Baclofen is also occasionally prescribed as a substance use disorder treatment, specifically for those going through opioid and alcohol withdrawal.1 Baclofen comes as a tablet, solution, or powder. 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. Baclofen is occasionally prescribed as a substance use disorder treatment, specifically for those going through opioid and alcohol withdrawal.

Because of the calming effect and the feel-good increase in dopamine levels that baclofen has on the body, many people start misusing baclofen. One way that people misuse baclofen is by taking more than what is prescribed to them. People with kidney problems or kidney disease may have issues clearing baclofen from their bodies. 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. For example, if allergic to baclofen, you could develop trouble breathing and/or swelling of your throat or tongue.

Going “cold turkey” is very dangerous and can be fatal as it can lead to organ failure. The length of time withdrawal takes often depends on many factors. These include the individual, the dose that they are taking, and how long they have been taking baclofen.

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Baclofen is the generic name for a muscle relaxant that is prescribed under the brand names Gablofen® and Lioresal®. Baclofen can alleviate discomfort but can not cure muscle-related conditions. If you find yourself struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, or know someone who does, there is help. At our drug and alcohol rehab in Hollywood, FL the addiction treatment specialists at Recovery First are ready to help you find lasting and meaningful recovery. For this reason, it is helpful to get professional treatment through a certified, experienced treatment program.

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It is used to reduce anxiety as that is one of the main reasons patients resist alcohol addiction. Also, the dose needed when treating alcohol addiction is significantly low compared to other drugs such as diazepam or other benzodiazepines. Other medications used for anxiety treatment may require increasing amounts to continue building tolerance and might become a problem in the long run.

He was put on nicotine chewing gum 2 mg 3 times a day and baclofen (Liofen XL) 20 mg at night. He acknowledged the lack of craving for nicotine when he came for review a week later. His hostel mate disclosed that he was taking more than the prescribed dose of baclofen.

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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. Clinical signs and symptoms of baclofen toxicity and withdrawal.

The feel-good effects of baclofen can lessen cravings for other substances altogether. As a result, baclofen helps people suffering from addiction manage their withdrawal symptoms. If you abuse baclofen with other drugs, such as opioids or alcohol, treatment can help you work through the underlying issues driving your addiction with therapy, group counseling, relapse prevention, and aftercare. Our medical detox program is accessible to anyone looking to discontinue Baclofen use, regardless of whether they have an addiction.

This accumulation can increase the likelihood of side effects, including sedation, confusion, dizziness, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, seizures, respiratory depression, and coma. Apart for one study,23 we are not aware of any systemic study for the baclofen use in India. Baclofen can be addictive, particularly if used for extended periods or at high doses. Addiction often develops when users rely on Baclofen to manage muscle spasms and other conditions but start to use it beyond the prescribed amount.

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Family therapy helps to equip family units with the education and understanding they need throughout this time. If you are currently dealing with the impact of addiction and you’re not sure how to overcome these challenges, you may benefit from our addiction treatment services. You may need to baclofen dependence consider enrolling in an inpatient or residential program.

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. It helps patients feel relaxed and calm, thus providing relief from anxiety, stress, and depression.

Usually, for muscle spasms, the medicine is administered through a pump that delivers the medication directly to the spinal cord. Side effects of the pump are considered to be much less compared to when it is taken in the oral form. Therefore, the pump is prescribed to individuals who have trouble tolerating its oral forms. The way baclofen acts on the body means that dependency and addiction are possible.

Only a healthcare provider can give you the spinal injection form of baclofen. Because of the relaxing effects that baclofen has on muscles, baclofen is considered a muscle relaxer. If you need it to be, you can also use baclofen as one of a combination of medications for combination therapy. People with conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal injury and disease are primary candidates for the use of baclofen. Those on long-term Baclofen therapy might worry about its impact on their health.

Abuse

• This can help reduce the severe withdrawal symptoms that can come with a baclofen detox.
• The negative consequences that come from baclofen dependence are how addiction is measured.
• Those that take a spinal injection over a tablet form will often find withdrawal more intense.
• Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone.
• If you think that your baclofen consumption is problematic, then it’s a good idea to seek help from a treatment facility like Zinnia Health.
• Another way people misuse baclofen is by mixing it with other substances to increase their feel-good effects.

It’s important to note that the more severe side effects of baclofen are not as likely to occur as the moderate symptoms. Still, individuals should also consult medical professional advice when it comes to using any sort of medication, including baclofen. This will ensure that people are using it safely and effectively without danger of severe and serious effects. If you or someone you know has developed an addiction to baclofen then contact a rehab center near you today to begin treatment. Addiction treatment specialists in an inpatient or outpatient facility can provide the care, therapy, and support needed to get free of addiction. If you have noticed baclofen withdrawal symptoms after taking the drug for some time, you’ll likely need professional help to detox safely.

Because of this effect and the fact that it causes pleasant feelings when taken, it does have abuse potential. People may begin to abuse baclofen to increase these feelings, either after initially taking it for legitimate use or obtaining it illegally. Baclofen may treat alcohol and drug addiction by altering the chemical processes responsible for substance addiction.

Oral Baclofen withdrawal symptoms are less severe than for those patients who administer the medication intrathecally. For example, combining Baclofen with Tramadol or other opioids can cause severe respiratory depression. Users may also show drug-seeking behaviors and search for the medication even at a great social and financial cost. The risk of severe withdrawal is high if you have used the injectable form. Treatment is supportive and can include medications to control seizures and muscle stiffness. In severe withdrawal, your doctor may give a low dose of baclofen.

Baclofen Addiction Treatment

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. 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.