An Unusual Case of Baclofen Abuse
If you are using the oral solution (Ozobax), measure your dose using a device. Ask your pharmacist for the device if you do not get one with the medication. Unlike gabapentin, baclofen is not controlled throughout the US. Drugs in this class work by blocking signals from nerves to muscle fibers. Learn more about overdose causes, how much Baclofen to overdose, and if it can be lethal.
Malibu Drug Rehab Centers to Consider for Treatment
Baclofen is occasionally prescribed as a substance use disorder treatment, specifically for those going through opioid and alcohol withdrawal. 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. When patients try to taper off Lioresal, the development of Baclofen withdrawal syndrome can be expected. Experienced practitioners point out that withdrawal develops more severely among those who have been administered with intrathecal Gablofen. In another study, researchers noted tapering off cravings for nicotine in a patient diagnosed with primary nicotine dependence who does not have any psychiatric disorder.
This is especially true for those who don’t have a strong support system at home. Residential treatment programs offer 24/7 assistance just like an inpatient program. The difference is that a residential recovery center cannot provide the same medical treatment that a hospital can. Instead, a residential recovery center might have a large team of therapists and specialists who can create a customized treatment program based on your needs.
Baclofen for Anxiety or Depression Management
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. If signs of abuse are present, rehab centers can help deal with addictions. It’s better not to stop the medication abruptly, as it will lead to Lioresal withdrawal. Contact a doctor about different treatment options to quit the medication safely.
Treatment for Baclofen Addiction
Some people use baclofen for euphoria or relaxation, which greatly increases their risk of overdose. Underlying medical problems, especially renal disease or liver damage, can also slow down the drug’s metabolism, causing it to build up in the bloodstream and reach hazardous levels. For individuals using baclofen over a prolonged period, stopping the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
It’s best to consult a healthcare provider if you want to stop or change how you use baclofen. Abruptly ending use can lead to seizures, fever, and hallucinations. Baclofen side effects often include dizziness, drowsiness, and weakness. While these aren’t usually severe, it’s important to call a doctor if they become intense or don’t go away. If you notice any of these serious mental changes, talk to a doctor can baclofen be abused right away.
Your care plan might include individual and group therapies, specialist visits, and more. Baclofen is a prescription drug classified as a muscle relaxer and antispasmodic agent. It’s typically given to patients experiencing muscle stiffness and tightness due to conditions such as spinal cord injuries and diseases. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare.
If seizures persist, a doctor may prescribe other medications such as propofol and barbiturates. Thus, it is evident that baclofen is likely to cause fatal complications in some users. Instead, a boxed warning aims to promote the safe use of powerful drugs. Several treatment levels are available, depending on the severity of your addiction. Understanding your options is important to make sure you get the help you need for successful addiction recovery.
Why Do People Take Baclofen?
In addition to 12-step techniques, we also provide a variety of therapy modalities. Your doctor may recommend evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma counseling, or medication-assisted treatment depending on your situation. To learn more about your treatment options at Granite Recovery Center, contact us today.
- Professional detox is the safest way to handle baclofen withdrawal.
- If you or someone you know is misusing baclofen, it’s important to understand the side effects, dangers, and treatment options for baclofen use disorder.
- However, with a baclofen detox program, you are much more likely to succeed.
- Baclofen leaves the system rapidly, so even just skipping your dose for a couple of hours can cause you to start feeling unwell.
Can Therapy Help with Baclofen Addiction?
It is critical because baclofen is slowly removed from the brain. The stored drug in the brain can cause sedation long after the blood levels of the drug are within the normal range. Limited data exists on the effects of its use in pregnant women.
That’s when physical dependence may start to form, leading to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Once dependence sets in, it’s not a big leap to addiction—where the user feels they can’t quit, even though they know the drug is harming them. You might think treatment may not be necessary because baclofen abuse is not as dangerous as opioid addiction.
Why is Baclofen Sometimes Used for Addiction Treatment?
Of course, like other pills, adverse reactions may occur, such as anxiety, drowsiness, weakness, headache, vomiting, nausea, and other Lioresal side effects. Lioresal is poisonous and toxic in large quantities due to the impact on the nervous system. Baclofen (brand name Lioresal among others) is used as a muscle relaxer to control muscular rigidity and clonus caused by injuries and other medical conditions.
Seeking Treatment for Baclofen Abuse
Withdrawal is common, and you may need to take other prescription drugs to stabilize your condition. Most notably, the injectable form comes with a boxed warning on the label. Boxed warnings (or black box warnings) inform prescribers about the potentially fatal risks of a prescription drug.
If patients depend solely on it for treatment, the sharp drop in its usefulness can cause extreme spasticity or severe withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, an expected treatment not only fails but causes more issues than intended. Although it has less potential for abuse than more conventional addictive medications, physical addiction can result in persistent usage. Long-term use of the drug causes alterations in the neurological system that might raise the likelihood of cognitive impairment, withdrawal symptoms, and overdose.