Most side effects of baclofen are mild, and we can typically control them by adjusting your dose. It can take time for your body to adapt to the new medication, so side effects are often reduced or removed by slowing dosage increases. Baclofen is non-habit-forming, so you don’t have to worry about trading one set of cravings for another.
What Increases the Risk of a Baclofen Overdose?
- Baclofen is a prescribed medication for people who need pain relief from muscle spasms.
- This is what happens when a person depends on the substance, and the individual experiences withdrawal if the drug is suddenly stopped.
- In 2012, NCBI published research on the effects of using the drug for alcoholism, and positive results were found.
- For example, imagine that someone who takes baclofen for opiate withdrawals develops a tolerance to the drug and stops taking it.
- Caution should be taken when taking Baclofen in a patient with hepatic impairment.
- They teach people how to cope with triggers or situations and avoid others.
Since there are so many complexities and risks, professional treatment is essential. Search engine results can show confusing information at first glance because of some of the medication’s uses. In recent years, professionals have been using baclofen for addiction treatment. Studies show that baclofen can be just as effective as diazepam in treating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Additionally, some professionals use it to treat people with cocaine dependence.
Addiction Treatment that Just Works
References, only the first author is cited; Two references on the substitution line, the first refers to alcohol, the second to baclofen or other GABA-B agonists. Call 24/7 to have a discussion with one of our treatment professionals the call is completely free. Admission Line and explanation of convenient private phone and free prescreening.
What Are the Treatment Options for a Baclofen Overdose?
Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. 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. 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. Currently, studies have not proven that the drug helps with opiate or cannabis addiction. Scientists got a success rate of 68.2%, but only 43 patients were tested in the study.
- Close monitoring by a healthcare professional can help reduce these risks.
- Another reason people may wonder “is baclofen a narcotic,” is because of antidotal reports of people feeling high or drowsy from it, which are primary symptoms of narcotics.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
- As mentioned above, baclofen is a selective GABA-B receptor agonist.
- It is possible that a person could feel effects similar to narcotics when using baclofen, but only at very high doses.
- Although the number of cases with Baclofen abuse is growing, it is not on the list of controlled substances.
What You Need To Know About Baclofen Overdose
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 pain sensations. Lioresal is known to be prescribed for prolonged intake if used for treating addiction or for spasticity management. When the drug is used for several months, it is not surprising that a patient may become psychologically dependent. When patients try to taper off Lioresal, the development of Baclofen withdrawal syndrome can be expected. Experienced practitioners point out that withdrawal develops more severely among those who have been administered with intrathecal Gablofen.
There were multiple studies conducted in Germany that yielded different results in treating alcoholism. Slightly more success was shown in the treatment of opioid dependence. Clinical trials published in BMC Psychiatry have shown promising results in the use of baclofen for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. is baclofen habit forming There are also side effects of taking baclofen that need to be considered before the individual undergoes treatment with this medication. These side effects include difficulty breathing, seizures, and suicidal ideation. If these side effects are experienced, medical help should be obtained right away.
Therefore, make sure to talk to your doctor about whether or not baclofen is safe for you to use. Some brand name versions of baclofen include Gablofen, Lioresal, and Kemstro. 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.