A case with baclofen withdrawal: clinical insights and the need for regulated access
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51982/bagimli.1654283Keywords:
Baclofen, substance use disorder, withdrawal, alcohol use disorder, prescription drug abuseAbstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) significantly impact individuals' health and society, with prescription drug misuse, including baclofen, becoming an emerging concern. Baclofen, a GABA-B receptor agonist used for spasticity and off-label alcohol use disorder (AUD), carries risks of toxicity and severe withdrawal upon abrupt discontinuation. We present a case of a 31-year-old male with polysubstance abuse who escalated baclofen to 1000 mg/day, leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, including delirium and rhabdomyolysis. Treatment required baclofen reintroduction, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and supportive care. This case highlights baclofen’s misuse potential, particularly in individuals with SUDs, and underscores the need for cautious prescribing and regulatory control, especially in regions where it is easily accessible without a prescription.
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