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Can Baclofen Be Taken For Curbing Desire To Drink?
Hello, I am a psychiatrist and recently a patient of mine who is 56 year old woman with history of alcohol dependency asked me to prescribe Baclofen for curbing her desire to drink. What advise you can give me. i am not familiar with this medication. I know it is given for muscle aches. Mali Mann, MD
Thu, 30 Jan 2014
Hi Dr Mann,
Yes, baclofen has been shown to reduce craving for alcohol in many trials. I have personally used it in many patients and I consider it better than acamprosate for this purpose. For muscle aches, it is used in short acting immediate release preparations. But recently extended release preparations have become available which are taken once daily and are more suitable for patients with alcohol dependence. I am sure your patient will benefit from it.
Best wishes.
Yes, baclofen has been shown to reduce craving for alcohol in many trials. I have personally used it in many patients and I consider it better than acamprosate for this purpose. For muscle aches, it is used in short acting immediate release preparations. But recently extended release preparations have become available which are taken once daily and are more suitable for patients with alcohol dependence. I am sure your patient will benefit from it.
Best wishes.
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