Hi all, I'm new here. Started my Baclofen on October the 1st. Curious to know the dosage info, I actually did read through the entirety of the now closed discussion. I can totally understand why it was closed because it clearly lost it's original purpose at the end, which is too bad. But, having read the whole thing, I'd like to share what I learned and my overall impression of it. I'm hoping that my new experience and exposure here will help to crystallize and validate the original purpose of the thread.
I learned that the dosage amounts vary, from as low as 30 mg, to an average of around 140 mg to very high dosages in the 300 mg range. Frequency of dosing also varies, from spreading the total daily dosage over periods an average of 3 to 4 times per day to a high of taking it hourly. I sensed an over-all caution and warning against taking too high of a dosage, especially if not supervised by a physician. It seems that many are obtaining their supply of Baclofen via online pharmacies, but whether their dosage is being monitored by a physician is unclear (perhaps I need to re-read!?).
I learned that many have self-administered and increased their dosage a varying rates, with rapid increases generally discouraged, allowing the body and mind to comfortably adapt, increasing the dosage every few days or more until they found their "switch", the point at which the desire for "AL" (alcohol) is eliminated and sobriety is achieved. For some the "switch" did not occur until they had taken massive (300+ mg range) amounts of the Baclofen, but for most the switch occurred in the 150 to 200 mg range. Once the switch was achieved, most then "titrated" down to find the lowest dose that effectively maintained their new-found freedom from alcohol. Extra caution was given to those most severely addicted, especially those totally dependent upon alcohol who consume huge amounts from morning till night. Those in that condition need special attention from caregivers and their doctors.
Dr. Ameisen, his book and his experience, is copiously referred to throughout the Thread. He is clearly (obviously) the main inspiration and guide for most of those involved in this site. An excellent reference was also made to the "Consolidated Baclofen Information" thread, which I found particularly useful, given my academic background, as it includes a lot of both general educational and scientific references.
Dr. Fred Levin is also mentioned, who appears to be a Psychiatrist, familiar with Dr. Ameisen and the use of Baclofen for alcohol and drug treatment, and who has apparently privately offered his assistance to those eager to use Baclofen but do not have another physicians help. I doubt that he would have been actively monitoring this thread, but you never know. It's tragic that this issue seems to have brought the thread to an end. Seems to me there was a huge misunderstanding between a couple of the threads contributors here?
There was a fairly liberal mention in the thread urging others to explore alternate, "Natural" means and methods to treat alcoholism, via Vitamin therapy etc, which helped me to realize how much our AL use affects our bodies nutritional balance. I found that interesting, but it seemed to distract a bit from the original topic of the thread, which was why I was taking the time to read it.
Overall, I found the thread served its original purpose, especially when taken in its entirety. I think most people who do take the time to read through it, "rationally" will find, upon consolidation of the varying ideas, opinions and links, an excellent Baclofen dosage guide. Clearly, few physicians are available to help us otherwise. My doctor (GP) who has been practicing about 15 years now here in Canada had never heard of Baclofen being used for the treatment of alcoholism. A quick check on his computer, referencing a site he described as "Evidence-based", however, gave him enough information to agree then and there to start treating me with it.
So, based on the helpful information that I have gleaned from this entire site, and in particular the now "Closed" Dosage and Frequency thread, along with a cursory read of Dr. Ameisen's book, I have successfully titrated up from 10 mg per day to 60 mg over the past 15 days. I started on a very low dosage because I am very sensitive to medications and wanted to be extra cautious about the potential "SE's" (Side Effects), especially the potential allergic reactions. Happily, the SE's have been minimal; some fatigue each time I increase the dosage for a day or two and a bit of dizziness now and then. From about the 3rd day onwards I am so happy to report a marked decrease in my interest in alcohol and especially since hitting about the 30mg mark my interest in alcohol has progressively lessened and now at 60 mg has "almost" disappeared. That, and when I do drink, I am finding that I can "almost" easily stop after having just a few drinks, which is a significant accomplishment for me. I have been battling my alcoholism for several years, using every method available, including Nutrition and Vitamin therapy, Aromatherapy, God, Faith, Alcoholics Anonymous, Rational Recovery, Anti-depressants, Benzo's, intensive addiction counselling and Cognitive Therapy....and NOTHING has done what Baclofen has done for me in 15 short days. I'm confident that, given how well the Baclofen is already working, I will be reaching my "switch" very soon.
In closing, I would like to thank everyone for their contribution to the Dosage and Frequency thread. Within it I found invaluable information to help me and I think others who use its information with "Rational" and clear thinking along this as yet dimly-lit path upon which we are treading, using Baclofen for alleviating or rescuing us from our alcohol addiction. It seems that we are all pioneers on a journey that I have no doubt will eventually lead to wide-spread usage of Baclofen for alcohol and drug dependency.
As for me, I am more than delighted and look forward to becoming "dependent" upon Baclofen if that is what it takes for me to be free from this horrible disease that has already cost me the loss of two relationships, two wonderful women who loved me but couldn't live with me and watch me slowly but surely destroy myself and my life. And, more recently, has come very close to causing me the loss of my job also---but I'm now optimistic that that disaster will be soon be averted---ALL thanks to Baclofen and the efforts of those promoting and supporting it, like Dr. Ameisen and those of you here on this forum. I wish you all the very purpose for which we are here---FREEDOM from that which will surely kill us, our addiction(s), and the continued freedom to express ourselves right here.
You all take care.
Dab:thanks:
I learned that the dosage amounts vary, from as low as 30 mg, to an average of around 140 mg to very high dosages in the 300 mg range. Frequency of dosing also varies, from spreading the total daily dosage over periods an average of 3 to 4 times per day to a high of taking it hourly. I sensed an over-all caution and warning against taking too high of a dosage, especially if not supervised by a physician. It seems that many are obtaining their supply of Baclofen via online pharmacies, but whether their dosage is being monitored by a physician is unclear (perhaps I need to re-read!?).
I learned that many have self-administered and increased their dosage a varying rates, with rapid increases generally discouraged, allowing the body and mind to comfortably adapt, increasing the dosage every few days or more until they found their "switch", the point at which the desire for "AL" (alcohol) is eliminated and sobriety is achieved. For some the "switch" did not occur until they had taken massive (300+ mg range) amounts of the Baclofen, but for most the switch occurred in the 150 to 200 mg range. Once the switch was achieved, most then "titrated" down to find the lowest dose that effectively maintained their new-found freedom from alcohol. Extra caution was given to those most severely addicted, especially those totally dependent upon alcohol who consume huge amounts from morning till night. Those in that condition need special attention from caregivers and their doctors.
Dr. Ameisen, his book and his experience, is copiously referred to throughout the Thread. He is clearly (obviously) the main inspiration and guide for most of those involved in this site. An excellent reference was also made to the "Consolidated Baclofen Information" thread, which I found particularly useful, given my academic background, as it includes a lot of both general educational and scientific references.
Dr. Fred Levin is also mentioned, who appears to be a Psychiatrist, familiar with Dr. Ameisen and the use of Baclofen for alcohol and drug treatment, and who has apparently privately offered his assistance to those eager to use Baclofen but do not have another physicians help. I doubt that he would have been actively monitoring this thread, but you never know. It's tragic that this issue seems to have brought the thread to an end. Seems to me there was a huge misunderstanding between a couple of the threads contributors here?
There was a fairly liberal mention in the thread urging others to explore alternate, "Natural" means and methods to treat alcoholism, via Vitamin therapy etc, which helped me to realize how much our AL use affects our bodies nutritional balance. I found that interesting, but it seemed to distract a bit from the original topic of the thread, which was why I was taking the time to read it.
Overall, I found the thread served its original purpose, especially when taken in its entirety. I think most people who do take the time to read through it, "rationally" will find, upon consolidation of the varying ideas, opinions and links, an excellent Baclofen dosage guide. Clearly, few physicians are available to help us otherwise. My doctor (GP) who has been practicing about 15 years now here in Canada had never heard of Baclofen being used for the treatment of alcoholism. A quick check on his computer, referencing a site he described as "Evidence-based", however, gave him enough information to agree then and there to start treating me with it.
So, based on the helpful information that I have gleaned from this entire site, and in particular the now "Closed" Dosage and Frequency thread, along with a cursory read of Dr. Ameisen's book, I have successfully titrated up from 10 mg per day to 60 mg over the past 15 days. I started on a very low dosage because I am very sensitive to medications and wanted to be extra cautious about the potential "SE's" (Side Effects), especially the potential allergic reactions. Happily, the SE's have been minimal; some fatigue each time I increase the dosage for a day or two and a bit of dizziness now and then. From about the 3rd day onwards I am so happy to report a marked decrease in my interest in alcohol and especially since hitting about the 30mg mark my interest in alcohol has progressively lessened and now at 60 mg has "almost" disappeared. That, and when I do drink, I am finding that I can "almost" easily stop after having just a few drinks, which is a significant accomplishment for me. I have been battling my alcoholism for several years, using every method available, including Nutrition and Vitamin therapy, Aromatherapy, God, Faith, Alcoholics Anonymous, Rational Recovery, Anti-depressants, Benzo's, intensive addiction counselling and Cognitive Therapy....and NOTHING has done what Baclofen has done for me in 15 short days. I'm confident that, given how well the Baclofen is already working, I will be reaching my "switch" very soon.
In closing, I would like to thank everyone for their contribution to the Dosage and Frequency thread. Within it I found invaluable information to help me and I think others who use its information with "Rational" and clear thinking along this as yet dimly-lit path upon which we are treading, using Baclofen for alleviating or rescuing us from our alcohol addiction. It seems that we are all pioneers on a journey that I have no doubt will eventually lead to wide-spread usage of Baclofen for alcohol and drug dependency.
As for me, I am more than delighted and look forward to becoming "dependent" upon Baclofen if that is what it takes for me to be free from this horrible disease that has already cost me the loss of two relationships, two wonderful women who loved me but couldn't live with me and watch me slowly but surely destroy myself and my life. And, more recently, has come very close to causing me the loss of my job also---but I'm now optimistic that that disaster will be soon be averted---ALL thanks to Baclofen and the efforts of those promoting and supporting it, like Dr. Ameisen and those of you here on this forum. I wish you all the very purpose for which we are here---FREEDOM from that which will surely kill us, our addiction(s), and the continued freedom to express ourselves right here.
You all take care.
Dab:thanks:
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