optimum dosage of baclofen?

[cherrabah]

Hi, this is my first post and straight in with a question instead of an introduction (that'll come later)! I intend to see my GP on Tuesday and discuss help with alcohol dependency. I thought of asking for Baclofen though realise she may not be aware of its use in alcoholism? However, if she's prepared to let us share ideas ... what dosage might we decide is an optimum start for helping me give up drinking? Thanks! Cherrabah. :new:

[electron]

optimum dosage of baclofen?

Have you bought The End of My Addiction by Dr Olivier Ameisen?

I took the book in to a doctor near where I live, I explained I had tried campral in the past and what I had done and I showed him the book and asked if he would prescribe baclofen so that I could follow the method Dr Ameisen used for himself and the doctor asked me what dosage to prescribe and said sure, go ahead. I was amazed that he didn't bat an eyelid at it and he said he had never heard of this book or of using the medication so you might be surprised if like I was if you do the same thing I did.

There are people on this forum much better to answer the dosage question than me but I can tell you that the good Dr A started with 30mg per day (10mg tablet 3 x daily) and added 10mg every 3 days. He got to 270mg per day before he hit the "switch" and no longer wanted to drink alcohol. I have read from other people that it is a good idea to start at 5mg 3 x daily to start with and to add 10mg every 3 to 5 days but the main thing is to gradually increase the dose so that the side effects you feel are bearable as they usually pass within a few days when you increase dosage but I'm only on day 3 my self and I decided to start with 3 x 10mg / day and I'm not a big guy. I'll be adding 10mg tomorrow and I felt really tired sleepy all day yesterday but today wasn't too bad. It is a long weekend here in western australia which is handy

Anyway I wish you the best of luck with your doctor.

[cherrabah]

optimum dosage of baclofen?

Many thanks for that. Dr Amiesen's book just arrived today and understand he progressed to HUGE amounts. I'm a small female (in the UK) and not so very young which I guess is a consideration - except when it comes to wine! Son loves in Sydney - great country hence my chosen name of Cherrabah (Queensland). Mind you, now I'm concerned and curious about side effects ... will look forward to further info here.

[tiptronic_ct]

optimum dosage of baclofen?

Hi, Cherrabah and welcome to MWO :welcome:

Here is a link to the https://www.mywayout.org/community/f2...ead-38718.html

When you visit your doc, make sure that you have copies of Dr. Ameisen's self case-study with you,a s well as some of the aother articles you will find links to on the thread. That is usually more "digestible" for your doc as opposed to taking the book.

You will also find information on titration (increasing your dosage over time) and why your doc needs to understand that there is no "optimal dose" - it depends on each individual. If they are not willing to prescribe high-dose baclofen, you are likely to find that they won't go over 90mg per day, which is the current clinical guideline for baclofen.

Good luck and please keep us updated on your progress!

[Seethepony]

optimum dosage of baclofen?

Hi Cherrabah,
Don't eat baclofen like they're Smarties. Start with 15mg/per day and gradually increase from there. (but not as gradually as your doc will suggest - this stuff begins to work at around 60mg/day)

Ameisen's book is - how can I put this - as boring as fffflapjacks. The only interesting bit is the "cure" which he describes on page 898, which, as far a I know, no human being has ever never reached without falling into a state of coma.

To his eternal credit, Ameisen has stumbled on a possible "cure" for us alcoholics. It's not a cure. We will continue to be alcoholics. But the gracious and brilliant doctor has shown us a way out, if only temporarily. In any case he has done a better job than anyone else in his chosen field. For that alone he deserves our utmost respect - even if he can't write for toffee:0

[PhoenixRising]

optimum dosage of baclofen?

Dr. A and I both reached the switch at 3.6 kg/mg. Most docs are not willing to prescribe more than 8omg, so you may have to buy some online as well.