Mechanism

As mentioned earlier, Baclofen works by selectively binding to the pre-synaptic GABA-type B receptors that leads to several neurological mechanisms related to reducing muscle spasms [6], and this has been shown in various studies [3].

Once taken in tablet oral form, Baclofen is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, however, does not cross the blood-brain barrier [3]. It then follows a path where it is excreted by the kidneys, with a half-life of around 5 hours [3].

It is often administered to relieve flexor spasms, which are known as involuntary muscle contractions which are notable with patients suffering from spinal cord issues [8].

Moreover, Baclofen might induce neurological protective effects, along with potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Baclofen & Alcohol Dependence

Baclofen was used to examine its effects in a group of alcohol-dependent patients, with escalating doses of Baclofen given to 100 patients with alcohol dependence [9].

It was found that a large proportion of patients administered Baclofen reported a suppression of alcohol craving [9].

However, side effects reported with Baclofen was reported in 88% of patients, which mainly included fatigue, insomnia and dizziness; and, to a lesser extent, bowel disorder, weight loss, hot flush, mental confusion and sugar craving [9].

Baclofen & Muscle Cramps

Low-dose Baclofen was used in patients who were suffering from muscle cramps as a result of cirrhosis, which is a condition where the liver does not function as normal and leads disease of the liver [10;11].

Subjects as part of the study received 5mg doses of Baclofen. For three times per day for one week. Results showed a safe profile of the low-dose Baclofen given to treat muscle cramps in cirrhosis patients [10].

Baclofen & Muscle Tone

In addition, Baclofen reduces muscle tone [12]. Baclofen should not be used when someone requires proper muscle tone for certain activities and tasks [13].

Dosage

Lioresal recommended daily dosage ranges between 15-80mg, in which it is recommended 15mg/day is started and increased by 5mg every 3 days [5].

Other reports indicate that 75-80mg/day should not be exceeded [7].

Side Effects

Side effects of using Baclofen have been reported to be as drowsiness, along with other side effects such as dizziness, headaches and nausea [14].

Other less known side effects have been described as, dark urine, chest pain, depression, skin rash and itching [14].

Table 1. List of side effects associated with taking Baclofen.

 

Side effects
Most common	Less common	Overdose
Dizziness Nausea	Abdominal pain Unsteadiness Diarrhoea Headache Low blood pressure Numbness	Blurred vision Seizures Muscle weakness Vomiting

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6464193/
2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0883073818785074?casa_token=4VHOdgqF6eQAAAAA:Rp_YMH2C48QN241L3kkvrKeEqnEkzkI38HL4QUF3B3lXL87PBmFkpX5jUwcl3ekaBcklXu6pd361iQ
3. https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00181
4. https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(15)00060-4/fulltext
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6464193/
6. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/mjl/sreh/2017/00000049/00000003/art00001?crawler=true&mimetype=application/pdf
7. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00143/full
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2771986
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3540966/
10. https://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hep.27988
11. https://healthengine.com.au/info/liver-cirrhosis
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2857957/
13. https://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug-baclofen/article_em.html
14. https://www.drugs.com/sfx/baclofen-side-effects.html