Mar 04, 2024
Brands in the US include Lioresal, Kemstro, Ozobax, and Gablofen. The overall effect is the depression of activity in the brain and spinal cord, which may be responsible for relieving muscle stiffness and tightness. As a depressant, it causes euphoric effects, reduces stress, and can reduce is baclofen habit forming pain sensations. More information and research are needed to confirm that addiction may be a risk with this drug. Luckily, there are other ways to treat addiction that research has shown to be helpful in managing addiction, including psychological and peer support group programs. Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers.
Human pregnancy data have been showing some adverse effects on the newborn baby as Baclofen does cross the placenta. However, teratogenicity and fetal toxicity has not been reported. Use of Baclofen should be weighted if the benefit outweighs the risk. It is not advisable to consume alcohol and Baclofen together as the depressant additive effects of central nervous system can be augmented. If you are nursing an infant, talk to your doctor before taking this drug.
Physicians typically prescribe three daily doses that patients take at different intervals. Although it comes with a risk of dependence, 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. Call to speak with a knowledgeable, compassionate admissions navigator and learn more about your options or to start treatment today. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. It’s important to avoid any activities that require your full attention until you know how this medication affects you, such as driving a car or operating machinery.
Baclofen can affect people in different ways, and the severity of the side effects will depend on how much of the drug was taken. Taking baclofen along with alcohol, is a very risky combination. It can intensify negative effects on your body such as dizziness or acute nausea. In the worst possible scenario, it can affect your central nervous system, resulting in someone overdosing. Baclofen activates GABA receptors, which inhibit nerve activity and soothe the nervous system.
According to the results of one study, participants who used baclofen successfully reduced their use of cocaine over time. Although baclofen can be beneficial in some addiction treatment programs, some people can become addicted to it and may abuse the drug. Yes, and it is important to understand how to identify baclofen abuse and its dangers.
However, baclofen is not without some abuse potential and risks, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about what medications may work best for you in addiction treatment. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that physicians may prescribe to treat muscle stiffness, tightness, or spasticity. They may prescribe it to people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or other diseases that affect the muscles. When professionals use baclofen for addiction treatment, they typically prescribe it to treat withdrawal or to attempt to reduce dependence on another drug. It is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that is sometimes prescribed for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy. Baclofen can be habit-forming, and it is essential to take it exactly as your doctor prescribes.
While baclofen isn’t a narcotic and doesn’t have a significant potential for addiction, it can cause physical dependence. Physical dependence to baclofen occurs when it’s taken regularly for a period of time. The body becomes dependent on its presence, so suddenly stopping the use of baclofen can cause withdrawal symptoms. It can be dangerous to stop baclofen suddenly because withdrawal from this drug can be deadly. Patients are advised to speak with their doctor and get their recommendation about stopping baclofen. The treatment shouldn’t be stopped without first speaking to a healthcare professional.
Baclofen is a muscle relaxer that’s used to treat muscle spasms from conditions like multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. In the past decade, baclofen has been used off-label in the treatment of drug and alcohol use disorder to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal. Similar risks are present for individuals with liver disorders such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. In patients with compromised liver or kidney function, Baclofen may accumulate in the body, potentially leading to toxicity or overdose.
For people with chronic illnesses or muscle problems, the risk of tolerance is especially high. If a person experiences itching, swelling of the throat or face, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or severe itching, it may be an allergic reaction. While allergies to baclofen are rare, they require emergency medical attention. Treatment approaches are decided by medical professionals with the patient’s health, living environment, history with substance use, and other factors in mind. Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.Read More.
They teach people how to cope with triggers or situations and avoid others. Which one is better for a person depends on the individual’s home environment, work, family commitments, and other personal factors. Inpatient or residential treatment involves staying in the facility 24/7 for a specific number of weeks or months. However, additional clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of baclofen for addiction treatment. Baclofen may treat alcohol and drug addiction by altering the chemical processes responsible for substance addiction. An overdose occurs when Baclofen ingestion vastly exceeds the recommended dosage.
As a result, baclofen has a calming effect that causes dopamine levels to increase in the body. This is the first and most critical step in successful treatment. Detox involves letting the body cleanse itself of the substance. There can be unpleasant or even dangerous withdrawal symptoms during this time, which is why medical supervision is essential.
Unfortunately, there is the possibility that someone could abuse baclofen recreationally either by taking it in very high doses or combining it with other substances to amplify the effects. It is dangerous to mix baclofen with other drugs that affect the central nervous system including opioids, sleep aids, alcohol, muscle relaxers or certain vitamins. At a minimum, mixing baclofen with something like alcohol can amplify side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. At worst, combining baclofen with another CNS depressant can cause an overdose.
For this reason, it is helpful to get professional treatment through a certified, experienced treatment program. It is important to emphasize that baclofen, while it may be useful in supporting addiction treatment, is not a standalone solution to managing substance use disorders. The drug can help diminish cravings and make it easier to avoid relapse to substance use, but it is necessary to provide complementary therapy and other treatments to help the individual. One of the tools that has been researched and used in the past two decades is a drug called baclofen. By increasing the body’s dopamine levels, baclofen helps people feel better when dealing with cravings.
When abusing baclofen, either by consuming an excess amount or mixing it with alcohol or other substances, it can make someone feel euphoric when high. Baclofen users who seek this sensation often mix drugs with opioids, alcohol, or amphetamines. Our facility is in Dittmer, Missouri and its serene surroundings offer individuals a peaceful and safe environment. With our treatment programs, comfortable atmosphere, and understanding staff, Sana Lake offers people hope and healing.
With the euphoric effects that it can cause and the high levels of misuse that it has, of course, it is. If you cannot stop taking baclofen without experiencing withdrawals, then it means that you have developed a dependence on it. People with kidney problems or kidney disease may have issues clearing baclofen from their bodies. As a result, the levels of baclofen in your body when taking it could reach higher than normal levels and cause side effects.
While baclofen can lead to physical dependence if used long-term, it’s not tightly regulated like some other prescription drugs. While baclofen is not chemically considered an addictive substance, some individuals may become psychologically dependent on it or addicted to the feelings it produces. If misused, baclofen can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly. There is a higher risk of addiction for those with a history of substance abuse. While baclofen itself has a low potential for addiction, certain patient factors and patterns of use can increase the risk.