To incorporate our assessment of risk of bias in the review process we first plotted the intervention effect estimates stratified by risk of bias for allocation concealment (selection bias). If differences in the results were present among studies at different risks of selection bias, we planned to perform sensitivity analysis by excluding studies at high risk of bias from the analysis. We also planned to perform sensitivity analysis to assess how sensitive the results were to changes in the assumptions about missing data for relapse, assuming dropout or loss to follow‐up as not relapsed.
Alcohol Use Disorder and the Need for Additional Medications
Patients should be clearly informed about the off-label use, potential benefits, side effects, and safety issues of this treatment, and the treatment plan, including who to contact in case of concerns. They should also receive comprehensive written information about baclofen treatment, including clear dosage regimes and a side effect profile. Patients with AUD may have mild cognitive deficits, potentially making it difficult for them to follow instructions. In these cases, when possible and with patient consent, it may be helpful if somebody close to the patient (spouse, relative, friend, or care worker) participates in the monitoring of the treatment. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose.
Recovery Connection
Some wonder if this approach to alcohol and drug use treatment is the same as “trading one addiction for another”. It’s important to note, however, that the more severe side effects of baclofen are not as likely to occur as the moderate symptoms. Still, individuals should also consult medical professional advice when it comes to using any sort of medication, including baclofen. This will ensure that people are using it safely and effectively without danger of severe and serious effects. Baclofen has infrequent, but well-established, effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory system, especially in overdose (104). It can slightly decrease blood pressure and heart rate, or cause hypertension, arrhythmia, and palpitations related to autonomic nervous system dysfunctions that are more likely linked with higher doses of baclofen (122).
Rigal 2020 published and unpublished data
If standard deviations (SD) were missing, we used the mean of the available SDs of the other included studies (Furukawa 2006). We analysed dichotomous outcomes by calculating the risk ratio (RR) for each trial with the uncertainty in each result being expressed with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We analysed continuous outcomes by calculating the mean difference (MD) with 95% CIs when the studies used the same instrument for assessing the outcome. We used the standardised mean difference (SMD) when the studies used different instruments.
To ensure your health and safety, it is strongly advised to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your condition and provide appropriate guidance regarding the use of Baclofen. A healthcare professional assesses your medical condition, reviews your medical history, and determines if Baclofen is appropriate for you. This process helps ensure that you receive the correct dosage and proper instructions for use. The legality of buying Baclofen online depends on various factors, including your country’s laws and regulations. In many countries, purchasing Baclofen online is legal as long as you have a valid prescription from a healthcare professional. However, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the specific laws and regulations in your country.
- For this intention-to-treat analysis all subjects were included in the analysis once randomized with the exception of two subjects who failed to provide any post-randomization data.
- The costs attributable to alcohol consumption are estimated to be on average 2.6% of gross domestic product, the majority of costs due to loss in productivity (Manthey 2021).
- Doctors will only prescribe the drug if the benefits of doing so outweigh the risks.
- If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately.
The entire process can be completed with just a few clicks, saving time and effort. Additionally, online pharmacies often offer a wide range of medications, allowing individuals to find and purchase Baclofen conveniently in one recovery motivation ways to get motivated to achieve sobriety place. It is important to note that Baclofen should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as the dosage and administration may vary depending on the individual’s condition and response to treatment.
We judged four studies at low risk of bias and two studies at high risk of bias (Addolorato 2011‐LD; Addolorato 2011‐MD; Mishra 2010). For subjective outcomes, we considered 12 studies at low risk of bias and three studies at high risk of bias (Garbutt 2010a; Kumar 2020a; alcohol use disorder treatment Mishra 2010). Two studies did not report sufficient information, so we judged them at unclear risk of bias (Garbutt 2010b1; Garbutt 2010b2; Hauser 2017). We judged 13 studies at low risk of bias for subjective outcomes and two at high risk (Kumar 2020a; Mishra 2010).
These case-series (without control groups) suggested that doses of baclofen ranging from 30 to more than 300 mg/day may be effective, with some patients achieving up to a maximum daily dose of 400 mg (55, 63). The effectiveness of baclofen was also reported in AUD patients affected by liver disease (55, 64, 65). Finally, compared to placebo, baclofen increased the frequency of fatigue, dizziness, somnolence, dry mouth, paraesthesia and muscle spasms while, for all the other adverse events, there were no differences between baclofen and placebo. Preclinical studies have found that baclofen reduces the acquisition of alcohol‐drinking behaviour and its maintenance and reinstatement in alcohol‐experienced rats (Agabio 2014; Colombo 2018). Furthermore, baclofen has been shown to dose‐dependently reduce the number of lever‐responses for alcohol and the amount of self‐administered alcohol in rats under operant self‐administration conditions (e.g. Colombo 2018; Maccioni 2005; Maccioni 2012).
More recently, three RCTs (each with three arms) compared the efficacy of 30 mg/day (10 mg, three times a day) to another dose of baclofen and placebo in the treatment of AUD, for 12 weeks (39–41). After promising preclinical evidence [for review see Colombo and Gessa (1)], clinical studies started to investigate whether baclofen may be useful in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Despite the lack of consistent evidence, baclofen is often used off-label in clinical practice to treat AUD, especially in some European countries and Australia (2). If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may also have withdrawal symptoms (such as hallucinations and seizures). Withdrawal is more likely if you have used baclofen for a long time or in high doses.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking baclofen. Baclofen is used in adults and children at least 12 years old to treat certain types of spasticity (muscle stiffness and tightness) and muscle pain in people with multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord injury or other spinal cord diseases. Baclofen acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to produce its muscle relaxant effects.
Through our services and programs, those who are struggling will have access to professional treatment and resources that can help guide the way to recovery. More information and research are needed to confirm that addiction may be a risk with this drug. 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 it had limited effect on the seizures themselves, it did prove to be helpful in decreasing muscle spasms, and it is therefore used to manage spasms related to cerebral palsy and spinal cord diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). It is thought to do this through activating the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system, which helps to relax and calm nerves.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, tiredness, headache, trouble sleeping, nausea, increased urination, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking baclofen and each time you get a refill. Overdose symptoms may include increasing drowsiness, dizziness, sleepiness, trouble focusing on objects, shallow breathing, seizure, or muscle weakness leading to loss of consciousness. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
The Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Information Specialist conducted systematic searches for RCTs and controlled clinical studies. There were no language, publication year or publication status restrictions. The duration of the interventions ranged from three months to one year. Five studies were in the USA; two each in Australia, France, India and Italy; and one each in Germany, Israel and the Netherlands.
Individuals can also compare prices between different online pharmacies to ensure they are getting the best deal. Our facility is in Dittmer, Missouri and its serene surroundings offer individuals a peaceful and safe environment. With our treatment programs, comfortable atmosphere, and understanding staff, Sana Lake offers people hope and healing. Individuals who are suffering from baclofen dependence can find hope and healing here at Sana Lake Recovery Center.
It is noteworthy that calls to the National Poisons Centre of France have escalated during the past decade, i.e., the period when minimally supervised baclofen use for AUD increased (99, 100, 104). For instance, a retrospective study conducted in France found a progressive increase of baclofen overdoses among AUD patients between 2008 and 2013 (104). These cases comprised of 220 suicide attempts and 74 cases of unintentional intoxication, even if, in most of the cases, the suicide attempts were not directly attributable to baclofen itself. Therefore, patients at risk of overdose—including those with history of self-harm, over-dose, current suicidal ideation, or repeated and recent suicidal attempts—should not be prescribed baclofen.
Medications are often shipped in plain, unmarked packages, protecting the individual’s privacy at every step of the delivery process. If the user takes other CNS depressants or alcohol in addition to baclofen, this can exacerbate the high and result in profound dizziness and drowsiness. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information. We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. A person should not drive or operate heavy machinery unless they are certain that the drug does not affect them in this way. An individual should take baclofen according to the prescribing doctor’s instructions.
Whether you’re looking for treatment or for aftercare options, we can point you in the right direction. Baclofen withdrawal symptoms can be safely monitored and controlled substance use amphetamines by slowly reducing the dosage. Baclofen can be used intrathecally to treat conditions caused by spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and other spinal diseases.
Accordingly, we assumed that these participants met at least three criteria for AUD (alcohol consumption in higher amounts than intended; desire to cut down or control alcohol use; craving; APA 2013), and we included the study. There were no limitations on other participant characteristics such as concomitant substance use disorders or other comorbid psychiatric conditions. We included participants who were still drinking and those in the postdetoxification phase, if the detoxification was completed 28 days or less before starting treatment. We also included studies with participants in methadone maintenance schemes. We excluded studies where baclofen was used to treat alcohol withdrawal. A more recent study by the same team investigated the effects induced by baclofen (30 mg/day) among a sample of 34 non-treatment seeking AUD individuals with high trait anxiety (75).
