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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.

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  •  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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Download the full review.
Pdf, subscribers only

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See also:

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