is baclofen addictive

These conditions include spinal cord injury, spinal nerve damage, brain injury, trigeminal neuralgia, hypoxia, dystonia, cerebral palsy, and nocturnal myoclonus. Baclofen is prescribed to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals facing these challenges. At Swift River, we understand the complexities of baclofen addiction and offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs to help individuals achieve lasting recovery. Baclofen will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using baclofen.

What Is Baclofen? Can It Treat Alcohol Addiction?

Misuse is uncommon, but it’s always best to follow your doctor’s guidance to stay safe. Baclofen comes with a patient information and instructions leaflet. Intrathecal baclofen use requires careful attention to program the infusion pump and monitor its function, pump alarms, and refill schedules 30.

  • All the people who help care for you or your child need to learn about baclofen and its side effects.
  • The treatment aims to resocialize addicted individuals and helps them reintegrate into society with minimal problems.
  • The medicine works as a supportive treatment by helping patients’ nerves relax.
  • Call 24/7 to have a discussion with one of our treatment professionals the call is completely free.
  • Physically being around others can help give individuals the emotional support they need.
  • Baclofen itself is not considered highly addictive when used as prescribed.

Treatment for Baclofen Addiction

This mechanism of action allows Baclofen to function as a muscle relaxant, alleviating muscle stiffness and spasms. Baclofen withdrawal symptoms can be safely monitored and controlled by slowly reducing the dosage. In extreme cases, baclofen overdose can result in life-threatening symptoms like weak or shallow breathing, seizures, and even death.

Baclofen may not even be able to treat your muscle spasms if you have a history with strokes. For example, is baclofen addictive if allergic to baclofen, you could develop trouble breathing and/or swelling of your throat or tongue. Taking baclofen again after a severe allergic reaction could lead to death.

is baclofen addictive

Long-term Effects

Baclofen also helps to improve the overall movement of muscles as it combats spasms. But addiction treatment professionals are finding a use for this drug on the rehab scene as well. Baclofen itself is not considered highly addictive when used as prescribed. However, it can lead to physical dependence with long-term use, and some individuals may develop a psychological addiction.

Baclofen and other drugs

is baclofen addictive

According to the Electronic Medicines Compendium, you should increase and decrease your dosage of baclofen gradually over time. The action of gradually increasing and decreasing your dosage of medications is called tapering. Not tapering your baclofen dosage could lead to severe side effects. 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.

Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants

  • When the drug is used for several months, it is not surprising that a patient may become psychologically dependent.
  • Lioresal is predominantly prescribed to control muscle spasms caused by spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other skeletal and muscular disorders.
  • It might be best to stop driving and cycling for the first few days of treatment until you know howBaclofen makes you feel.
  • Also, the dose needed when treating alcohol addiction is significantly low compared to other drugs such as diazepam or other benzodiazepines.
  • It is possible to abuse baclofen, but misuse of this drug is rare.

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.

As a result, the levels of baclofen in your body when taking it could reach higher than normal levels and cause side effects. To counterbalance this, your doctor may prescribe you a lower than normal dosage of baclofen to start. Baclofen was first used as an addiction aid in 2004 when French cardiologist Olivier Ameisen tested its effectiveness against alcohol addiction on himself.

The dose of Baclofen will be different for different patients. The following information includes only the average doses of Baclofen. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. Complications are rare, but it is important to know the possible side effects and what to do if something goes wrong. Side effects of baclofen may include constipation, nausea and blurred vision.