Baclofen Doctors

[muchthought]

Baclofen Doctors

Perhaps a new thread should be started - I wondered about that too. It is disconcerting advice from a trusted source, especially knowing that MWO people have titrated down successfully. But perhaps the docs have seen relapses, where as our relapsers don't come back to post.

[tiptronic_ct]

Baclofen Doctors

ignominous;969341 wrote:
Has everybody missed the statement that no one should titrate down. I find this rather disconcerting as it flies in the face of the accepted cumulative wisdom of the forum. In fact it emphasises the main flaw of these discussions in that the threads are too subjective. Bump this, Zen or Tips!

I did notice this statement - obviously with some concern.

However: I can only view this in the context of my own experience and others who have posted on their experiences on titrating down. I have titrated down to 80mg successfully and have been happily AF for well over a year. I see no reason to have remained on 270mg indefinitely. My sobriety is easy to maintain: I simply don't want to drink...

Since no detailed explanation is available as to why "they" think one should remain at the switch dose, I will remain fairly sceptical. What has come to mind is the possibility that the success stats can be "boosted" by reducing the risk of people relapsing should they titrate down too low or too fast (as we've seen happening here with cravings returning).

What is actually of much greater concern is what the long-term impact of this can be on the treatment of alcoholism with baclofen. I know that I, for one, would have had 2nd thoughts if I knew upfront that I would have to remain at such high doses of baclofen. The prospect of taking only a maintenance dose after the intial effort provided me with some comfort. Then there is the cost factor. One also cannot lose sight of the issue of broader acceptance of baclofen in the medical community. I'm fairly certain that if long-term high-dose baclofen without the prospect of tapering down to a level more in line with current clinical guidelines becomes the advisable route, many doctors will think twice before prescribing.

[ignominous]

Baclofen Doctors

Hi Tip knew you couldn't resist. Thanks for your thoughts.

It is fairly major news and a major change in the "established methodology.

What do other people think?

Muchthought, I also think this deserves a thread of its own but I have spent the last 30 minutes looking for how to start one. I've started a new thread before but I can't work it out now! Maybe new SE (increased my dose yesterday), early onset of senility or blind spots in vision. Ha!

I thought the title might read
Titrate down to maintenance dose or stay at switch dose
Somebody start this for me please!