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Principles of Sports Medicine & Exercise Science

Baclofen

by Jennifer L. Gibson, Michael A. Buratovich

Category: Drugs (Muscle relaxant)

Also known as: Lioresal

Specialties and related fields: Athletic trainers, neurology, orthopedics, pharmacology, physical therapists, sports medicine

KEY TERMS

gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that reduces neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system

muscle relaxant: a class of medications that reduce skeletal muscle function and decrease muscle tone, and treat muscle spasms, pain, and hyperreflexia

HISTORY OF USE

Baclofen was developed to control seizures in persons with epilepsy; however, its effectiveness for this treatment has been inadequate. Instead, baclofen has evolved into a treatment of choice for spasticity-related conditions.

Baclofen was introduced as a possible addiction treatment when physician Olivier Ameisen self-treated his alcohol addiction with high-dose baclofen. His results were published in a self-case study report in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism in 2005, prompting the public and the medical community to evaluate the use of baclofen to treat addiction.

EFFECTIVENESS

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that decreases painful muscle spasms. It is the first-line treatment for painful muscle spasms in individuals with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries or diseases. Baclofen relieves flexor spasms, which include muscle spasms that involve the knee, ankle, or hip particularly well.

Baclofen also suppresses symptoms and cravings associated with alcohol dependence and reduces symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Baclofen’s mode of action involves activating the gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) B receptors in the central nervous system. Baclofen is safe and effective, even in persons with alcohol-related liver damage. However, patients with reduced kidney function must have their baclofen doses reduced. Baclofen has few drug-drug interactions and causes fewer side effects than traditional medications used to treat alcohol dependence.

Baclofen possesses lower misuse potential than narcotics like opioids. However, baclofen is a psychotropic drug. The recreational use of baclofen among adolescents and young adults represents a serious problem that health-care professionals should consider. The medical literature reports several unfortunate cases of baclofen overdose resulting in death.

Baclofen is also being investigated to treat cocaine and opioid dependence and misuse disorders. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to prove the long-term safety and effectiveness of baclofen in treating substance misuse disorders.

PRECAUTIONS

High baclofen doses can cause excessive drowsiness, dizziness, psychiatric disturbances, and decreased muscle tone that may impair daily function. Overdoses of baclofen may precipitate seizures, slowed breathing, altered pupil size, and coma. Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen can result in withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations, disorientation, anxiety, dizziness, memory impairments, and mood disturbances.

Owing to increased publicity regarding baclofen as a potential treatment for addictions, some people have turned to illegally buying baclofen over the internet to control their addictions. As with any medication, baclofen should be used only under the guidance and supervision of a trained medical professional.

Further Reading

1 

Ameisen, Olivier, and Hilary Hinzmann. The End of My Addiction: How One Man Cured Himself of Alcoholism. Piatkus, 2010.

2 

“Baclofen.” MedlinePlus. US National Library of Medicine, 15 July 2017, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682530.html.

3 

Drevin, G., et al. “Baclofen Overdose Following Recreational Use in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.” Forensic Science International, vol. 316, 2020, p. 110541, doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110541.

4 

Ghanavatian, Shirin, and Armen Derian. “Baclofen.” StatPearls, 1 Oct. 2019.

5 

Muzyk, Andrew, et al. “Clinical Effectiveness of Baclofen for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: A Review.” Clinical Pharmacology: Advances and Applications, vol. 5, 2013, p. 99, doi:10.2147/cpaa.s32434.

Citation Types

Type
Format
MLA 9th
Gibson, Jennifer L., and Michael A. Buratovich. "Baclofen." Principles of Sports Medicine & Exercise Science, edited by Michael A. Buratovich, Salem Press, 2022. Salem Online, online.salempress.com/articleDetails.do?articleName=POSpKin_0126.
APA 7th
Gibson, J. L., & Buratovich, M. A. (2022). Baclofen. In M. A. Buratovich (Ed.), Principles of Sports Medicine & Exercise Science. Salem Press. online.salempress.com.
CMOS 17th
Gibson, Jennifer L. and Buratovich, Michael A. "Baclofen." Edited by Michael A. Buratovich. Principles of Sports Medicine & Exercise Science. Hackensack: Salem Press, 2022. Accessed September 16, 2025. online.salempress.com.