrexone, many other agents have been used specifically for the management of craving. These include ondansetron,11,12 buspirone,13 fluoxetine, and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,14,15 topiramate,16 and baclofen.

Rehab & Treatment

• Because of the possibility of sedation, patients should be cautioned regarding the operation of automobiles or other dangerous machinery, and activities made hazardous by decreased alertness.
• Misuse is uncommon, but it’s always best to follow your doctor’s guidance to stay safe.
• Withdrawal symptoms from baclofen can also be dangerous and should always be overseen by a medical professional in a dedicated detox setting.
• Baclofen is a medication primarily used as a muscle relaxant for spasticity.
• He was always complaining of sleep problem in spite of all those medications.

The follow-up data were extracted from the follow-up notes available in the personal case files of the patients. Cumulative abstinent duration (in days) was calculated for each week. Since many users consumed locally brewed alcohol which can have varied strength of alcohol content, changes in alcohol consumption are recorded in terms of percentage change from pretreatment use.

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What are the Signs and Symptoms of Baclofen Abuse?

Based on the FDA label information, the precise Baclofen mechanism of action is not fully known. The medicine works by blocking the activity of nerves in the brain. When released in higher quantities, GABA can lead to issues of coordination and confusion in reflex actions. Baclofen has previously been reported for inducing behavioural disinhibition and manic like symptoms.1,2) Due to its mood elevating property its abuse potentiality cannot be ruled out. If you are suffering from a baclofen addiction, you should consider entering our prescription drug detox program. With the euphoric effects that it can cause and the high levels of misuse that it has, of course, it is.

• Baclofen, thus, does not appear to influence alcohol withdrawal insomnia even when given as night time dose.
• Here at Sana Lake Recovery Center, we understand the importance of helping people find freedom from substance use disorders.
• While in an individual therapy session, a person can discuss his or her needs, feelings, emotions, experiences, challenges, and more with a therapist.
• A doctor may prescribe the drug only if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.
• The determination of optimal dosage requires individual titration.
• Other people that could develop more side effects to baclofen include the elderly, and people with impaired renal function.

In severe withdrawal, your doctor may give a low dose of baclofen. Minozzi et al.20 performed a Cochrane review of 12 randomized controlled trials toassess the efficacy and safety of baclofen for the treatment of AUD. Theauthors did not find any difference between baclofen and placebo andconcluded that the evidence regarding the use of baclofen as a first-linetreatment for AUD is uncertain. Conversely, a meta-analysis by Pierce et al.21 evaluated 13 randomized controlled trials and concluded that baclofenseems to be effective in the treatment of alcohol dependence, especiallyamong heavy drinkers. This gradual reduction allows the body to adjust to lower doses of Baclofen over time, minimizing the intensity of withdrawal effects.

When the drug is used for several months, it is not surprising that a patient may become psychologically dependent. When patients try to taper off Lioresal, the development of Baclofen withdrawal syndrome can be expected. Experienced practitioners point out that withdrawal develops more severely baclofen dependence among those who have been administered with intrathecal Gablofen.

What are the Health Effects of Abuse?

When it comes to the side effects baclofen use may produce, it is important for individuals to be aware of the ways in which this drug may affect them. It may also cause confusion, physical weakness, or discomfort in the stomach. In severe cases, baclofen use can lead to seizures or breathing problems. Healthcare providers closely monitor individuals throughout the withdrawal process, adjusting treatment to address emerging symptoms or complications. Follow-up care is also provided to ensure the individual’s continued progress and recovery.

In addition to pharmacotherapy, all the patients attended four group therapy sessions which are held once a week. The medical records of all the patients are stringently maintained and include personal details, drug use pattern, severity of dependence, level of motivation, severity of withdrawal, and degree of craving. Baclofen is FDA-approved and primarily used as an antispasmodic agent and muscle relaxant. It is utilized as an adjunct in treating painful muscle spasticity, clonus, and rigidity caused by spinal-cord related diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury.