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Baclofen for alcohol dependence: a preliminary open-label study
Barbara A Flannery1, James C Garbutt, Meghan W Cody
1RTI International, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA. bflannery@rti.org
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|December 15, 2004
Summary
Baclofen, a GABA-B agonist, shows promise in reducing alcohol consumption, anxiety, and craving in alcohol-dependent individuals. Further research is needed due to a high dropout rate in this preliminary study.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid-B (GABA-B) agonist baclofen is being investigated for its potential in treating alcohol dependence.
- Previous studies suggest baclofen may effectively reduce alcohol consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the tolerability and efficacy of a 30-mg daily dose of baclofen.
- To evaluate baclofen's impact on drinking patterns, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and craving in alcohol-dependent subjects.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week open-label trial involving 12 alcohol-dependent participants (9 men, 3 women).
- Participants received baclofen (10 mg thrice daily) and motivational enhancement therapy.
- Data collected included side effects, drinking behavior (timeline follow-back), depression (BDI), anxiety (BAI), and craving (PACS).
Main Results:
- Baclofen was generally well-tolerated, with two discontinuations due to side effects and no serious adverse events.
- Statistically significant reductions were observed in drinks per drinking day and heavy-drinking days.
- Participants experienced a significant decrease in anxiety and craving, alongside an increase in abstinent days.
Conclusions:
- Baclofen appears reasonably tolerated in alcohol-dependent individuals, though the high dropout rate warrants attention.
- Preliminary findings suggest baclofen may reduce drinking, anxiety, and craving.
- A larger, placebo-controlled study is recommended to confirm efficacy and identify patient responders.