Baclofen may not even be able to treat your muscle spasms if you have a history with strokes. For example, if allergic to baclofen, you could develop trouble breathing and/or swelling of your throat or tongue. Taking baclofen again after a severe allergic reaction could lead to death. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest not taking baclofen if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Microinjection of baclofen in the nucleus accumbens also decreases binge-like alcohol drinking (73). 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.

What Are the Side Effects of Baclofen?

When you are stopping taking baclofen, do so in small increments over a period of 1-2 weeks. Many people wonder if baclofen is addictive and if is there such a thing as a baclofen withdrawal. To find out the answer to this question, you must first learn about the different ways that people use and misuse baclofen and the effects that such use and misuse causes. When abusing baclofen, either by consuming an excess amount or mixing it with alcohol or other substances, it can make someone feel euphoric when high. Baclofen users who seek this sensation often mix drugs with opioids, alcohol, or amphetamines. A treatment center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf.

Masking Cravings

Lioresal is predominantly prescribed to control muscle spasms caused by spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other skeletal and muscular disorders. Usually, for muscle spasms, the medicine is administered through a pump that delivers the medication directly to the spinal cord. Side effects of the pump are considered to be much less compared to when it is taken in the oral form. Therefore, the pump is prescribed to individuals who have trouble tolerating its oral forms. Recently, there has been research looking at the effectiveness of baclofen to aid in symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

As mentioned above, baclofen is a selective GABA-B receptor agonist. GABA-B receptors are heterodimeric metabotropic receptors consisting of one GABA-B receptor-1 subunit (GABBR1) and one GABA-B receptor-2 subunit (GABBR2). GABA-B receptors are coupled via G-proteins to potassium and calcium channels, and to adenylate-cyclase (18).

Habits for Proper Mental Health

Combining these substances can also lead to severe health issues, including respiratory depression and seizures. As the study on baclofen and its use in addiction treatment continues, many cannot help but wonder, “Is baclofen addictive? ” After all, individuals often find themselves wondering if MAT, in general, is effective as it uses prescription drugs to help people end substance dependence. Some wonder if this approach to alcohol and drug use treatment is the same as “trading one addiction for another”. Avenues Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction treatment programs designed to address individual needs and promote lasting recovery. By increasing the body’s dopamine levels, baclofen helps people feel better when dealing with cravings.

This medication works to relieve pain and it operates as muscle relaxers. Baclofen also helps to improve the overall movement of muscles as it combats spasms. But addiction treatment professionals are finding a use for this drug on the rehab scene as well. Moreover, abusing more than one drug significantly increases the risk of overdose. Baclofen is used to reduce cravings in alcohol abuse and heavy smoking. Some people may abuse it, as it causes euphoria and calming effects.

Paying for Treatment

Individuals who are suffering from baclofen dependence can find hope and healing here at Sana Lake Recovery Center. 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. The use of two drugs – gabapentin and baclofen – has soared in recent years. Experts worry that people may have started to take these drugs as an alternative to opioids. Amidst rising concerns of abuse, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Michigan categorized gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance.

During the confidential evaluation, Discovery’s clinicians will determine the appropriate level of care for you. Research published in The Cureus Journal of Medical Science reveals that around 15% of Baclofen is metabolized by the liver through deamination, while the kidneys excrete 60 to 80% in its original form. Due to its primary elimination through the kidneys, long-term use of Baclofen may, in rare instances, lead to kidney issues, significantly if kidney function is already impaired. Although liver toxicity is not a frequent side baclofen habit forming effect of Baclofen, monitoring liver function is advisable, particularly for individuals with a history of liver problems. B, baclofen; Eth, ethanol; VTA-NAc, Ventral Tegmental Area-Nucleus Accumbens; Gaba inhibition, local injection of baclofen+muscimol; TMS, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; DBS, Deep Brain Stimulation. References, only the first author is cited; Two references on the substitution line, the first refers to alcohol, the second to baclofen or other GABA-B agonists.

• Moreover, Baclofen has sedative properties that can cause dizziness, confusion, and muscle weakness, particularly in older adults who may be more vulnerable to these effects.
• It exhibits mild intoxicating effects similar to phenibut or pregabalin.
• Some brand name versions of baclofen include Gablofen, Lioresal, and Kemstro.
• Though experts don’t fully understand how the drug works, the chemical structure is believed to be similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

The medication can worsen kidney function or cause other adverse effects on the kidneys. Baclofen is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Stop taking this tablet and contact your doctor immediately if you develop a rash or skin symptoms. Inform your physician about your complete medical history, including any past or existing medical conditions. However, prolonged use of baclofen can cause physical dependence, which may lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. When taken as prescribed, Baclofen has not been known to be addictive.

These side effects can make anyone more at risk of death and getting emergency medical help is advised as soon as possible. Baclofen is thought to affect the central nervous system as it has a calming and relaxing effect when used regularly. However, it is a muscle relaxer, which is a completely different drug class.

We may be paid a fee for marketing or advertising by organizations that can assist with treating people with substance use disorders. Lioresal is known to be prescribed for prolonged intake if used for treating addiction or for spasticity management. When the drug is used for several months, it is not surprising that a patient may become psychologically dependent.

• If your dependence gets so bad that your behavior changes and you will do almost anything to obtain more baclofen, you are suffering from a baclofen addiction.
• That being said, it’s still important to use it exactly as prescribed to avoid any complications, especially with long-term use.
• The choice depends on the severity of abuse and your doctor’s recommendations.

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. Search engine results can show confusing information at first glance because of some of the medication’s uses. In recent years, professionals have been using baclofen for addiction treatment. Studies show that baclofen can be just as effective as diazepam in treating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Additionally, some professionals use it to treat people with cocaine dependence.

Long-term residential treatment provides structured care in the therapeutic community or a sober living home. The treatment aims to resocialize addicted individuals and helps them reintegrate into society with minimal problems. Depending on the severity of the addiction, you might need long-term residential treatment for 6 months to 12 months. Limited data exists on the effects of its use in pregnant women. A doctor may prescribe the drug only if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.