Baclofen is a drug that reduces the consumption of alcohol by reducing cravings and the pleasurable effects of alcohol. It has been available as a prescription medicine for almost 10 years, but due to its side effects it was not very popular among patients. In early 2018, baclofen got a new image when it was made available over-the-counter in pharmacies across France and Belgium.
Consequently, growing demand has brought down the price significantly. Now anyone can buy baclofen without seeing their doctor first. You just need to ask your pharmacist whether your country allows you to buy baclofen over-the-counter.
Table of Contents
What is Baclofen?
Baclofen is a drug that reduces cravings for alcohol. It is also used to treat muscle spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Baclofen is a GABA analogue. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that acts as a chemical messenger in the central nervous system and has a calming effect.
Baclofen is used to treat alcohol dependence and to decrease alcohol craving in people who cannot stop drinking despite negative consequences.
Why is baclofen so popular?
Since the middle of 2018, baclofen has been available over-the-counter in France and Belgium. This means you can buy baclofen at any pharmacy without seeing a doctor first. Indeed, the drug’s side effects make it unsuitable for self-medication. For example, when taken in large doses, baclofen can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and unsteadiness, and increase the risk of falls.
- Baclofen is relatively cheap and is now more accessible than ever before. Consequently, more people are interested in trying the drug.
- Baclofen is the most popular alcohol dependence treatment in France and Belgium, with about half a million users.
- Baclofen is also used in various other countries to treat muscle spasticity and other neurological disorders.
Side Effects of Baclofen
Baclofen is not a harmless drug, and it can cause long-term side effects if taken without consulting a doctor.
Baclofen can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, and increased risk of falling. These effects are more pronounced at higher doses. Long-term use of baclofen can lead to a decrease in cognitive functions and affect decision-making.
- Baclofen is not recommended for people with liver or kidney disorders.
- Baclofen can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly.
The risk of side effects increases with higher doses of baclofen. Therefore, people who use baclofen to treat alcohol dependence need to be careful. High doses of baclofen are often recommended for patients who are unable to control their drinking despite other treatments.
Baclofen is not a quick fix. It can take several weeks or even months to reduce alcohol consumption.
Is baclofen addictive?
Baclofen is a GABA analogue, which means that it works by activating the same receptors as GABA. Therefore, when you take baclofen regularly, your body gets less GABA.
Consequently, withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur when you stop taking baclofen.
This means that baclofen can be addictive.
Baclofen is not addictive when used to treat alcohol dependence. However, baclofen can cause withdrawal symptoms when used as a long-term treatment.
Baclofen is not addictive when used for short-term treatment for alcohol dependence. But when taken for a longer period of time, it can cause withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, baclofen should be used only for short-term treatment.
How to buy Baclofen Over-The-Counter?
Baclofen is available over-the-counter in many countries, especially in France and Belgium, where it is one of the most popular alcohol dependence treatments.
You can buy baclofen in pharmacies across France and in Belgium, without any medical or psychological examination.
If you want to buy baclofen in your country, you can ask your pharmacist whether it can be sold without a prescription.
Baclofen is a controlled substance in many countries, including the United States. Therefore, you can only buy baclofen over-the-counter if the law in your country allows it.
You should also check your local laws regarding the amount you can possess and the maximum prescription amount.
Conclusion
Baclofen is a drug that reduces cravings for alcohol, and it is also used to treat muscle spasticity. It is a GABA analogue that works by activating the same receptors as GABA, leading to a calming effect. Baclofen is not addictive when used for short-term treatment for alcohol dependence.
Baclofen is available over-the-counter in many countries, such as France and Belgium, where it is one of the most popular alcohol dependence treatments. You should be careful when buying baclofen, because it is a controlled substance in many countries.
