What are the advantages and disadvantages of baclofen for alcoholism?
The use of baclofen for the treatment of alcoholism shows a great promise. People who use this medicine are generally more likely to stop drinking and maintaining a sobriety longer than those who use traditional methods. In addition, this medicine is significantly less addictive than other drugs such as diazepam, which are administered for alcohol collection. Although this medicine has been approved in the United States itself, its use in alcohol treatment is not officially recognized. In addition, the baclofen has a high incidence of related side effects, some potentially serious. This study conducted by the Medical Council for Alcohol has shown that the patients who were administered have stopped drinking much more often than those who were given placebos. In addition, these individuals had less desire and less anxiety than a control group.
In 2007, the Italian researcies from the Institute of Internal Medicine at the Catholic University of Rome showed even more promising results. They concluded that approximately 75 percent of their 84 subjects were able to reach soberSTI when using baclofen for the treatment of alcoholism. This study is particularly convincing because the participants were long -term drinkers with significant liver cirrhosis. This study, which lasted only 12 weeks, was brief. Nevertheless, successful patients showed a significant improvement in liver function and higher than average adherence to treatment.
The main disadvantage of Baklofen for alcoholism is the possibility of side effects. More than half of all patients taking the drug can experience some reaction. In most cases, this reaction is a moderate to medium lethargy. Also common are annoying symptoms including dizziness, insomnia, nausea and constipation.
, albeitable, patients using baclofen for alcoholism can have more serious side effects. Some individuals using this medicine had bloody stools caused by bleeding into the stomach and intestines. In addition, it was in a small number of patients taking Baklofena dangerously low blood pressure and slow heart rate reported. Although it is extremely rare, epileptic seizures are also a potential side effect of this drug.
The use of baclofen during pregnancy was associated with protruding abdominal hernia hernia in newborns. On the other hand, excessive consumption of maternal alcohol during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. Women expecting should discuss the risks and benefits of taking this medicine with their doctor. Baclofen is also excreted in breast milk.