Baclofen Abuse due to Its Hypomanic Effect in Patients with Alcohol Dependence and Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder

This is especially true if you stop using baclofen cold turkey. If you suddenly stop taking baclofen, your muscle spasms may get worse. If you miss your doses or do not take your baclofen as scheduled, it may not work as well as it should. This is because a certain amount of baclofen must be in your body at all times for baclofen to work properly. Taking too much baclofen could cause severe side effects or an overdose. Because of the relaxing effects that baclofen has on muscles, baclofen is considered a muscle relaxer.

Only a healthcare provider can give you the spinal injection form of baclofen. Lyvispah is used to treat muscle stiffness, spasms, and pain from multiple sclerosis. The withdrawal period is when your brain and body adjust to not can you get high from baclofen having baclofen in your system. The withdrawal process can be uncomfortable both physically and mentally.

ITB pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

Some brand name versions of baclofen include Gablofen, Lioresal, and Kemstro. Lioresal is the most well-known brand name version of baclofen. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use baclofen only for the indication prescribed.

Side Effects

We are here to remind you that help is available, and with the right support, lasting recovery is absolutely possible. Change is not easy, but building healthy routines, practising mindfulness, and finding ways to reduce stress can help you stay on track. That moment of honesty opens the door to recovery, to feeling like yourself again, and to finally moving forward. We just want to give you the right tools so you can use Baclofen in a way that helps you without causing harm.

Oral baclofen dosing for AUD

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure whether it’s safe for you to drive while taking baclofen. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Normally your doctor will reduce your dose gradually over a couple of weeks to reduce the risk of side effects. If your doctor decides to stop your treatment, your dose will be reduced gradually over 1 to 2 weeks.

In some cases, people experience euphoria, which can make them want to keep using it in ways that were never medically necessary. In this article, you’ll find the risks and symptoms of Baclofen dependence, treatment options, and guidance on how to use the medication safely. Our medical staff will also provide actionable tips for spotting warning signs of dependence so you can catch it before it becomes an issue. If you stop using baclofen suddenly, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be life-threatening. Do not stop using baclofen without talking with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you how to stop baclofen to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions.

Seeking Treatment for Baclofen Abuse

This neurotransmitter blocks or slows nerve signals to produce a calming effect.1 When someone takes baclofen, it relaxes the muscles to relieve cramping and tightness. While baclofen has been very helpful in treating various conditions, it does carry a risk of addiction and abuse. One study revealed that individuals using baclofen for addiction treatment reported a feeling of euphoria, a ‘Baclofen high’, similar to that induced by marijuana or alcohol. Though it is not a controlled substance, the drug’s potential for tolerance and physical dependence adds to the development of addiction. The baclofen withdrawal symptoms may include severe side effects and can be life-threatening.

Mental Health Treatment

• Never stop taking baclofen or reduce your dose without talking to your doctor.
• But if you take too much, you might start to feel a bit high.
• He was continuing all those medication without much improvement of his depression.
• You will learn healthier ways to handle stress, deal with cravings, and build a life where you feel strong and in control again.

This is why seeking addiction treatment is critical to protecting your well-being and ensuring a safe recovery. Baclofen may be prescribed for a variety of conditions that result in muscle stiffness and tightness, including spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. In large quantities, baclofen can lead to pleasurable feelings similar to those created by drinking alcohol, which is why it can be addicting. Baclofen is not a controlled substance in the United States, however, baclofen misuse can be dangerous.

• Others may combine baclofen with other drugs to amplify the effects, such as alcohol.
• However, limited research exists on baclofen’s effectiveness.
• Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be serious and deadly as someone with alcohol use disorder tries to stop drinking.
• The peak concentration of baclofen in the bloodstream occurs 1-3 hours after taking the medication orally.
• We can do everything from helping you learn more about the disease of addiction to providing you with information about insurance coverage for treatment.

Our highly experienced and professional staff are here to provide the support and guidance you need to overcome addiction and embrace a brighter future. If Baclofen use is starting to feel like a habit rather than a treatment, it may be time to talk to a doctor. There are safer ways to manage stress, anxiety, and muscle tension without risking dependence. Recognising the signs early can make quitting easier and prevent long-term harm. As their body adjusts, they may need more to feel the same effects. High doses of Baclofen can cause dizziness, confusion, or extreme drowsiness.

Risks and Symptoms of Baclofen Misuse

Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use baclofen while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you use baclofen on a regular basis during pregnancy, your baby may have withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider if you used baclofen during your pregnancy, especially near the end of your pregnancy. The most common side effects of baclofen are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated.

On understanding his change of behavior after abusing baclofen 80 mg they stopped baclofen but immediately the patient becomes depressed like before. It means the patient was having hypomanic switch on taking 80 mg of baclofen. Interestingly during his hypomanic phase he never took alcohol which is most probably for taking baclofen which is an anti-craving drug for alcohol. Baclofen is a muscle relaxer that’s used to treat muscle spasms from conditions like multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries.

Baclofen has in recent time gained popularity as an anti-craving agent due to its safety profile in hepatic compromised patients. However, one must be very cautious in using it because of its abuse potential due to its mood elevating property. One possible positive outcome of this report may be that it may be a potential area of research to find out whether baclofen can be used in the treatment of resistant depression. Whether you are looking to receive addiction treatment for baclofen or some other substance or mental health issue, Discovery Institute is here to help. To learn more about the addiction treatment services that we provide, contact us today. Baclofen is a prescribed medication for people who need pain relief from muscle spasms.

Baclofen is a gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor agonist used as an anti-craving agent for treatment of alcohol dependence. It has gained popularity in the recent times because it is well tolerated even in patients with hepatic impairments. The patients who did not improve with conventional antidepressant therapy started feeling better in terms of his mood symptoms on taking tablet baclofen.