Baclofen update

[zampa75]

So I have been to this new psychiatrist today, and, surprise surprise, he mentioned Baclofen almost immediately! I could not believe my ears!! He was actually surprised that I was surprised he did... So he has prescribed it to me. It's 10 mg pills to be taken 3 times a day. So here is the next question: I have read here that it took people very different amounts of time to hit the switch, and also that dosage is different depending on how you react and how fast...So, can you pls share how long did it take you guys to hit the switch and at what daily dosage? Of course I want it to work right now - actually, yesterday - and I do understand it takes time. But I'd like to now what the "statistics" are among you guys, just to have an idea...

Thank you all for replying to my previous post, and thanks for any feedback coming my way here :thanks:

[kronkcarr]

Baclofen update

Yay, zampa75! Feels nice, huh?

My doctor started me at 30 mgs also. On the fourth day I went to 40 and 4 days later 50. What did your doctor tell you to do? I did feel noticeable changes in anxiety in the first week. I didn't titrate up quickly because of my doctor's decisions. I sat at 80 mgs for 5-6 weeks. That ended up being my switch. I count myself lucky. I maintain at 40.

Keep posting and, again, yay for you!

[zampa75]

Baclofen update

Thanks! My doc did not mention any titrating, however... Maybe because it was the first time I have seen him, and that's something that comes with time...Or not? I do hope I'll be able to go up if I need to - that I am scared it won't work if I don't is the reason why I am asking you guys out there. The amounts I have read about here are often way higher than 30 mg a day.

Also, may be silly to many but not to me: did bac make you gain any weight?? I gained weight because of my drinking, way too much, and I know cutting alcohol will mean cutting thousands of calories a day, let alone the junk I eat only and always when I am drunk - very very rarely otherwise. But I've read of some people not changing their diet and gaining - and vice versa! Again, I know not drinking or drinking a lot less will have a positive effect on my body, but some meds mess up your metabolism no matter what. Been there with the damn Prozac. The last thing I want is to get even fatter... Actually, getting back in shape is the second thing I am most looking forward to as a consequence of sobriety. I could not stand getting bigger than I already am...

[spiritwolf333]

Baclofen update

Great news Zamp. I noticed solid changes around week three -anxiety. Around week 5 or 6, I noticed the recurrent alcohol thoughts had ceased. Baclofen had allowed me to become interested in so many other things at the time. For me, I think the "switch" was a gradual fade in -not just a single aha moment.
If things work out for you, I would be interested to know who your doc is. His reaction about BAC is awesome!

[zampa75]

Baclofen update

Thanks Spirit! I do hope things work out. The funny thing is that this doc is not the young guy who would welcome and embrace new stuff: in fact, he is so old I think the word 'ancient' applies better! But he sounds very down to earth and competent - he must have at least fifty years of experience.

How about weight: any significant changes??

[bleep]

Baclofen update

I put on weight, as did others. Some lost weight. It's a weird drug. But that is secondary. If you are able to stop drinking because of it then you can tackle any weight issues with whatever method you prefer.

Great to see a doctor who is aware that baclofen exists.

[treetops]

Baclofen update

Good luck Zampa. There is lots of great advice here from the people who have taken Bac as their 'way out'.
I think some (not all) of the older doctors are willing to try out new regimes because they have seen it all - and more - when it comes to treating alcoholics. They also know that if this isn't addressed they will be dealing with a whole range of other health issues in due time - or the worst.

Take care.

[skullbabyland]

Baclofen update

Regarding weight gain on bac, it's most likely nothing compared to the constant calories we all pack on by constant drinking.

I've heard of some people reporting weight gain and some reporting weight loss, and others reporting neither.

I'd say that getting the drinking under control is the most important thing we as alcoholics can possibly do, and that all good things in life will come after that.