[Baclofen for alcohol addiction]

Abstract

Baclofen is approved for muscle spasms and cerebral spasticity. Several studies have recently investigated the use of baclofen for alcohol withdrawal symptoms and as an abstinence-promoting agent in alcohol-dependent subjects. The evidence is too weak to recommend baclofen for alcohol withdrawal, and drugs with better documentation such as benzodiazepines and carbamazepine should be preferred for this indication. The evidence for the use of baclofen to prevent relapse to drinking in alcohol dependence is somewhat conflicting, but the drug could be considered as a therapeutic option in case of conservative measures and approved drugs such as disulfiram and acamprosate having insufficient effect. Despite enthusiastic appraisal in case reports, the use of baclofen in high doses to suppress alcohol craving cannot be recommended due to insufficient evidence. Trials that may resolve this issue are underway.