What is Baclofen? Side Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms of Baclofen

When Baclofen is injected, it can create withdrawal symptoms if not received in a timely manner. Baclofen can be used intrathecally to treat conditions caused by spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and other spinal diseases. Several treatment levels are available, depending on the severity of your addiction.

Because withdrawal can be severe, professionals use medications and supportive care to keep you comfortable. Typically, you’ll be in a calm, structured place where you can rest, get healthy meals, and focus on recovery basics. If you’re struggling with baclofen misuse, know that help exists. A blend of medical detox, therapy, and ongoing support can help you overcome addiction and withdrawal.

Why Do People Take Baclofen?

• Considering all of these people had tried and failed other treatments, baclofen seems to be very effective.
• The medication can be administered as a pill, topical cream, or injected directly into the cerebral spinal fluid by way of a pump implanted beneath the skin.
• Our medical staff will also provide actionable tips for spotting warning signs of dependence so you can catch it before it becomes an issue.
• Unlike opioids or benzodiazepines, it does not create cravings or a euphoric high.

As Verywell Review Board Member Dr. John Umhau notes in an article published in Advances in Addiction & Recovery, the Sinclair Method requires a lifetime commitment. While it minimizes cravings, it is important to remember that people also drink for other purposes, including social reasons, boredom, habit, and as a way to dampen emotional pain. The Sinclair Method can help people reduce their drinking without quitting drinking entirely.

Check out our blog posts and resource links for the latest information on substance abuse. When you stop feeling cravings, you’ve reached your ideal dose, which is different for each person. Change is not easy, but building healthy routines, practising mindfulness, and finding ways to reduce stress can help you stay on track. Therapy can help you process emotions, manage cravings, and develop coping strategies that do not involve medication. But if Baclofen is starting to feel like something you need, facing that truth is the first step toward getting better. With the right support, you can ease off Baclofen safely and start feeling like yourself again.

• The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
• Patients with MS experience symptoms of cramping, spasms, and tightness of their muscles.
• They can discuss your current drinking behavior, medical history, and treatment goals to better determine if the Sinclair Method might be a good fit.
• He termed this phenomenon the alcohol deprivation effect, likening it to the increased alcohol cravings that make it hard for people with AUD to stay abstinent and avoid a binge.
• Because of this, users often mix it with other drugs, such as amphetamines or opioids.

My experience is that the hardest alcoholics to treat are those with severe anxiety which they “medicate” with alcohol. This is well described by Olivier Ameisen in his book The End of my Addiction. While baclofen isn’t particularly addictive when taken as prescribed, any drug that produces a high can become addictive when baclofen addiction treatment abused. It does produce tolerance, which is a sign of developing dependence. Tolerance occurs when the brain alters its neurotransmitter activity in an attempt to normalize brain function with the presence of the extra chemicals in the brain. As a result, increasingly larger doses are needed to get the previous effects.

When used correctly, Baclofen can make daily life easier and more comfortable. The good news is that most people take Baclofen safely without any problems. If you suspect someone is struggling, the best thing you can do is offer support without judgment. Many people do not even realise they have become dependent until they try to cut back and find it difficult. You might feel spaced out, extra sleepy, or disconnected from what’s happening around you. Some people describe a deep sense of calm, while others just feel sluggish and out of it.

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Without it, individuals risk severe and possibly permanent side effects. In the case of baclofen, kidney damage, liver disease, and memory impairment are just some outcomes that could permanently impact your quality of life with baclofen misuse. In large quantities, baclofen can lead to pleasurable feelings similar to those created by drinking alcohol, which is why it can be addicting. Baclofen is not a controlled substance in the United States, however, baclofen misuse can be dangerous. Baclofen targets your central nervous system, specifically the spinal cord.

Outpatient Treatment

But in fact, baclofen was introduced back in 1960 as a treatment for epilepsy and was reintroduced in the 1970s as a treatment for muscle spasticity. Marketed under the brand names Lioresal and Gablofen, baclofen is prescribed either in pill or liquid form or via injection or pump implant. There is no restriction on how long a patient can stay on baclofen treatment. The aim of baclofen treatment is to completely suppress cravings for alcohol and replace the compulsion to drink with choice.

Severe Side Effects

People with chronic illnesses or persistent muscle pain are particularly at risk of tolerance—and possibly, misuse. Naltrexone is effective because it blocks the pleasurable feelings people have when consuming alcohol. Because drinking is less rewarding and reinforcing, it becomes easier for people to limit their alcohol consumption and reduce their alcohol cravings.

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When I read patient experiences of baclofen treatment, I was struck by how dramatically it changed their relationship with alcohol. Baclofen freed them from constant thinking about and cravings for alcohol. There, you will have medical supervision around the clock to ensure your comfort and safety. You will also be able to meet with a counselor to work on any other issues you may be contending with.

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In case studies with positive results, patients say that, after taking baclofen, they simply no longer have the desire to drink. They claim that the craving is gone, as well as any attendant anxiety. These patient success stories greatly reflect the same results that Dr. Ameisen had when he began his baclofen journey. This is a very useful feature of baclofen and makes it safe in patients who already have severe liver dysfunction from alcoholism or other causes.

In doing so, it resembles the clinical activity of other anxiety-reducing drugs such as Xanax, Valium, Klonopin and other benzodiazepines. Because of this, baclofen is also considered an effective treatment for PTSD. In contrast, the powerful anti-craving effect of baclofen mean that patients don’t need to undergo detoxification before starting baclofen treatment.

This is especially true for those who don’t have a strong support system at home. Residential treatment programs offer 24/7 assistance just like an inpatient program. The difference is that a residential recovery center cannot provide the same medical treatment that a hospital can. Instead, a residential recovery center might have a large team of therapists and specialists who can create a customized treatment program based on your needs.

For some people, it can also be a positive step toward abstinence and connect them with treatment professionals who can support them as they work toward sobriety. If Baclofen use is starting to feel like a habit rather than a treatment, it may be time to talk to a doctor. There are safer ways to manage stress, anxiety, and muscle tension without risking dependence. Recognising the signs early can make quitting easier and prevent long-term harm. In this article, you’ll find the risks and symptoms of Baclofen dependence, treatment options, and guidance on how to use the medication safely.

However, baclofen is the only drug used for MAT that has both anti-anxiety and anti-craving effects. Baclofen causes side effects, which are more likely when you reach a high dose very quickly. Your care team will increase your dose slowly over time to avoid that. Our specialised care tackles addiction and related mental health concerns, creating a compassionate environment where your loved ones can find the healing they need.