Though they have some similar effects due to their action on the central nervous system, baclofen is a muscle relaxant, and narcotics are opioid or opiate drugs – two different drug classes. While baclofen is not classified as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act or an addictive drug, it can cause physical dependence with prolonged use. In some severe cases, overdose can lead to things like rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney or heart damage. This can lead to several severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms. While most people will only experience mild side effects from taking too much Baclofen, an overdose can be deadly in some cases.
Depending on the severity of the addiction, you might need long-term residential treatment for 6 months to 12 months. You should always seek help from experienced professionals only because detox without medical supervision can be fatal. Thus, the DEA has not yet categorized it in the list of controlled substances. Nonetheless, it has been more than two decades since the first case of abuse was reported. Limited data exists on the effects of its use in pregnant women.
However, baclofen is not without some abuse potential and risks, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about what medications may work best for you in addiction treatment. Baclofen is a is baclofen habit forming muscle relaxant that physicians may prescribe to treat muscle stiffness, tightness, or spasticity. They may prescribe it to people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or other diseases that affect the muscles. When professionals use baclofen for addiction treatment, they typically prescribe it to treat withdrawal or to attempt to reduce dependence on another drug. It is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that is sometimes prescribed for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy. Baclofen can be habit-forming, and it is essential to take it exactly as your doctor prescribes.
They teach people how to cope with triggers or situations and avoid others. Which one is better for a person depends on the individual’s home environment, work, family commitments, and other personal factors. Inpatient or residential treatment involves staying in the facility 24/7 for a specific number of weeks or months. However, additional clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of baclofen for addiction treatment. Baclofen may treat alcohol and drug addiction by altering the chemical processes responsible for substance addiction. An overdose occurs when Baclofen ingestion vastly exceeds the recommended dosage.
Is Baclofen Hard on the Body?
Baclofen can affect people in different ways, and the severity of the side effects will depend on how much of the drug was taken. Taking baclofen along with alcohol, is a very risky combination. It can intensify negative effects on your body such as dizziness or acute nausea. In the worst possible scenario, it can affect your central nervous system, resulting in someone overdosing. Baclofen activates GABA receptors, which inhibit nerve activity and soothe the nervous system.
While baclofen can lead to physical dependence if used long-term, it’s not tightly regulated like some other prescription drugs. While baclofen is not chemically considered an addictive substance, some individuals may become psychologically dependent on it or addicted to the feelings it produces. If misused, baclofen can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly. There is a higher risk of addiction for those with a history of substance abuse. While baclofen itself has a low potential for addiction, certain patient factors and patterns of use can increase the risk.
Start the road to recovery
For people with chronic illnesses or muscle problems, the risk of tolerance is especially high. If a person experiences itching, swelling of the throat or face, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or severe itching, it may be an allergic reaction. While allergies to baclofen are rare, they require emergency medical attention. Treatment approaches are decided by medical professionals with the patient’s health, living environment, history with substance use, and other factors in mind. Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.Read More.
After all, some individuals know all too well how unfortunately easy it is to develop prescription drug addictions. Baclofen acts as a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic medication. Its mechanism involves blocking nerve signals in the brain and spinal cord for initiating muscle spasms. When baclofen attaches to receptors, in the brain and spinal cord, it assists in managing the communication between neurons that oversee muscle function and tightness. Through stimulating these receptors baclofen aids, in easing muscles and alleviating spasms. There are also side effects of taking baclofen that need to be considered before the individual undergoes treatment with this medication.
Levels of Care
Physicians typically prescribe three daily doses that patients take at different intervals. Although it comes with a risk of dependence, it is also important to not stop taking the drug suddenly. When a person stops taking baclofen as directed suddenly, there is a risk of hallucinations, seizures, fever, and confusion. Call to speak with a knowledgeable, compassionate admissions navigator and learn more about your options or to start treatment today. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. It’s important to avoid any activities that require your full attention until you know how this medication affects you, such as driving a car or operating machinery.
According to the results of one study, participants who used baclofen successfully reduced their use of cocaine over time. Although baclofen can be beneficial in some addiction treatment programs, some people can become addicted to it and may abuse the drug. Yes, and it is important to understand how to identify baclofen abuse and its dangers.
- When baclofen is abruptly stopped, the nervous system may become hyperactive, resulting in a rebound effect and withdrawal symptoms.
- It’s not a cure for certain conditions like MS, but it does provide a way for people to get other forms of treatment like physical therapy.
- It is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that is sometimes prescribed for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy.
- Some individuals also face muscle weakness, potentially affecting their physical abilities.
- The treatment shouldn’t be stopped without first speaking to a healthcare professional.
Baclofen Addiction Treatment Levels of Care
Family therapy helps to equip family units with the education and understanding they need throughout this time. It’s important to note 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 is not a controlled substance and is not generally considered an addictive medication. However, some patients may experience psychological dependence or problematic use of baclofen.
With the euphoric effects that it can cause and the high levels of misuse that it has, of course, it is. If you cannot stop taking baclofen without experiencing withdrawals, then it means that you have developed a dependence on it. People with kidney problems or kidney disease may have issues clearing baclofen from their bodies. As a result, the levels of baclofen in your body when taking it could reach higher than normal levels and cause side effects.
Treatments for Baclofen Addiction and Withdrawal
Those on long-term Baclofen therapy might worry about its impact on their health. If you’ve been looking for addiction treatment resources and services, allow us to help you. At Sana Lake, you can find what you have been searching for and gain the skills you need to overcome substance use disorder in your life.
Baclofen Addiction FAQs: Answering Your Top Questions
Prolonged use of baclofen downregulates these receptors, leading the body to depend on the medication to sustain normal nerve function. When baclofen is abruptly stopped, the nervous system may become hyperactive, resulting in a rebound effect and withdrawal symptoms. Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey. Again, it is critical to speak with your doctor about using baclofen as the effects may be different for you than they are for others.
Baclofen medication belongs to the group of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists, which are naturally occurring neurotransmitters in the brain. Based on the FDA label information, the precise Baclofen mechanism of action is not fully known. The medicine works by blocking the activity of nerves in the brain. When released in higher quantities, GABA can lead to issues of coordination and confusion in reflex actions.
If you are currently dealing with the impact of addiction and you’re not sure how to overcome these challenges, you may benefit from our addiction treatment services. You may need to consider enrolling in an inpatient or residential program. In this type of treatment program, you will be able to live in a drug- and alcohol-free environment, away from any negative influences that may exist at home. 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.
While baclofen isn’t a narcotic and doesn’t have a significant potential for addiction, it can cause physical dependence. Physical dependence to baclofen occurs when it’s taken regularly for a period of time. The body becomes dependent on its presence, so suddenly stopping the use of baclofen can cause withdrawal symptoms. It can be dangerous to stop baclofen suddenly because withdrawal from this drug can be deadly. Patients are advised to speak with their doctor and get their recommendation about stopping baclofen. The treatment shouldn’t be stopped without first speaking to a healthcare professional.
Brands in the US include Lioresal, Kemstro, Ozobax, and Gablofen. The overall effect is the depression of activity in the brain and spinal cord, which may be responsible for relieving muscle stiffness and tightness. As a depressant, it causes euphoric effects, reduces stress, and can reduce pain sensations. 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. Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers.
Bacharelanda em Letras (Inglês-Português) que escreve desde o dia em que aprendeu segurar a caneta.