Kamal et al.7) have reported baclofen abuse up to 80 mg with gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) for sedative and anxiogenic effects, which resulted in fatal overdose. In a case study from India by Das et al.8) a 24-year-old male abused baclofen up to 600 mg/day with euphorient effects. Outpatient treatment is considered the least intensive level of care. With outpatient treatment, you may be asked to attend therapy sessions throughout the week and have regular appointments with your healthcare providers. However, it is much less structured than a partial hospitalization program.
- Residential treatment is generally more expensive than outpatient treatment, but most rehab centers accept insurance to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of rehab.
- Baclofen abuse is common among those with mental health conditions.
- Drinking alcohol on Lioresal or mixing it with other substances can also become a cause of Baclofen toxicity.
- Experts worry that people may have started to take these drugs as an alternative to opioids.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) doesn’t currently endorse baclofen in routine clinical settings, mainly because long-term data on its effectiveness is limited.
Some people also encounter digestive issues and baclofen abuse may lead to constipation or frequent urination. Baclofen is a type of muscle relaxer frequently prescribed for chronic muscle pain. Compared to opiates and other painkillers, baclofen is a reasonably safe drug with little risk of addiction. Just like any other muscle relaxer, baclofen does have some potential for abuse. If you regularly misuse baclofen, you may encounter a variety of issues.
Symptoms of Overdose on Baclofen
That’s when physical dependence may start to form, leading to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Once dependence sets in, it’s not a big leap to addiction—where the user feels they can’t quit, even though they know the drug is harming them. Once the body has been stabilized, you are ready to move to the next phase of treatment. An inpatient program is an intensive treatment that aims to achieve long-lasting sobriety. During treatment at an inpatient facility, addiction specialists will also check if you have other co-occurring mental illness.
Additional Drug Education
Eighteen baclofen-related deaths were reported between 2013 and 2017. It is hypothesised that baclofen’s interaction with GABA-B receptors is what is responsible for its ability to null cravings for certain substances, including alcohol. Olivier Ameisen, a physician who suffered from can baclofen be abused AUD claimed in a 2005 paper that he was able to nullify the desire for alcohol with a 270mg daily dose of baclofen. Though his case study on himself seemed to prove the efficacy of baclofen for treating addiction, further studies have failed to designate exactly why it works. It has shown promise in clinical trials for treating alcohol and opioid addictions, though official FDA approval for addiction treatment is still pending. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) doesn’t currently endorse baclofen in routine clinical settings, mainly because long-term data on its effectiveness is limited.
Is Baclofen a Controlled Substance?
- The primary function of Lioresal in alcohol addiction treatment is to help curb the craving and, as such, increase the dopamine level.
- Just like any other muscle relaxer, baclofen does have some potential for abuse.
- American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading treatment provider and has trusted rehab programs across the country.
- Therefore he was prescribed with escitalopram 20 mg daily along with the previous medication.
- Even though Lioresal is a prescription drug, and it is prohibited from buying without one, some patients are trying to get it from unofficial street sources.
- When dealing with a substance use disorder, it is hard to prioritize yourself, your loved ones, and your long-term goals.
- In these cases, baclofen is meant to reduce dependence on other drugs.
While evidence supports multiple medication options for AUD treatment, including baclofen, a larger body of higher-certainty evidence exists for FDA-approved medications like naltrexone and acamprosate. Treatment decisions should consider individual patient factors, medication characteristics, and setting-specific considerations. Expanding access to evidence-based treatments remains a critical public health priority. Gabapentin is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States.
Some off-label uses for baclofen include supporting the recovery of people who previously misused tobacco, alcohol, and certain drugs. However, because they are recovering from addictions, these people are at a higher risk of misusing baclofen, which is why it needs to be closely monitored. Baclofen may be prescribed for a variety of conditions that result in muscle stiffness and tightness, including spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis.
Why Is Baclofen Used in Addiction Treatment?
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. Less access to prescription opioids has driven some people in disabling pain to seek illegal alternative medications to manage their pain.
Pain & Addiction Expert Author Scientist
Taking large doses can be unbearable for some, even before the signs of addiction set in. Yes, seizures can occur during Baclofen withdrawal, especially in individuals who have been taking high doses of the medication or who abruptly discontinue it. Baclofen withdrawal seizures may manifest as generalized tonic-clonic seizures, characterized by loss of consciousness, muscle rigidity, and convulsions.
Is it Safe to Mix Baclofen with Other Substances?
We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Baclofen is a gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor agonist used as an anti-craving agent for treatment of alcohol dependence. It has gained popularity in the recent times because it is well tolerated even in patients with hepatic impairments.
Absolutely, and it can cause real problems if used in ways not directed by a doctor. If you’re taking baclofen for addiction recovery and suspect misuse—or if a loved one on baclofen shows signs of misuse—help is accessible. Without proper support, it’s all too easy to keep increasing doses or return to illicit drug use.
