What is baclofen?

History of Use

Baclofen was developed to control seizures in persons with epilepsy; however, its effectiveness for this treatment has been inadequate. Instead, baclofen has evolved into a treatment of choice for spasticity related conditions.

Baclofen was introduced as a possible addiction treatment when physician Olivier Ameisen self-treated his alcohol addiction with high-dose baclofen. His results were published in a self-case study report in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism in 2005, prompting the public and the medical community to evaluate the use of baclofen to treat addiction.

Effectiveness

According to research, baclofen suppresses symptoms and cravings associated with alcohol dependence
and reduces symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Baclofen works by activating the gamma amino-butyric acid (B) receptors in the central nervous system. Baclofen is safe and effective, even in persons with alcohol-related liver damage. Baclofen possesses no abuse potential, has limited drug interactions, and causes fewer side effects than traditional medications used to treat alcohol dependence.

Baclofen is also being investigated as a treatment for cocaine- and opioid-dependence and abuse disorders. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to prove the long-term safety and effectiveness of baclofen in the treatment of substance abuse disorders.

Precautions

High doses of baclofen can cause excessive drowsiness, dizziness, psychiatric disturbances, and decreased muscle tone that may impair daily function. Overdoses of baclofen may precipitate seizures, slowed breathing, altered pupil size, and coma. Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen can result in withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations, disorientation, anxiety, dizziness, memory impairments, and mood disturbances.

Owing to increased publicity regarding baclofen as a potential treatment for addictions, some people have turned to illegally buying baclofen over the Internet in an attempt to control their addictions. As with any medication, baclofen should be used only under the guidance and supervision of a trained medical professional.

Bibliography

Ameisen, Olivier. “Complete and Prolonged Suppression of Symptoms and Consequences of Alcohol-Dependence Using High-Dose Baclofen: A Self-Case Report of a Physician.” Alcohol and Alcoholism 40.2 (2005): 147–50. Print.

Amiesen, Olivier. The End of My Addiction. New York: Farrar, 2008. Print.

Leggio, Lorenzo, J. C. Garbutt, and G. Addlorato. “Effectiveness and Safety of Baclofen in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependent Patients.” CNS and Neurological Disorders Drug Targets 9.1 (2010): 33–44. Print.

Swift, Robert, and Lorenzo Leggio. “Adjunctive Pharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence.” Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment. Ed. Peter M. Miller. New York: Academic, 2009. Print.