Newbie interested in baclofen

[DRC]

Just want to say hello. I'm 51 and an alcoholic. Never sought help before except for attending some AA meetings now and then. Also never been on any kind of medication for it either but am interested in starting baclofen. I'm been reading up on it here and some of the medical journals. I haven't read Dr. A's book yet. I hear there's a titration schedule out there somewhere but haven't been able to find it. If I could get some help finding that I'd appreciate it. Thanks

PS. I posted this in another forum but probably should have done so here.

[MaryGoRound]

Newbie interested in baclofen

Hi DRC- welcome :welcome:

I am going on my 4th week of Balcofen. So far, so good. I have had several periods of nausea and somnolence. I have also had some crazy dreams which I attribute to my brain reprogramming some of the faulty wiring. I am working with a doctor who believes in high dose Baclofen as a cure to alcohol addition which provides me more confidence in the journey. As you may see as you read through the threads, others have had to embark Using a more pioneering approach due to the low level of education in the medical community about the benefits of Balcofen for addition. The lack of medical support can add to the anxiety and concern about the Side Effects.

One immediate effect I experienced with the medication is a relief to my symptoms of anxiety. Perviously, I felt like I was stuck out in the cold involuntarily shivering. I don't want to move because I am cold but my body can't stop moving because I am shivering. Balcofen has provided a warm coat so I can start to move again without being so damn cold.

I am still not free of alcohol but I can feel its grip is less tight. I am at 80 mgs per day. Everything is slowing down. This is good. I can itake in more of the world iwithout being immediately overwhelmed. I have heard others say that the higher doses an make the slow down more difficult. I will see how I react when I get there.

My story is one in progress. Other people have full life cycle stories to share. For me I am looking at this as a way out. AA is good social/emotional support, exercise makes me feel good but neither stops me drinking. Will power lasts a few days. I am looking at each of these items to help on the future but I need a really good kickstart with Baclofen. I am praying it is my answer as it has been for many others...I definitely think it is worth pursuing.


Good luck in your research!

[lostsole]

Newbie interested in baclofen

There are a lot of posts on the process. Might want to read "My Way Out".

There are docs out there that can help. Start off slow. Don't go up quick. I would not increase your dose more than once a week. Some don't get SE's but I think most of us do.

The dreams... I got those big time. Crazy, vivid, sometimes horrific. They stop. I think most all the SE's stop over time. It takes time though. It took me a long time. Now I am good. The SE's are gone and I don't worry about booze.

If I drink it's rare and moderate. I don't get a high from it. I think my love affair with booze is gone.

MaryGoRound- it often does help with anxiety. That was part of the reason the "Dr." had so much luck with it. His drinking had a lot to do with that. Mine did also.

I had to get to 240 mg a day. I went to 60mg x 4. Spreading it out at high doses helps that "rollercoaster" feel. I am so glad I lost those odd feeling.

I think you really have to be committed to it. You have to want to be free of the curse bad enough to deal with the baclofen ride. I am here to say though your body adjusts and you will get accustomed to the med. I got very sick on my way up at times but I rode it out.

Good luck and lets us know. I think there are folks that can relate and help out. I've been there done that now.

Oh and be sure you have lots of the med around. DO NOT RUN OUT. Better to have way too much of it around. I have a prescription and a ton of it I bought online. If I travel I bring backup baclofen. You can just stop taking it. Never ever do that.

[soberwannabe]

Newbie interested in baclofen

Welcome DRC!

As a newbie as well, I read, read and read. At first I was nervous, but I followed the Prescribing recommendations and went slowly. My life has changed in the most amazing ways from taking baclofen.
I wish you the same success