Author: James Anderson

What Is Baclofen Used For? Can It Cause Addiction?

In 2012, NCBI published research on the effects of using the drug for alcoholism, and positive results were found. The research results show that between 3 to 24 months, over 80% of patients that came in at high risk of alcoholism, reduced their risk to the low or moderate level. There were multiple studies conducted in Germany that yielded different results in treating alcoholism. Recovered is not a medical, healthcare or therapeutic services provider and no medical, psychiatric, psychological or physical treatment or advice is being provided by Recovered. If you are facing a medical emergency or considering suicide or self harm, please call 911 immediately.

Addiction treatment specialists in an inpatient or outpatient facility can provide the care, therapy, and support needed to get free of addiction. Always seek medical attention when attempting to quit baclofen use after prolonged exposure. There are certain drugs that are dangerous when taken with baclofen and greatly increase the risk of fatal overdose. Most of these drugs have additional effects that cause sleep and lowered respiration rate.

The oral forms comprise tablets, caplets, and capsules whose sizes vary according to their strength. They are supplied as white or off-white colored tablets and capsules.

Edmund has an extensive background in addiction research and medical writing, working collaboratively with doctors, substance use disorder specialists, and clinical experts across all content on Recovered. Despite its muscle relaxant properties and interaction with the CNS, the DEA does not consider baclofen to have any potential for abuse. Therefore, it is not regulated under the Controlled Substances Act and is not under any schedule. Baclofen produces its effects by activating the GABAB receptor, similar to the drug phenibut which also activates this receptor and shares some of its effects. Baclofen is postulated to block mono-and-polysynaptic reflexes by acting as an inhibitory ligand, inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters.

Signs of Baclofen Abuse

While baclofen is used to ease muscle pain during addiction treatment (particularly for alcohol and opioid withdrawal) it also has the potential to be dependence and addiction-forming on its own. This means those using the medication to treat withdrawal symptoms should only do so under strict medical supervision. Lioresal is predominantly prescribed to control muscle spasms caused by spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other skeletal and muscular disorders. Usually, for muscle spasms, the medicine is administered through a pump that delivers the medication directly to the spinal cord.

Olivier Ameisen, a physician who suffered from 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. A baclofen pump is a method of administering the drug directly into the spinal fluid of patients. A baclofen pump requires invasive surgery to use and is not recommended for all patients suffering from spasticity. Read our guide to find out more about baclofen pumps and intrathecal baclofen treatment.

However, baclofen does not have significant affinity for the GHB receptor, and has no known abuse potential.[30] Agonism of the GABAB receptor is responsible for baclofen’s range of therapeutic properties. In another study, researchers noted tapering off cravings for nicotine in a patient diagnosed with primary nicotine dependence who does not have any psychiatric disorder. The patient was prescribed to take Lioresal, which he eventually abused. Based on the report, the patient said he experienced an unusual sense of pleasure and well-being whenever he took Lioresal. There have been a few studies dedicated to discovering if Lioresal for opiate addiction is possible, as both alcohol and opioid addiction work through the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathways of the brain.

Baclofen withdrawal

Although it also relieves pain related to muscle stiffness, it does so differently than opioid analgesics or narcotic painkillers. Although the number of cases with Baclofen abuse is growing, it is not on the list of controlled substances. Currently, studies have not proven that the drug helps with opiate or cannabis addiction. Taking Tramadol and Baclofen together to relieve pain can result in serious adverse effects for some individuals. However, taking other pain medications along with Lioresal should only be considered under a medical professional’s advice. Withdrawal symptoms from baclofen are reportedly extremely uncomfortable and cause many who are attempting to stop use to relapse.

1. Currently, studies have not proven that the drug helps with opiate or cannabis addiction.
2. Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services.
3. The primary function of Lioresal in alcohol addiction treatment is to help curb the craving and, as such, increase the dopamine level.
4. Although cases of Baclofen abuse are rarely reported, it is advised to start with a Baclofen 10 mg or 5 mg dose a few times a day, gradually increasing it over time when necessary.
5. Withdrawal symptoms from baclofen can also be dangerous and should always be overseen by a medical professional in a dedicated detox setting.
6. He has a particular interest in psychopharmacology, nutritional psychiatry, and alternative treatment options involving particular vitamins, dietary supplements, and administering auricular acupuncture.

AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. 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. It cannot be stressed enough that Baclofen must only be taken with a doctor’s prescription and bought only via authorized sellers. When Lioresal is abused, some common adverse health effects may be experienced, especially when dosage has been abruptly increased.

Adverse effects

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. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Download our comprehensive eBook now for insights, strategies, and real-life stories to guide your journey to recovery.

Lioresal Addiction Recovery

Baclofen is occasionally prescribed as a substance use disorder treatment, specifically for those going through opioid and alcohol withdrawal. In cases where users have developed an addiction to the medication, rehab centers are helpful. Various addiction treatment programs exist, making sure that each patient can successfully recover and stop drug abuse.