Baclofen, known by the brand name Ozobax, belongs to the class of medications called smooth muscle relaxants. It is prescribed to treat pain, and muscle stiffness. It is sometimes used off-label to ease stomach cramps that are associated with acute opioid withdrawal. It is prescribed as a tablet or an oral solution that is taken at evenly spaced intervals up to three times per day.
Uses of Baclofen in Withdrawal Treatment
Baclofen is not used to help treat ongoing addiction or prevent cravings. Instead, it is used acutely, usually short term, to treat the stomach cramping associated with opioid withdrawal. It has not been shown to treat opioid or alcohol withdrawal cravings or prevent relapse to substance use. [2]
Benefits of Baclofen in Withdrawal Treatment
Baclofen is a relatively safe medication to use to treat stomach cramping associated with opioid withdrawal. It is also safe to use on people with liver disease, a common side effect of long-term and chronic alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Side Effects & Risks
The most common side effect of baclofen is some drowsiness. You should avoid taking it when operating machinery or driving. Additional side effects of baclofen can include the following:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Nausea
Baclofen can also increase the side effects of other CNS depressant substances, such as alcohol or opioids, when used at the same time. This could contribute to a potentially life-threatening overdose. If you are using other sedating medications, talk to your doctor before using Baclofen.
Alternatives to Baclofen
There are currently three FDA-approved forms of MAT (Medication for Addiction Treatment) which more effectively treat the withdrawal symptoms of opioids - buprenorphine, methadone, and naloxone.[4] Methadone and Buprenorphine both have the strongest evidence for treating acute opioid withdrawal. However, Baclofen can be used in addition to these medications during acute opioid withdrawal, or by itself if the patient cannot or does not want Buprenorphine or Methadone treatment.
If you think baclofen may be a good choice for you to help support you during acute withdrawal from opioids, talk to your treatment team.
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