You have probably heard of Lioresal; it is the brand name for the drug baclofen. It is a drug that depresses the central nervous system and that treats muscle spasms. Baclofen can have a medical function when used as prescribed. But, it can also cause issues when abused, like taken in larger doses or when baclofen and alcohol or drugs are combined.
What Is Baclofen?
Baclofen is a skeletal muscle relaxant. Athletes often take baclofen to recover comfortably from injuries. Additionally, people who experience skeletal muscle spasticity are prescribed baclofen for recovery.
Doctors prescribe baclofen to people who have a history of multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, spinal cord disorders, or injuries, which all have the potential to cause debilitating muscle spasms. These painful and uncomfortable conditions can interfere with daily living, work, and even restful sleep. If left untreated, they can cause more severe pain or other musculoskeletal issues throughout the body.
This drug is not for people with cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, or strokes. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that achieves its function by interacting with GABA receptors located in the central nervous system. The drug blocks particular nerve signals sent from muscles to the spinal cord and acts as a central nervous system depressant. Baclofen prescriptions come as a pill or via an intrathecal baclofen pump.
When administered via a pump, a catheter implanted under the skin releases precise doses of the drug. This method of administration is for people who cannot tolerate baclofen’s oral version or cannot take the pill for other reasons. In addition, the catheter needs to be supervised by a medical professional to ensure its function and to avoid complications. Physicians will try other means of resolving the issue without having to install a catheter. A catheter is only a temporary solution that should not be considered long-term.
Baclofen misuse
Baclofen is rarely associated with misuse when taken by itself. Research has shown that this drug doesn’t produce any euphoric effects, cravings, or other addictive behavior. A study from the journal “European Addiction Research” in 2013 indicated that baclofen might be effectively used as a medication to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Although baclofen’s potential to treat alcohol withdrawal is still unclear, there is conclusive clinical evidence that mixing alcohol and baclofen can be extremely dangerous, even under the supervision of a physician.
As with all drugs, baclofen has beneficial therapeutic effects as well as potential side effects and risks. One of the most significant risks of taking baclofen is that it can cause adverse withdrawal symptoms if the person suddenly stops taking it.
Baclofen withdrawal symptoms can include episodes of:
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Seizures
The Mayo Clinic reports that mild and more common side effects of taking baclofen include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Impaired balance and coordination
A person who takes baclofen may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. This euphoria is particularly more dramatic at higher doses. It is rare to see people abuse baclofen on its own, but the drug is commonly misused by mixing it with other central nervous system depressants.
The National Library of Medicine reports that, since it takes a much higher dose of baclofen to achieve a high, people who abuse the drug are at a greater risk of overdosing.
Why Is Alcohol Combined With Baclofen?
Alcohol and baclofen are similar in that they both create a relaxed feeling. They are depressants and lower the neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This creates a mellow and comfortable feeling, mild drowsiness, or a sense of peacefulness.
Mixing alcohol with baclofen decreases feelings of anxiety. It is the main reason why both substances are combined. Those who regularly experience pain are more likely to use alcohol to potentiate the effects of the painkillers they take.
On the other hand, some people might resort to using baclofen to relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms because they think they will be less likely to experience a hangover if they take baclofen when they drink. Regardless, it can be a dangerous combination, and individuals should use other forms of relief instead.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can potentially become serious, as noted by WebMD. These symptoms include:
- Rapid breathing
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Sleeping disturbances
- Tremors
- Irritability
- Profuse sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Nightmares
Physicians and medical professionals should be monitoring alcohol use disorder and severe withdrawal symptoms. Treating yourself without professional help is not advisable.
What Happens When Baclofen and Alcohol Are Mixed?
Although baclofen can alleviate the symptoms of alcohol use disorder, it is crucial to keep in mind that combining the drug with alcohol can have debilitating consequences. Since they both act as depressants, taking them together can increase the side effects of baclofen, including:
- Drowsiness
- Overriding weakness
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Dizziness
A journal published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine states that the effect that takes place as described above is known as pharmacodynamic interaction, which causes alcohol to enhance effects of medications that are particularly manifested in the central nervous system.
A peered-reviewed publication by the NCBI reports that clinical studies indicate that using baclofen with alcohol raises one’s heart rate and blood pressure along with other cardiovascular changes. This can be obviously highly problematic for patients who have preexisting cardiovascular conditions and other major medical conditions.
Baclofen and alcohol abuse
According to current medical research published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, baclofen and its effects on people experiencing alcohol use disorder are still under review. For now, research has concluded that “social drinking” while taking baclofen may not be immediately toxic. Still, it is difficult to determine how many drinks are safe because each individual can handle different amounts of alcohol. In addition, alcohol has a different effect on people, and so does each person’s unique health profile. There are undeniably too many variables involved that need to be considered before determining that drinking alcohol while taking baclofen will be safe for you.
It is best to be cautious and to avoid drinking alcohol altogether while on baclofen. If you are experiencing alcohol withdrawal, speak to your physician about the best options to soothe your symptoms during this transitory period.
Interactions and Side Effects of Mixing Baclofen With Alcohol
Aside from the dangers of incorporating alcohol into any medication regimen, a person can suffer an overdose from taking baclofen alone. Even on its own, this drug can be undoubtedly hazardous, which is why adding alcohol to the mix is disastrous.
This is particularly the case when people use the drug above its recommended dosage in an attempt to feel high, similar to what they would achieve with narcotics. Because both baclofen and alcohol depress the central nervous system, it is easier for a person to experience an overdose when simultaneously consumed.
The symptoms associated with a baclofen overdose include:
- Vomiting
- Extreme muscle weakness
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea
- Coma
- Seizures
You certainly must avoid mixing alcohol with baclofen for any purpose. Patients should let their doctors know about all substances they regularly use before receiving a prescription for baclofen or any muscle relaxer.
What Should You Do If You Have Already Mixed Them?
In the case that you realize that you’ve mixed alcohol and baclofen, stop drinking at once and seek medical attention immediately. This is additionally vital if you don’t drink often or if you have more than one drink.
Know the signs of an emergency by identifying these symptoms:
- Extreme weakness
- Shallow breathing
- Impaired movements
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Confusion
- Heart palpitations
Seeking Help for Baclofen and Alcohol
Granite Recovery Center provides evidence-based treatment programs, including clinical psychotherapy, that licensed clinicians supervise. Our approach includes scientifically supported psychotherapeutic methods that help people identify and reprogram harmful thought patterns and behaviors.
The brain can recover from alcohol or substance use disorder and form new neural pathways that are beneficial to the mind and body. As your treatment progresses, you’ll start to notice obvious changes in how you feel, think, and behave. The new patterns will become second nature, and you’ll see a new way of approaching life. The brain can adapt. There is absolutely a lot of hope when it comes to recovery.
Our integrated therapies can undoubtedly help you overcome alcohol or substance use disorder. We provide each patient with a customized treatment plan to target their specific profiles. Our goal is to ensure that you can effectively implement solutions and continue to progress through any substance use or mental health issue.
Treatment for Baclofen and Alcohol Use
People who have been struggling with substance use disorder for a long time will likely benefit from our inpatient program, where they will live at the facility for several weeks. Those who opt for inpatient care generally require a more comprehensive medical program that could include medication-assisted treatment and diligent monitoring in addition to a full schedule of group and one-on-one therapies. Inpatient treatment is helpful for people whose environments are not conducive to staying clean.
People who complete inpatient rehab often transition into one of our sober living facilities. Being surrounded by people in recovery is a great way to build a support system as you are all facing similar challenges. Sober living can also help people rebuild their confidence in their ability to live sober lives.
Support in Recovery
Those who have a strong support system outside of the facility and many family and professional commitments might benefit from our intensive outpatient program, during which they only come to the facility for part of the day. Outpatient therapy still relies heavily on different types of cognitive-behavioral therapy and the 12-step program.
No matter which model you choose, Granite Recovery Center has a dedicated health team that will take you through each step while providing the best support to reach your health goals. Once you have completed your program, we have a variety of aftercare options that will continue to guide you on your path to living your best life.
Granite Recovery Center undoubtedly helps people transform themselves through our commitment to innovation, accountability, and compassionate care for a long-lasting personal change. We are leading the industry by providing the highest quality mental health and treatment services. Experience the difference that we can make in your recovery. Life and recovery certainly should be enjoyable, and we are here to assist you. Give us a call, or reach out on our website for more information.
