Baclofen is a prescription medication used for muscle relaxation, spasms particularly in the spine and back, and pain relief. Originally intended as a treatment for epilepsy, it is used across spasticity related conditions today and since 2009 has been prescribed off label to treat alcohol addiction, opioid addiction, PTSD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, and other disorders.
When administered off label, Baclofen can have a calming effect by increasing dopamine levels. It is believed that this increase in dopamine helps reduce things like cravings. Given how frequently it is prescribed for off label uses, and the feelings that people experience when they suddenly stop taking it, many have asked: is Baclofen addictive?
Is Baclofen Addictive?
Is baclofen addictive? Baclofen is not itself an addictive substance. So it doesn’t cause physical or neurological addiction like cocaine, opioids, or alcohol. However, it does come with certain withdrawal symptoms, side effects, and potential interactions.
When individuals first start using baclofen they might experience muscle weakness, drowsiness, stomach, or dizziness. These are basic, mild, and uncommon potential side effects that can make one feel as though they are suffering ill-effects from the drug.
When individuals use Baclofen regularly, and then stop taking it suddenly without tapering, it can cause what are called baclofen withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include hallucinations, hypothermia, agitation, cardiovascular issues, respiratory issues, and more. These symptoms are what many people mistakenly associate with addiction.
To that end it is important to follow any medical advice if you are currently taking Baclofen including advice for tapering or replacing Baclofen in a standardized method.
Finally, in extreme cases, when individuals take too much baclofen (usually under prescriptions for spasms) it can cause potential toxicity and interactions.
That said, getting treatment for any addiction, or underlying condition, is important. This extends to things like alcohol addiction, anxiety, or PTSD for which baclofen is prescribed off label.
Finding Help
If you are struggling with baclofen withdrawal symptoms or you have another addiction for which baclofen was used off label to treat but you are still struggling, we can help. We provide highly individualized addiction treatment that includes traditional, evidence-based therapies and holistic programs to improve your mind and body at the same time.
For those who have been prescribed baclofen for an off-label purpose, like addiction or anxiety, the right type of holistic care and behavioral interventions can give you the tools you need to manage those symptoms in other capacities without risking a baclofen withdrawal.
Let our team help you verify your insurance benefits and get started with your recovery program.
Ready for help? Reach out to our team at (424) 390-7816 to get help for addiction.
FAQ
How Does Baclofen Work?
Baclofen is a GABA derivative. This means it mimics GABA and binds to GABA receptors. Your brain naturally releases GABA as a way to calm your body, reducing nerve activity. This system is designed to help your body fall asleep or relax.
When you struggle with things like anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, or PTSD, these systems don’t work the way they should. Baclofen can help increase the GABA receptors when your brain and body don’t produce levels they need.
What is Baclofen Used to Treat?
Baclofen is a muscle relaxer that is primarily used to help with things like spasticity. However, it has many off label uses as well including off label treatment for alcohol use disorder, chronic ptsd, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.
Is It Safe to Use Baclofen Every Day?
It is important to discuss this with your doctor. It is unlikely to cause long-term effects if you take baclofen regularly but you risk experiencing baclofen withdrawal if you stop taking it suddenly. That is why it’s important to work with your doctor to gradually reduce the amount you take over the span of several weeks in order to reduce these side effects.
Is Baclofen a High Risk Medication?
Baclofen can cause risks of mild discomfort, toxicity, or withdrawal. Serious toxicity is most common in very high doses, like 200mg or higher. This is a rare occurrence. The same is true of withdrawal, being rare except when people stop taking it suddenly.
How Much Baclofen is Best for Anxiety?
There is no single consensus on an appropriate dose of oral Baclofen as a form of treatment for anxiety. It is important to note that baclofen is actually a muscle relaxer and therefore, when it’s prescribed for anxiety is considered off label use. Overall daily use should be based on your individual response, safety, and tolerance. If you decide to stop taking baclofen having taken it regularly before, it is important to taper your dosage in order to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Is There a Withdrawal from Baclofen?
When you stop taking Baclofen, there can be withdrawal symptoms like fever, weakness, nausea, and altered mood. This usually happens when you stop taking baclofen suddenly without reducing your dosage slowly.
What Are Common Signs of Baclofen Withdrawal?
Signs can be general, neurological, psychiatric, among other things. Some of the main withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, paranoia, tremors, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and acute reversible cardiomyopathy.
How Do You Treat Baclofen Withdrawal?
Treatment for baclofen withdrawal primarily involves having your vital signs monitored to avoid things like dehydration while also supporting your heart health and managing any associated symptoms. This can include things like over the counter medications for nausea or diarrhea as well as headaches.
Do I Need Medication for Baclofen Withdrawal?
In severe cases other pharmacological interventions can help manage the withdrawal syndrome associated with Baclofen, like prescription medications including lorazepam and diazepam. These are all administered by Healthcare professionals under qualifying circumstances. Any other prescription medications that might be offered to help with baclofen withdrawal are typically best when combined with therapy to help deal with the underlying issues for which baclofen was prescribed off label to treat.
