Baclofen is not classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to its low potential for abuse but Baclofen withdrawal is a fact that should be considered seriously. However, according to the report created by the National Institute of Health, there have been people abusing baclofen to get high in the past several years.

Baclofen, also available as the brand Lioresal, is a generic medication prescribed for the treatment of muscle spasticity. It is commonly used to manage conditions such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. Additionally, baclofen is sometimes employed off-label for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, though research on its efficacy in this application is not yet extensive.

Dosages of Baclofen

    • Baclofen 10 mg (024 Pill): This dosage is encapsulated in a white, round tablet, marked distinctively with an 024 imprint, embodying the standard visual characteristics of pharmaceutical tablets.
    • Baclofen 5 mg (1285 Pill): For a lower dose, Baclofen 5 mg is presented in a smaller, oval-shaped tablet, carrying the 1285 imprint, clearly distinguishing it from higher dosages.
    • Additional Dosages: 1330, 4096, and N029 Pills: Baclofen also comes in other specific dosages, each identified by unique imprints like 1330, 4096, and N029, featuring distinct shapes and colors for easy identification.

Is Baclofen a Narcotic?

While baclofen can produce similar effects to narcotics, these usually only occur at very high doses. It does not act on the opioid receptors in the brain, which is a defining characteristic of narcotics.

Is Baclofen Addictive?

However, the published literature on baclofen abuse is sparse. Baclofen abuse is rare, but it can create distressing symptoms. It can become addictive when misused, and over time, the user will need to take more and more of the drug to experience the same sensation as the body begins to develop a tolerance. Baclofen abuse can produce a feeling of euphoria, and users seeking this sensation often mix the drug with opioids, alcohol, or amphetamines. When taken in higher dosages not prescribed by a doctor or when mixed with other substances, baclofen can lead to overdose, which can be fatal.

Baclofen Withdrawal

Baclofen withdrawal can occur in people who take the drug as prescribed or abuse it. Withdrawal symptoms can be similar to those of benzodiazepines and alcohol withdrawal, mainly because both substances interact with GABA in the brain. A person is more likely to go through baclofen withdrawals if they’ve been using it for several months. Withdrawal can also occur in those who use a low or high dose, as symptoms mostly depend on the length of time the person has been using the medication. If someone suddenly stops using baclofen, withdrawal can be severe.

Baclofen Withdrawal Symptoms

Common baclofen withdrawal symptoms include:

  • insomnia
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • disorientation
  • delirium
  • confusion and memory problems
  • hallucinations and delusions,
  • anxiety and nervousness,
  • changes in perception
  • tremors and fever
  • hyperthermia
  • depersonalization
  • psychosis and mania
  • mood disturbances,
  • changes in behavior
  • tachycardia
  • seizures
  • extreme rebound muscle rigidity and spasticity

Rebound symptoms of the ailments the medication is meant to treat, such as muscle rigidity and spasticity, can occur during baclofen withdrawal.

Withdrawal symptoms tend to be most severe for patients who use the spinal injection version of baclofen.

 

Baclofen Withdrawal Timeline

Before you stop taking baclofen, it’s important to know about the risks of stopping too quickly. Owing to the potential severity of withdrawal from baclofen, undergoing a professional detox is frequently advised. The most serious withdrawal symptoms, like seizures, hallucinations, and organ failure, may be circumvented through participation in a professional baclofen detox program.

Baclofen Detox

Due to the possible severity of baclofen withdrawals, a professionally monitored detox is recommended. Some of the most severe symptoms of baclofen withdrawal – such as seizures, hallucinations, and organ failure – can be avoided and properly treated with a professional baclofen detox. During a baclofen detox, a patient’s dosage of the drug is tapered down under close medical supervision. Certain medical interventions can be performed to ensure that a patient stays safe, is as comfortable as possible, and so that their vitals can be monitored during the process.

In such a program, the patient’s baclofen dosage is decreased incrementally under stringent medical observation. This controlled environment allows for medical procedures that help ensure the patient’s safety, optimize comfort levels, and monitor their vital signs consistently. Detoxification offers the chance to evaluate the patient for any accompanying mental health issues and commence corresponding treatments. It is imperative to recognize that attempting a baclofen detox independently at home can be extremely hazardous and is strongly discouraged.

 

Baclofen withdrawal symptoms can start within a few hours after the last dose is taken or may take up to 48 hours to begin. Symptoms usually peak at 72 hours or after three days and gradually subside as time passes. For some people, baclofen withdrawal symptoms may last for weeks, and symptoms like anxiety can persist for months.

 

How To Manage Baclofen Taper?

A baclofen taper is typically managed through a gradual reduction of the drug’s dosage under medical supervision. The process involves several key steps and considerations:

  1. Professional Supervision: A baclofen taper should be supervised by medical professionals in a safe environment. This is important to ensure that the taper is conducted effectively and to provide support and medication as needed to manage withdrawal symptoms.
  2. Tapering Approach: The tapering approach involves slowly reducing the dose of baclofen under supervision. This gradual reduction helps minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms that can occur during a baclofen detox.
  3. Medication and Support: Medical professionals may provide medication and support as needed to ensure a safe and effective detox process. This can include the use of pharmacologic adjuncts to treat associated symptoms and to manage the tapering process.
  4. Recognition of Symptoms: Patients and medical attendants should be aware of the symptoms of baclofen withdrawal. If symptoms of withdrawal appear during the cessation period, the patient may need to adjust the tapering schedule and, in some cases, temporarily increase the dose before resuming the taper.

Duration of Baclofen Taper

Baclofen taper can vary based on individual circumstances, including the patient’s normal dose, the length of time the drug was taken, and the method of discontinuation. A typical taper may last several weeks, and the rate of reduction can vary depending on the individual’s needs and response to the taper.

How Long Does Baclofen Stay In Your System?

Baclofen has a relatively short half-life, estimated to be between 2 to 6 hours. Based on this half-life estimate, it takes between 10 and 20 hours for baclofen to clear out of the system entirely. However, the duration can be influenced by several factors, including the frequency and amount of baclofen use, pre-existing medical conditions, and body mass. Urine tests can typically detect baclofen for up to two days, while blood tests may show the presence of baclofen for at least 24 hours after the last dose.

In cases of significant amounts or overdose, baclofen may be present in the urine and blood for up to 10 days. It is important to note that the duration of baclofen in the system can vary based on individual circumstances.

Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Baclofen

Mixing baclofen and alcohol can have serious and potentially dangerous effects. Both substances are central nervous system depressants, and when used together, they can heighten each other’s effects. Some people may mix these substances to achieve an intense sense of sedation and relaxation, or to mitigate alcohol withdrawal symptoms and hangovers. However, this combination can lead to an intensified effect, causing symptoms such as extreme weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, agitation, confusion, impaired judgment, impaired motor movement and coordination, and an increased risk of overdose.

There have been instances of people experiencing severe side effects, such as seizures, when mixing alcohol and baclofen. This combination also increases the risk of addiction, uncomfortable withdrawals, and other complications.

Baclofen Overdose Symptoms

Overdose symptoms include;

  • muscle weakness,
  • vomiting,
  • drowsiness,
  • dilated or pinpoint pupils,
  • and weak or shallow breathing.

Medical Detox For Baclofen Withdrawal

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Brand Names of Baclofen

Although baclofen, with its generic name being widely used, has been a staple in prescription medication since 1977 in the United States, it surprisingly lacks any notable street names. This medication, however, is known under several brand names such as Lioresal, Gablofen, and Kemstro,  alongside its widely recognized generic name.

Brand Names of Baclofen:

  • Baclodol
  • Beklo
  • Gablofen
  • Kemstro
  • Lioresal
  • Lyflex

Generic Names of Baclofen:

  • Apo-baclofen
  • Ava-baclofen
  • Baclofen (generic name)

 

Conclusion: How to Manage Baclofen Withdrawal?

Using baclofen can lead to dependence and addiction. The brain’s dependence on the drug, especially its effects on GABA receptors, triggers baclofen withdrawal. This withdrawal can happen even with prescribed use. It’s vital to recognize the signs and symptoms of baclofen withdrawal, as they can be severe and may lead to life-threatening consequences. If you plan to stop using baclofen, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They often recommend a gradual baclofen taper to safely reduce dependency without triggering severe withdrawal symptoms.

Sources:

  1. National Library of Medicine Acute Interaction of Baclofen in Combination with Alcohol in Heavy Social Drinkers
  2. National Library of Medicine Baclofen therapeutics, toxicity, and withdrawal
  3. JAMA Complications of Baclofen Withdrawal
  4. Science Direct Baclofen assisted detoxification from…
  5. Science Direct  Death After Acute Withdrawal of Intrathecal Baclofen

 

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