Although it has less potential for abuse than more conventional addictive medications, physical addiction can result in persistent usage. Long-term use of the drug causes alterations in the neurological system that might raise the likelihood of cognitive impairment, withdrawal symptoms, and overdose. A significant body of preclinical evidence revealed that baclofen can be especially useful in treating AUD as early as the 1970s. Not all of these studies were conclusive, however, as some yielded conflicting results. The risk of severe withdrawal is high if you have used the injectable form.
Additional Drug Education
In some severe cases, overdose can lead to things like rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney or heart damage. This can lead to several severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Thus, the DEA has not yet categorized it in the list of controlled substances. Nonetheless, it has been more than two decades since the first case of abuse was reported. A doctor may prescribe the drug only if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Most notably, the injectable form comes with a boxed warning on the label.
- Surgically removing this region increased the time the animals spent learning the task.
- However, it should only be used under medical supervision to avoid misuse and dependency risks.
- These symptoms may include increased muscle spasticity, itching, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, and tingling sensations.
- Baclofen is not classified as a controlled substance, but it can be habit-forming when misused.
- Oftentimes, people will combine baclofen with central nervous system depressants to increase its effects.
Is Baclofen a Drug of Abuse?
Yes, some medical professionals use baclofen for addiction treatment, particularly for alcohol dependence. However, it should only be used under medical supervision to avoid misuse and dependency risks. The way a specific drug affects a person’s neurological condition, muscle spasms, and withdrawal symptoms changes over time. If patients depend solely on it for treatment, the sharp drop in its usefulness can cause extreme spasticity or severe withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, an expected treatment not only fails but causes more issues than intended.
There can be unpleasant or even dangerous withdrawal symptoms during this time, which is why medical supervision is essential. Physicians typically prescribe three daily doses that patients take at different intervals. Although it comes with a risk of dependence, it is also important to not stop taking the drug suddenly. When a person stops taking baclofen as directed suddenly, there is a risk of hallucinations, seizures, fever, and confusion. In conclusion, Baclofen is not considered to be an addictive drug. However, it is important to remember that it can still have some serious side effects and should be used only under the supervision of a medical professional.
Partial hospitalization involves spending several hours each day in the facility for treatment, and intensive outpatient treatment may require fewer hours per day or fewer sessions per week. It is important to discuss any medical conditions you have with your doctor before taking Baclofen. It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You should also let your doctor know if you have any liver or kidney problems, a history of depression or suicidal thoughts, or if you have any allergies.
Dose Information
Observing mice learn new behaviors uncovered a key piece of the puzzle. The team trained a group of mice to perform a listening and response task. The animals were taught to initiate the task by pushing a button that plays high and low frequency sounds. Depending on the frequency, the mice selected either the left or the right button.
Baclofen and Alcohol Withdrawal
Despite the evidence baclofen could be helpful in this area, alcohol withdrawal can be deadly. No one should ever try to self-medicate through alcohol withdrawal. This class of drugs has been in the national and worldwide spotlight in recent years because of the addiction and dependence they cause. Even in people who are prescribed opioids for pain relief, it’s possible to become addicted. When a physician is discussing prescribing a patient baclofen, it’s natural they might want to know if it’s a narcotic. This is because of the side effects of narcotics and their habit-forming potential.
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. Ask your doctor if baclofen is safe for you to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Case management services are also available after people finish treatment to help them stay in recovery.
- If patients depend solely on it for treatment, the sharp drop in its usefulness can cause extreme spasticity or severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Another way people misuse baclofen is by mixing it with other substances to increase their feel-good effects.
- We even provide numerous different forms of individual therapy and group therapy.
That means every source is authenticated and verified to be backed only by medical science. We are dedicated to admitting and serving all residents and patients equally, regardless of race, color, or national origin. Our facilities ensure everyone receives fair access to compassionate, comprehensive, and top-quality care.
Baclofen is a prescribed medication for people who need pain relief from muscle spasms. The man in the case study said that in large doses, baclofen gave him a feeling of euphoria. Other studies show that people who take baclofen can build a tolerance to it, which means that physicians may prescribe increasing doses over time. For people with chronic illnesses or muscle problems, the risk of tolerance is especially high.
Baclofen has been shown to cause abuse, dependence, and withdrawal. baclofen habit forming Nonetheless, it is important to remember that many other factors also contribute to addiction. These include a drug’s inherent ability to cause addiction, a person’s genetics, and environmental factors. The overall effect is the depression of activity in the brain and spinal cord, which may be responsible for relieving muscle stiffness and tightness.
It is important to remember that addiction is a treatable condition and that it is possible to recover from it. If you are or a loved are struggling with substance use disorder, contact The Recovery Village. We can do everything from helping you learn more about the disease of addiction to providing you with information about insurance coverage for treatment. It works by affecting GABA receptors in the brain, reducing muscle spasticity. Baclofen helps reduce cravings among those struggling with a dependency on cocaine as well. The results of both Addolorato and Flannery’s studies revealed that baclofen was reasonably effective for treating AUD in the alcohol-dependent population.
