Baclofen Abuse, Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal and Treatment
In recent years, medical professionals have also been prescribing baclofen for “off-label” purposes. 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. A person prescribed baclofen may begin misusing it over time to strengthen its effects.
- In order to manage the uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal, many individuals choose to work with a baclofen recovery center.
- Of course, not everyone who takes baclofen experiences these side effects, and for those that do, they can differ greatly from person to person.
- Ask your pharmacist for the device if you do not get one with the medication.
- When it is taken in extremely high doses, baclofen can cause drowsiness and a feeling of being high.
- Clinical research trials have particularly shown promise in baclofen treating opioid addiction.
- Most of these drugs have additional effects that cause sleep and lowered respiration rate.
How Common Is Baclofen Abuse?
Additionally, some individuals may develop a dependency due to its pain-relieving properties, even though it is not classified as a narcotic. Over time, the brain may rely on these effects, prompting individuals to exceed their prescribed dosage. No, baclofen isn’t classified as a controlled substance in the United States. This means it’s not considered to have the same high risk of abuse as other medications. While baclofen can lead to physical dependence if used long-term, it’s not tightly regulated like some other prescription drugs.
We Accept Most Insurance Providers
Knowing what to expect can be helpful, and remember that you may not experience any of these symptoms. If you take baclofen regularly, then you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you lower your dose or discontinue use. These symptoms will likely be more severe if you have developed an addiction to the drug and have become highly dependent on it.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Baclofen Addiction?
While some people may have no side effects at all, others may need to have their dosage decreased, or might even have to discontinue the drug completely. According to researchers, preclinical evidence on baclofen’s effectiveness was promising. Since then, however, subsequent studies have continued to yield conflicting results. It should be noted that the Baclofen and alcohol high is quite dangerous. Severe vomiting and other effects are likely to result if they are.
Is Baclofen a Controlled Substance?
Professionals will normally recommend a tapering approach, where the user slowly reduces the dose under supervision. This can help reduce the severe withdrawal symptoms that can come with a baclofen detox. Often, the user will need additional medication to help the body cope with the changes it experiences through a detoxification program.
Baclofen Misuse
If you cannot stop taking baclofen without experiencing withdrawals, then it means that you have developed a dependence on it. Because baclofen and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants, mixing them heightens both of their effects to dangerous levels. People who take baclofen may mix it with alcohol to heighten their euphoric and calming effects. This is not wise as the extreme levels of drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, changes in mood, and agitation that mixing baclofen and alcohol will give you is dangerous. Mixing baclofen with other substances is dangerous because can you get addicted to baclofen it can lead to severe side effects. It is also dangerous because it could cause baclofen to interact with other substances.
According to the DEA, baclofen is not addictive and it is not listed as a controlled substance. However, a person could potentially become physically dependent if they misuse it, especially by taking it in very high doses. 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.
However, in larger doses, Baclofen dependence or addiction is possible, just like with other drugs. Using Baclofen in the treatment of opiate withdrawal seems to be just months away. After all, there are many other drugs that treat opioid addiction, and they are controlled substances. Due to the uncomfortable physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms of baclofen, detoxing from home is not recommended.
This one-on-one setting allows people to freely express themselves without fear of judgment. It also enables people to receive individualized and personalized care and guidance. 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 consider enrolling in an inpatient or residential program.
Luckily, there are other ways to treat addiction that research has shown to be helpful in managing addiction, including psychological and peer support group programs. While baclofen can be a good therapy for those suffering from certain conditions, it may also cause severe side effects in the long run. Taking large doses can be unbearable for some, even before the signs of addiction set in. High doses of baclofen are often needed to treat both addiction and medical issues.
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. Medical detox provides users with the resources they need to be as comfortable as possible during withdrawal. Medical professionals will continually monitor vital signs and ensure the user is safe throughout withdrawal. Detoxing from baclofen can be very dangerous and should not be done without the right support.
Insurance Providers
Addiction can affect many areas of someone’s life, so rebuilding can be a challenge. The symptoms of withdrawal can be similar in nature to those experienced with other drugs, particularly benzodiazepines or alcohol. Like alcohol and benzodiazepines, addicts should not stop taking baclofen suddenly. Therefore, detoxing should always be done under medical supervision. If you are taking other medications for health reasons, make sure to tell your doctor before you also start taking baclofen. Taking baclofen with other central nervous system depressants could lead to severe levels of drowsiness.
Some of the less common possible side effects include confusion, headache, nausea, constipation and visual disturbances. In older patients, certain side effects are possible and can be more pronounced. For example, for geriatric patients on baclofen, side effects may include confusion, hallucinations, depression or changes in mood. Join 40,000+ People Who Receive Our Newsletter Get valuable resources on addiction, recovery, wellness, and our treatments delivered directly to your inbox.
If a person overdoses on baclofen it can cause bradycardia or a dangerously slow heart rate, high blood pressure, slow reflexes or a coma. Due to these risks, people are warned to keep baclofen prescriptions away from children or teens, as well as anyone who doesn’t have a prescription for it. Baclofen treats muscle spasticity, which is often a condition in people who have multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries or diseases, and cerebral palsy. It’s believed that baclofen’s chemical structure is similar to gamma-aminobutyric (GABA). The role of GABA is to block or slow certain nerve signals, so it has a calming effect.
Most studies have shown that it has something to do with the way in which baclofen interacts with the GABA receptors in the brain. Studies over the last decade have shown evidence that baclofen may be a treatment option for those suffering from AUD, though exactly how it works is unclear. Recovery Resource Center has gathered together the ultimate information to move you forward in your recovery. If the person is having a seizure, protect them from self-harm by laying them down in a safe area and cushioning their head. In 2004, a cardiologist from France discovered that baclofen suppressed the alcohol-induced release of dopamine from the brain. There are a variety of confidential, free, and no obligation ways to get in contact with us to learn more about treatment.
Understanding your options is important to make sure you get the help you need for successful addiction recovery. One of the biggest risks of baclofen is that it’s easy to overdose on it. People in the withdrawal process and relapse are at a higher risk of overdose. Baclofen is an antispasmodic agent, which is why it’s prescribed for certain types of muscle tightness and muscle stiffness called spasticity.
Unfortunately, there are many people who have become addicted to the drug. Their dependency on Baclofen can prove particularly challenging to overcome, often requiring the assistance of a treatment program. Detox, support groups, and aftercare recovery are all tools designed to help your loved one treat their addiction. When suffering from baclofen overdose, the human heart might see a significant decrease in beats per minute. Its sedating, anti-anxiety properties can encourage a patient to believe they only feel better while on the drug, and often causes an increase in the frequency and number of doses taken. There is some research that indicates baclofen may act as a stimulant in some patients when used in large doses.
Some off-label uses for baclofen include supporting the recovery of people who previously misused tobacco, alcohol, and certain drugs. However, because they are recovering from addictions, these people are at a higher risk of misusing baclofen, which is why it needs to be closely monitored. When using baclofen, someone could feel similar effects as narcotics but only if they take a high dose of it.