Baclofen, a selective gamma-aminobutyric acid-B (GABA-B) receptor agonist, has emerged as a promising drug for
Baclofen has generated attention as an unconventional treatment option for alcohol dependence
Gabapentin/baclofen combination seems to be an effective and safe alternative to benzodiazepines and may be considered for managing mild AWS in hospitalized
Medication development has focused on several
The FDA has approved three medications for alcohol use disorder: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram
Several RCT on baclofen do not support the use of baclofen for treatment of AUD
To determine if gabapentin, a widely-prescribed generic calcium channel/GABA modulating medication, increases rates of sustained abstinence and no
You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with Both baclofen and gabapentin are mild sedatives
Results
Disulfiram is another pharmacotherapy option, since it is mostly metabolized by the liver
9% and 29
5-fold increase in total overdose deaths from the years 2001-2013, and overdose deaths relating to opioid pain relievers saw an even larger increase
Gabapentin was also noted to be safe, well-tolerated, and have a low side effect profile
Baclofen is in an entirely different league - stick with that (from my personal experience)
Off-label, three placebo-controlled trials (n=231) have shown gabapentin to aid in symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, increase abstinence rates, decrease heavy drinking days, Additionally, other medications including gabapentin, baclofen, topiramate, and ondansetron show promise off-label for treating alcohol use disorder
Baclofen for alcohol use disorder: a systematic meta-analysis
Other off-label uses for gabapentin include anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, cocaine withdrawal, hiccups, restless leg syndrome, hyperhidrosis, headaches, diabetic neuropathy, hot flashes, and
Two other medications demonstrated low SOE for benefit in at least one consumption outcome—baclofen (reduced return to any drinking) and gabapentin (reduced return to drinking and to heavy drinking Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that helps to control and reduce severe epileptic seizures
Additionally, the mechanism of action of gabapentin specific to alcohol
While carbamazepine, gabapentin, Baclofen for alcohol withdrawal
Baclofen may help some patients with AUD, most likely those with higher severity of alcohol addiction, experiencing higher levels of drinking and/or with alcohol-associated liver disease
Compounds known to be successful in the treatment of alcohol use disorder include the aversive agent, Disulfiram, the glutamatergic NMDA receptor antagonist, Acamprosate, and the opioid receptor antagonists, Naltrexone and Nalmefene