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Baclofen (Baclocur°) and alcohol dependence. At moderate doses, a modest aid in controlling alcohol consumption

FEATURED REVIEW The GABA analogue baclofen (Baclocur°, Ethypharm), used since the 1970s as a muscle relaxant, has now been granted marketing authorisation in France for the reduction of alcohol consumption in alcohol-dependent patients in whom the other drug treatments have failed. What is known about baclofen's harm-benefit balance in this clinical situation as of late 2019?
Full review (4 pages) available for download by subscribers.

Prescrire's rating

POSSIBLY HELPFUL According to data from about 15 randomised placebo-controlled trials, baclofen at a moderate dose of about 30 mg per day appears to help some patients control their alcohol consumption a little better. Its known adverse effect profile, at doses below 80 mg per day, is generally acceptable: neuropsychiatric disorders, in some cases serious (including dizziness, confusion and depression), gastrointestinal disorders, muscle spasms, etc. In practice, moderate-dose baclofen is an option for alcohol-dependent patients in whom the various drugs for alcohol abstinence have failed and who continue to be unable to control a dangerous level of alcohol intake. However, patients must be informed of the limitations in its efficacy and the uncertainties over the persistence of its effects.

©Prescrire 1 February 2020

"Baclofen (Baclocur°) and alcohol dependence. At moderate doses, a modest aid in controlling alcohol consumption" Prescrire Int 2020; 29 (212): 33-36. (Pdf, subscribers only).

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Prescrire's rating:

POSSIBLY HELPFUL

See also:

Alcohol dependence: the
risks of high-dose baclofen
(November 2018)
Free