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Related Experiment Videos

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
PubMed
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.

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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).

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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.