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Seizure Occurring During Baclofen Monotherapy for Phenibut Withdrawal
Amber Patt1, Haley Fox2, Lauren Wells2
1School of Pharmacy, Medical College of Wisconsin.
Clinical Neuropharmacology
|February 3, 2023
Summary
Phenibut withdrawal can be serious, and baclofen may not be enough as a sole treatment. A patient on low-dose baclofen experienced a seizure, suggesting seizures are a risk of underdosing during phenibut withdrawal.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Phenibut, a GABA-B agonist, is widely available and causes dependence with chronic use.
- Phenibut withdrawal (PW) is a growing concern, with limited established treatment protocols.
- Baclofen, a related GABA-B agonist, is used for PW but optimal dosing and outcomes are poorly defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the potential risk of seizures associated with underdosing baclofen in phenibut withdrawal.
- To examine the role of baclofen monotherapy in managing severe phenibut withdrawal symptoms.
- To underscore the need for further research into effective PW treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- A case report detailing a patient experiencing a seizure while on baclofen monotherapy for phenibut withdrawal.
- Review of patient presentation, treatment, and subsequent adverse event.
- Analysis of baclofen's potential role and dosing in managing phenibut withdrawal.
Main Results:
- A patient with high-dose phenibut dependence presented with withdrawal symptoms and was treated with baclofen 10 mg thrice daily.
- The patient subsequently experienced a seizure 28 hours after discharge, requiring intensive care.
- This case suggests that low-dose baclofen monotherapy may be insufficient to prevent seizures during phenibut withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- Phenibut use and subsequent withdrawal are increasing, necessitating better treatment options.
- Underdosing baclofen in phenibut withdrawal may increase the risk of seizures.
- Baclofen may be more effective as an adjunct therapy rather than a primary treatment for phenibut withdrawal, especially when managed by specialists.
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