Is Baclofen a Controlled Substance? Abuse & Addiction

Individuals who are suffering from baclofen dependence can find hope and healing here at Sana Lake Recovery Center. Should this occur in a person’s life, it is absolutely necessary to seek assistance from addiction treatment specialists. Those who wonder about this should not be concerned; medication-assisted treatment involves expert supervision and guidance.

Although it comes with a risk of dependence, it is also important to not stop taking the drug suddenly. They may prescribe it to goodbye letter to addiction people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or other diseases that affect the muscles. Yes, and it is important to understand how to identify baclofen abuse and its dangers. Additionally, some professionals use it to treat people with cocaine dependence. In addition, baclofen seems to be particularly interesting because of its safety and tolerance, even in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, initial open and randomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of 30 mg/day baclofen on alcohol craving, intake, and relapse prevention.

Taking baclofen in excess or combining it with other drugs or alcohol can produce a euphoric high that many users can get addicted to. Most baclofen prescriptions are in small and frequent doses. This can also lead to baclofen withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, some people who use baclofen can develop an addiction to it. While prescribed only for specific uses, given the strength of the medication and its intended use, it can ultimately lead to dependence.

• Proper tapering under medical supervision is essential to avoid these risks.
• Because baclofen and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants, mixing them heightens both of their effects to dangerous levels.
• If you have seizure disorders, psychiatric disorders, liver disease, or diabetes or are receiving antihypertensive therapy, baclofen may cause adverse effects.
• If you wish to stop or reduce your baclofen dose, speak to your doctor to find out how to safely stop taking this medication.
• Recognizing baclofen abuse early is crucial in preventing dependency and severe health risks.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you believe you’re having an allergic reaction.

It is not meant for the diagnosis or treatment of any illness or medical condition. His dedication and innovation continue to shape the field, guiding clinical teams and supporting patients on their recovery journey. Baclofen withdrawal syndrome in an alcohol-dependent patient. If you’ve been looking for addiction treatment resources and services, allow us to help you.

When used recreationally or in higher doses than prescribed, baclofen can have several side effects. Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen can result in withdrawal symptoms, which may include muscle spasms, upset stomach, and even seizures. Treatment options, including behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment, can be beneficial for individuals struggling with baclofen abuse or addiction. It is crucial to consult a medical professional before starting or stopping baclofen to properly manage the medication and minimize the risk of addiction or withdrawal. Baclofen detox is essential when receiving addiction treatment for baclofen because of the severity of baclofen withdrawal symptoms.

They can become habit-forming if misused or overdosed and can have extreme sedative effects. Research shows that these approaches are usually more effective than medication at treating the root cause of symptoms. In many case, treatments like physical therapy or massage can help ease chronic muscle pain and spasms.

Expired medication may not work as intended and could lead to unexpected side effects. Severe side effects may include hallucinations, confusion and difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is required in case of an overdose. Yes, taking too much baclofen can lead to overdose, causing severe respiratory depression, confusion, seizures, or coma.

• The Verified badge on our articles is a trusted sign of the most comprehensive scientifically-based medical content.
• Reach out to us today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier, and addiction-free life.
• His dedication and innovation continue to shape the field, guiding clinical teams and supporting patients on their recovery journey.
• Since this medication depresses the central nervous system, an overdose can be life-threatening, especially in combination with other substances.
• People in the withdrawal process and relapse are at a higher risk of overdose.
• In inpatient treatment, medical care providers will address any other substance use disorders or mental health issues you are facing in addition to baclofen abuse.

Need Professional Help with Addiction

Over time, baclofen use can lead to tolerance in people who take it long-term for the treatment of chronic illnesses. The chemical makeup of baclofen mimics gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which can positively affect mood and increase dopamine levels – reducing cravings for a drug of abuse. Its off-label use can lessen the symptoms of withdrawal and help with cravings, particularly with alcohol use disorder.

This accumulation can increase the likelihood of side effects, including sedation, confusion, dizziness, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, seizures, respiratory depression, and coma. In patients with compromised liver or kidney function, Baclofen may accumulate in the body, potentially leading to toxicity or overdose. Fortunately, many of these side effects can lessen or become more manageable over time, particularly as the body adapts to the medication. Other possible side effects include nausea, constipation, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.

Physical Dependence with Baclofen

One of the biggest risks of baclofen is that it’s what famous person has fetal alcohol syndrome easy to overdose on it. Tapering off of baclofen while in an inpatient or outpatient treatment program is important. This means that, while the FDA has approved baclofen for treating the above conditions, it’s also prescribed to treat conditions not yet approved by the FDA. In recent years, medical professionals have also been prescribing baclofen for “off-label” purposes. Baclofen may be prescribed for a variety of conditions that result in muscle stiffness and tightness, including spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. Baclofen is not a controlled substance in the United States, however, baclofen misuse can be dangerous.

Support Groups

Our skilled team believes that everyone deserves to live life without the restrictions of addiction. We welcome residents of the Mid-Ohio Valley area and West Virginia to reach out to us for treatment. Our team takes pride in creating a safe environment where people can feel confident and comfortable. Also, we treat co-occurring mental health disorders along with addiction.

Craving/compulsive consumption of alcohol occurs after repeated consumption of alcohol, likely in relation with complex adaptations in brain circuits. The state of indifference is always reached after treatment has lasted for a certain amount of time, which is likely a period of remodeling brain circuits. Another reason why the therapeutic effect of baclofen in AUD is likely not to be related to a global anti-dopaminergic effect is that it is not compatible with the phenomenology of the state of indifference toward alcohol.

The highest-rated alcohol and drug addiction treatment center in Missouri with support for life. Some wonder if this approach to alcohol and drug use treatment is the same as “trading one addiction for another”. However, those who are considering medication-assisted treatment of any kind for addiction recovery may wonder about the possibility of further addiction. While baclofen is not typically considered highly addictive, it does have the potential for dependence, especially when used in high doses or for extended periods. For individuals with a history of substance use disorder, baclofen should be prescribed cautiously, with regular assessments for signs of misuse or dependence.

Does your Insurance Cover Rehab?

Lioresal comes into play as a review of answer house sober living drug that allows clients not to feel the compulsion to take alcohol. However, taking other pain medications along with Lioresal should only be considered under a medical professional’s advice. Usually, for muscle spasms, the medicine is administered through a pump that delivers the medication directly to the spinal cord. Lioresal is predominantly prescribed to control muscle spasms caused by spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other skeletal and muscular disorders. The medicine works as a supportive treatment by helping patients’ nerves relax.

Browse rehabs by state

Its pain relief effects are secondary to its muscle relaxant properties. It does not act on the opioid receptors in the brain, which is what characterizes the drugs in the opioid class. The 10-mg 024 pill is a commonly prescribed form of baclofen. This can lead to dependence, which is when the body adapts to regular use and withdrawal occurs from abruptly stopping or reducing dosage. This is when your body becomes used to the effects of the drug, so you need more to get the same results. Stopping baclofen abruptly can cause confusion, fever, seizures, muscle stiffness, or hallucinations.

Alterations in brain structure and functional connectivity in alcohol dependent patients and possible association with impulsivity. Effect of brain structure, brain function, and brain connectivity on relapse in alcohol-dependent patients. Imbert S, Blaise S, Bérard J, de Beaurepaire R, Stafford A, Jaury P. A prescription guide for baclofen in alcohol use disorder—For use by physicians and patients. Terrier J, Ort A, Yvon C, Saj A, Vuilleumier P, Lüscher C. Bi-directional effect of increasing doses of baclofen on reinforcement learning. Swift R. Medications acting on the dopaminergic system in the treatment of alcoholic patients.