any doctors out there? Baclofen question

[Larisa]

As a non-doctor, I don't really understand that on Ameisen's program, you go up to the symptom-suppressing dose and then titrate down to the maintenance dose. It seems to me that you would have to stay at the dose that works. Are there other medicines that work that way - you find that certain dose and then dial it down and it still works?

[KateH1]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

Larisa, I would be very surprised if an MD offered any medical information on a web site. Unfortunately, such things, no matter how benign can lead to issues.

Why don't you try asking your own doctor....or, search for your answers on WebMD.

Best Wishes!

[tiptronic_ct]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

Larisa,

I'm not a MD, nor is my opinion based on any form of scientific evidence.

The closest I can come to describing the effect of baclofen is that it seems to change neural pathways in our brains over time.

If I will ever be cured of my alcoholism remains to be seen (and I do not wish to enter into that debate).

The one analogy I can think of would be B-vitamin supplements. For our bodies to recover from the damage caused by AL, we often need extremely high doses initially, but only a basic daily supplement once we're better.

I'm not an expert on these things, but I hope this helps a bit. PM someone like Beatle - she's way better informed than I am on this topic.

[Larisa]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

Thanks, both of you. Just to clarify, I'm not seeking medical advice, just wondered if the reaching a high dose of a drug, then lowering to a maintenance dose is something that happens with any other kind of drug - like, is it a common thing, or is this just a bac/AL thing.

Tip, that does make sense.

[KateH1]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

Hi Larisa, I know at times Dr's prescribe what is called a "loading dose"...I have been prescribes this way with antibiotics in the past. The first day I took double the meds to get the meds into my system, then the dose was lowered the next day to the regular dosage.

Also with Thryoxin, it is often prescribed at a higher level than a maintainance dose for the first month, then after one month, blood tests are taken and the dosage is either raised or lowered depending on the results of the blood tests.

I hope this helps!

[beatle]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

Larisa, that is a very interesting and good question. I don't know enough about it to answer, but I think that what Kate and Tip wrote makes sense.

In fact, I'm thinking that bac really is equivalent to a supplement -- as I understand (well I don't understand, actually, but I've read it), bac is a synthetic version of something (a neurotransmitter???) naturally occurring in all mammals. Apparently, people with anxiety/depression, mood disorders, addictions, etc. don't have a good balance of it and thus adding it is just like supplementation. This would also apply in the case Kate mentioned about Thyroxin, which is also a synthetic version of a naturally occurring substance (wc?) which needs to be supplemented in people with thyroid dysfunction.

If this is the case, then what Tip says makes perfect sense-- you would need high doses to repair the damage and get the body back in balance, and then once that is accomplished, the maintenance dose keeps you in balance. This is just conjecture, of course.

[ewaz44]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

With baclofen, weight gain or weight loss? My weight issues (the need to lose) are such a big part of my problems. I know that not drinking 600 calories or so every night will also help me lose!

I would appreciate any help on this. I am waiting for the Ameisen book which may have that answer.

[brightlite]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

Ewaz44,

Baclofen will help with suppressing the cravings, therefore curbing your desire to drink and intake less calories. Also, you will feel better and start to want to increase your movement or exercise. As far as Larisa's question, I don't know the answer to that. I do know when I went back down to 20mg's, I started binge drinking again. It's better for me to stay up at 50mg or 60mg...it is easier to just have two drinks and walk away. My goal is to be AF and for the most part I've been heading in that direction.

[Larisa]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

Thank you all so much for your answers. It seems to make more sense now...I was just wondering.

ewaz, I'm losing weight, over 10 pounds so far - firstly because I'm not imbibing 3/4 magnum of wine every single night, and secondly, the bac makes me floaty/high, and I don't feel like eating that much. I'm on NutriSystem, and finally, it's working!!!! (Doesn't work so well when you add aforementioned wine...)

[Brave Hearted]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

Hi Larisa

Funny this as i was discussing this very point at lenght last night with a freind, we drew the conclusion that wherever the brain is lacking the higher dose gradully tops it up as you tirate up and then when it get to full, you then just need a smaller dose to keep it on full if that makes sence ? . I too would interested to hear the medical explanation, but whatever that is its really secondary to me because its working !!!

[Emmy]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

JMO .. My DH is a MD. and he suggests talking to your Doctor before taking any meds.
You never know how a drug is going to interact with other meds you are taking and everyone responds differently to medications . again , JMO

[ewaz44]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

Brightlite-Thanks for your sensible answer! The extra calories at night will hopefully be cut to just real food.
Larissa--Maybe this is why NutriSystem, Weight Watchers, etc. did not work the many times I joined and the hundreds of dollars I spent! Beer was not on any of their lists!

I am just so confused at which one of these wonder drugs to start with and tired of trying it with willpower only.

Will keep posted.

[cowgal]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

funny!?

I have acttually lost weight (too much as a matter of fact!) on bac.. I used to get GHB at a health food store before people started using it for date rape.... It helped w/ sleep and growth hormone, so was great......bac seems to do the same thing....

Just my two cents worth!

MA

[beatle]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

made a mistake...

[beatle]

any doctors out there? Baclofen question

That's interesting, Cowgal. (And your two cents are worth a lot more than that, btw).

Strange thing, I have gained a lot of weight since starting bac. I used to be underweight, so at first it was a positive side-effect. But now I have gone from a size 4 to a size 8 in 2 months. I have gained 10 lbs (10% of my weight). Granted, I have had a great increase in appetite accompanying my decrease in AL intake. But I only eat healthy food, mostly vegetables, fruit, beans/legumes and occasionally fish. I am very puzzled. I may have to go on a diet for the first time in my life. :eeks:Yet another new experience to look forward to (and I am not being sarcastic).