Baclofen is thought to affect the central nervous system as it has a calming and relaxing effect when used regularly. However, it is a muscle relaxer, which is a completely different drug class. Patients should not switch between medications or stop Lioresal on their own. Scientists got a success rate of 68.2%, but only 43 patients were tested in the study. is baclofen addictive Another study showed similar results with a success rate of 56.8% in 320 patients.

Through our services and programs, those who are struggling will have access to professional treatment and resources that can help guide the way to recovery. Moreover, Baclofen has sedative properties that can cause dizziness, confusion, and muscle weakness, particularly in older adults who may be more vulnerable to these effects. These sedative effects can be intensified in individuals who are also taking other sedative medications or consuming alcohol. Baclofen undergoes partial metabolism in the liver, but it is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

• This certainly remains true in cases of baclofen dependence and addiction.
• Research has shown that baclofen can be helpful in reducing alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it a potential treatment option for alcohol dependence.
• This is not wise as the extreme levels of drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, changes in mood, and agitation that mixing baclofen and alcohol will give you is dangerous.
• The experimental use of baclofen is swiftly catching on and becoming more and more of a topic of discussion.

Outpatient programs are ideal for those who have attained substantial sobriety. Instead, you will have to visit the facility 3 to 4 times and spend a few hours during each visit. The choice depends on the severity of abuse and your doctor’s recommendations. The drug starts working within a few hours after entering the body as a pill or solution, and blood levels of the drug peak within 2 to 3 hours following use. Misusing or abusing the drug can be very dangerous and may cause death. This is because the FDA requires the drug to pass several tests before it reaches the market.

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Baclofen withdrawal symptoms can be safely monitored and controlled by slowly reducing the dosage. When Baclofen is injected, it can create withdrawal symptoms if not received in a timely manner. Baclofen is a drug which can cause serious harm to the patient if administered incorrectly, especially with intrathecal administration. Baclofen should not be prescribed with other tricyclic antidepressants, as the combination can cause depressed brain function and muscle weakness. It must be used with caution and closely monitored when used on patients with diabetes. Never stop taking baclofen without talking with your doctor, especially if you have used high doses for over a month.

Call to speak with a knowledgeable, compassionate admissions navigator and learn more about your options or to start treatment today. It is important to only use baclofen under the prescribed direction of a medical professional. Here at Sana Lake Recovery Center, we understand the importance of helping people find freedom from substance use disorders. Our team offers compassionate and comprehensive care to those who are working to end drug and alcohol use. So, whether you are suffering from addiction or you are struggling to maintain freedom from this disorder, we’re here to help. The experimental use of baclofen is swiftly catching on and becoming more and more of a topic of discussion.

Short-term Effects

For this reason, it is helpful to get professional treatment through a certified, experienced treatment program. Because some of the side effects can be dangerous, it is important to obtain input and oversight from a medical professional before using baclofen to treat addiction. If the side effects for the individual are severe, it may counter any craving reductions or other substance abuse benefit the drug might provide. Because you will go through an intense detox during your baclofen addiction treatment, it is wise to attend an inpatient or residential treatment program afterward. That way you can receive the 24/7 care that you’ll need to remain sober after treatment is done.

Baclofen may also be known by other brand names such as Lioresal and Kemstro. 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. This accumulation can increase the likelihood of side effects, including sedation, confusion, dizziness, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, seizures, respiratory depression, and coma. After detox and rehab are over for baclofen treatment, many people need continued support to maintain a lifestyle of sobriety and prevent relapse.

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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. 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. 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.

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. All of the research above indicates that baclofen can be a helpful tool supporting treatment of substance use disorders. However, there are also some risks in using it that both treating professionals and individuals who might want to use it should be aware of first. 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. The feel-good effects of baclofen can lessen cravings for other substances altogether.

And more often, users mix baclofen with other, stronger drugs or with alcohol to intensify the effects of the drug. Just as with any drug, it is not safe to take baclofen in doses larger than those prescribed by a licensed pharmacist or physician or to mix it with other drugs or alcohol. Although Lioresal is primarily used as a muscle relaxant to treat spasticity and pain in muscles, it is also used for a few purposes that are not indicated in FDA-approved Baclofen uses. Lioresal comes into play as a drug that allows clients not to feel the compulsion to take alcohol. In the case of mixing Lioresal and alcohol, it can cause dangerous effects in the person who combines them due to the depressant effects of both substances. Another way people misuse baclofen is by mixing it with other substances to increase their feel-good effects.

Holistic Treatment

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. Inpatient programs are ideal for those who have used high doses of a drug for long periods.

Overcoming baclofen addiction can be challenging, but with the right support and treatment, lasting recovery is possible. Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen can result in withdrawal symptoms, which may include muscle spasms, upset stomach, and even seizures. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and can further fuel the addictive cycle, as individuals may continue using the drug to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. 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. Baclofen detox is essential when receiving addiction treatment for baclofen because of the severity of baclofen withdrawal symptoms.

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This makes it hard to tell whether the signs of abuse are due to those medications or baclofen. Starting with medical detoxification is a vital process, particularly for those with severe dependency. Under medical supervision, the dosage of baclofen is gradually reduced, which helps in safely managing the withdrawal symptoms that can arise when stopping or reducing the use of the drug. Baclofen has the potential for abuse due to its effects on the central nervous system. When used in larger doses or when misused, baclofen can lead to the development of tolerance and dependence.

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As the study on baclofen and its use in addiction treatment continues, many cannot help but wonder, “Is baclofen addictive? ” After all, individuals often find themselves wondering if MAT, in general, is effective as it uses prescription drugs to help people end substance dependence. Some wonder if this approach to alcohol and drug use treatment is the same as “trading one addiction for another”. Additionally, individuals with a history of substance use disorder (SUD) or a family history of addiction may be at greater risk for the misuse and abuse of Baclofen. Baclofen is a muscle relaxer that is used to treat muscle spasms, pain, and stiffness caused by injuries of the spinal cord, multiple sclerosis, and other issues related to the spine.

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When baclofen is abruptly stopped, the nervous system may become hyperactive, resulting in a rebound effect and withdrawal symptoms. If you are physically dependent on baclofen, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit. Baclofen withdrawal can be very dangerous or even deadly if you don’t have immediate access to medical assistance in the event of an emergency.