Is Baclofen a Narcotic?

What is Baclofen?

Baclofen is a prescription muscle relaxant most commonly prescribed to people dealing with muscle pain, spasms, or stiffness, but it can also help treat people who suffer from neurological issues like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.

More recently, Baclofen has been used in a few instances to treat substance abuse, but this approach has not been researched thoroughly.

Understanding Baclofen

In addition to helping relax muscles, Baclofen works to relieve the pain associated with muscle problems. It is this part of Baclofen that makes it addictive.

When any drug works to relieve pain, it affects the areas of your brain that control positive emotions, like happiness and relaxation.

When medications, like Baclofen, enter your brain, it releases a flood of dopamine, making you feel happy and relaxed. The longer you use Baclofen, the less your brain can release these chemicals on its own, making your brain crave Baclofen, which can lead to an addiction.

Effects and Abuse of Baclofen

When taken appropriately, Baclofen is considered safe and effective. But when abused, it has a high chance of causing negative side effects.

Taking Baclofen without a prescription is considered abuse, but this is not the only way to abuse it. Anytime you take Baclofen in a manner other than it is prescribed, such as more often or in higher doses, it is considered abuse. Continuing to abuse Baclofen can lead to tolerance and addiction.

It can also cause additional adverse effects on your physical health, including:

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Hallucinations
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Slowed or shallow breathing
• Seizures

One of the most significant risks of Baclofen abuse is the possibility of overdosing, especially if you are taking it without a prescription or drinking alcohol while taking Baclofen.

Signs of an overdose include extreme drowsiness, dilated pupils, shallow breathing, and vomiting. If a Baclofen overdose is not treated, it can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.

Baclofen Withdrawal

If you stop taking this medication abruptly, you can experience withdrawal.

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Increase in or return of uncontrollable muscle movement
• Itching sensation all over the body
• Low blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Tingling sensations all over the body

As withdrawal progresses, you may experience even more severe symptoms. These include a high fever, hallucinations, confusion, and muscle stiffness. In rare cases, some of your organ systems may shut down, which can lead to death if not treated immediately. That is why a person who is addicted to this medication must receive treatment at a reputable rehab center.

How Do I Know if I Have a Baclofen Addiction?

Often, it is difficult for someone to see if they have an addiction. You may think you do not have a problem or the side effects you are experiencing are normal.

However, if you have an addiction, it is critical to seek help before it causes any long-term damage to your health.

If you are not sure if you have an addiction to this substance, here are some signs to look for:

• Continuing to take the medication, despite negative effects on your physical or mental health
• Drug use is causing issues at work or in your family life
• Having issues fulfilling your work, school, or family obligations
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication
• Having to take more of the drug to feel the effects
• Spending more and more time getting or taking this medication
• Giving up activities or hobbies you once loved to do drugs instead
• Craving this medication when you are not taking it
• Unable to sleep if you do not take the medication

Even if you realize you have a problem, you may find yourself unable to stop taking the medication, despite it negatively affecting your life.

Payment Information

Do you want treatment but are worried about how you can pay for it?

We have a team of financial professionals who provide free insurance verification.

We work with you to determine how to move forward with a treatment plan in a way that works for you and your financial situation.

Free Insurance Verification for Baclofen Rehab

How to Get Help

Are you or a loved one suffering from addiction?

At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, we understand how difficult it can be to give up an addiction because, with long-term use, the mind is continuously remembering the euphoric feelings.

Our dedicated team will customize a treatment plan to rediscover natural euphoria.

Our goal is for you to leave Emerald Isle Health & Recovery with mental fortitude and coping skills to maintain lifelong sobriety.

Call Emerald Isle Health & Recovery to schedule an appointment.

We challenge you to make a fresh start with us today.