Is Baclofen a Controlled Substance? Baclofen Facts

The medical records of all the patients are stringently maintained and include personal details, drug use pattern, severity of dependence, level of motivation, severity of withdrawal, and degree of craving. Baclofen is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist that works by reducing the activity of nerve cells in the spinal cord, leading to muscle relaxation. It is commonly prescribed to treat muscle spasticity caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy. In recent years, baclofen has also been studied as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder due to its ability to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In recent years, however, baclofen has gained even more widespread popularity as a treatment for alcohol addiction. When taken under the care of a doctor, many professionals believe baclofen reduces alcohol cravings and decreases alcohol-related anxiety.

Baclofen and Generic Drugs

If you or someone you know has developed an addiction to baclofen then contact a rehab center near you today to begin treatment. Addiction treatment specialists in an inpatient or outpatient facility can provide the care, therapy, and support needed to get free of addiction. Withdrawal symptoms from baclofen are reportedly extremely uncomfortable and cause many who are attempting to stop use to relapse. Withdrawal symptoms from baclofen can also be dangerous and should always be overseen by a medical professional in a dedicated detox setting.

Baclofen withdrawal

It is our mission to provide individuals with the education, tools, and support they need to attain a life lived to its fullest potential. We envision a world where addiction is powerless against strong families and communities founded on empathy, connection, and knowledge. Is a licensed and practicing pharmacist and medical writer who specializes in different substances, the effects of substance abuse, and substance use disorder. Always seek medical attention when attempting to quit baclofen use after prolonged exposure. Despite its muscle relaxant properties and interaction with the CNS, the DEA does not consider baclofen to have any potential for abuse. Therefore, it is not regulated under the Controlled Substances Act and is not under any schedule.

Can Baclofen addiction be treated?

There have been increasing reports and studies highlighting these risks, showing that not following prescription guidelines can have severe consequences. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Baclofen—what it is, how it works, its potential for addiction, side effects, and how to treat misuse and addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with baclofen misuse, be sure to get the help of a medical professional immediately.

We will assign one of our team members to act as your treatment liaison for the duration of this process. Access State-Specific Provider Directories for detailed information on locating licensed service providers and recovery residences in your area.

Addiction and Dependence

• Because baclofen relaxes muscles, it may cause weakness and imbalance, especially if you have muscle stiffness.
• According to doctors who prescribe baclofen for alcoholism and drug addiction, a number of studies have shown that the drug can effectively suppress alcohol cravings and other withdrawal-related issues in some individuals.
• According to the results of one study, participants who used baclofen successfully reduced their use of cocaine over time.

As with any medication, baclofen has its list of side effects — and while some are mild, others are quite severe and need to be taken seriously. Of course, not everyone who takes baclofen experiences these side effects, and for those that do, they can differ greatly from person to person. In case studies with positive results, patients say that, after taking baclofen, they simply no longer have the desire to drink.

Perhaps you were prescribed baclofen to help you stop drinking, but instead you are abusing both. Baclofen has pain-relieving and muscle-relaxing qualities that make it susceptible to abuse. When someone abuses baclofen in high doses, it is possible that they will build a tolerance to the drug’s effects and eventually develop a physical dependence on it. The negative consequences that come from baclofen dependence are how addiction is measured. There are certain drugs that are dangerous when taken with baclofen and greatly increase the risk of fatal overdose.

Oral baclofen dosing in hepatic impairment

Considering that baclofen is safe in those with liver cirrhosis and reduces withdrawal symptoms due to alcohol, can baclofen be abused a controlled trial comparing it with standard treatment is required. 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.

Detox is the first step of treatment and involves allowing traces of the drug to leave the body for brain function to return to normal. This usually involves tapering off doses over a period of time to reduce withdrawal symptoms and their severity. While baclofen is generally considered safe when used as prescribed, it does have the potential for abuse and addiction. Baclofen can produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria, which may lead some individuals to misuse the medication.

Baclofen undergoes partial metabolism in the liver, but it is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys. When taken at therapeutic doses, the drug is rapidly absorbed, exhibiting a half-life of three to 6.8 hours in individuals with healthy kidney function. However, for those suffering from chronic kidney disease, this half-life can extend to 14.1 hours, which heightens the risk of Baclofen toxicity. Some individuals also face muscle weakness, potentially affecting their physical abilities. Other possible side effects include nausea, constipation, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, some users may notice confusion, memory lapses, or mood changes.

• Subsequent drug trials in France found that Dr. Ameisen’s recommended treatment caused significant numbers of patients to either give up their heavy drinking or moderate it considerably.
• This residential approach provides intensive therapy, both in individual and group settings, and includes various educational and therapeutic activities.
• Therefore, it is not regulated under the Controlled Substances Act and is not under any schedule.
• The medical records of all the patients are stringently maintained and include personal details, drug use pattern, severity of dependence, level of motivation, severity of withdrawal, and degree of craving.
• Some of the side effects can be exacerbated when the drug is taken in large amounts or in conjunction with other CNS depressants such as opioids and or alcohol.

Baclofen is dangerously mixed with other substances, including opioids, sleeping aids, alcohol, muscle relaxers, or certain vitamins that affect the central nervous system. An overdose is one of the many symptoms of baclofen abuse and can include hypothermia, coma, slow breathing, or respiratory arrest and seizures. Other symptoms of baclofen abuse related to an overdose can include slowed heart rate or other changes in heart muscle conduction.