Side Effects - Tolerability of High-dose Baclofen in the Treatment of AUD

[Spiritfree]

Hello all, I am up to 110 mg of baclofen,I'm having SE of somnolence, muscle pain(maybe because of Gout), sleep problems, tiredness. Although I still would like a drink, I have had no alcohol in 7 days. I am being treated for trigeminal neuralgia in my face and am prescribed oxycontin for 20 yrs at. same dose and and polycythemia vera, which is a blood disease (my bone marrow is making inmature red blood cells) only option is having my blood drawn.Also being treated for IBS. I'm still trying to find my switch and I'm determined to continue.

In the process of a divorce, married for 33 yrs. all because of my alcoholism and disease. That's my story and I 'm sticking to it. I'm kinda a mess!

Bretham -huge congrats to you on the seven days.

I saw and responded to your post yesterday on the Ibogaine thread and I am glad that you have now posted here. Bret, please forgive me for repeating myself, but I truly believe that you need much more help than just Baclofen, but that is just my opinion. It took about three months for the somnolence to leave me (I was at 180mg) and I experience several other (many side effects) during my initial alcohol withdrawal period. I do believe that many of my side effects were related to the withdrawal of alcohol from my brain, but the somnolence and breathing abnormalities were definitely Baclofen related. --sf--

Edit: Bretham -I kept thinking about how you were now experiencing a divorce on top of all your problems, especially the alcohol problem. Looking back, I ended up losing most everything as well -as a result of my AUD/disease (business of 25 years and all hope of ever returning to life in a happy contented way). However, my family did not leave me during this time. They treated and worked with me as though I had a probable fatal cancer disease, and they -along with myself, were willing to do ANYTHING, to keep me alive. I am so grateful that I had their support. I am very-very sorry that your wife is not able or willing to be with you as you try to conquer this disease.

[Baclofenman]

Lex, thanks for the props! Do you take Bac? If so, what mgs did it take for you to hit you switch and hoew did you deal with the SE?

Hi



Hi I am currently on 125mg of Baclofen split into 5 doses a day - I am on week 4 and increased every 5 days @ 30mg (ie 30 60 90 125)



The first couple of weeks I suppose I had headaches - nothing too bad, just a bastard niggle - after this time I have been fine headache wise



Last week I had a couple of incidents when I wet the bed - This is because the Baclofen absolutley zonked me out (which is good) overnight -It was a little difficult to get up, which was not too much of an issue workwise so I lived with it - Last night I was dry, I put this down to consuming no liquid after 18.30/19.00 time



The one thing that does slightly concern me is that I look forward to my next pill - I am not sure if this an urge to keep me AF or if I am becoming slightly hooked on them???? - What I would say is that for the first time in 30 years I can discard the urge (still get them) to drink which is such a relief I can tell you



I am luckier than you - my wife has stood by me when I have done some terrible things to her and the people I am supposed to care for and for that I am eternally grateful



There are certain people on this site who are such rocks and encouragement for me (no names...), this and some tips I have learned



If you ever feel the need to drink spend 30 minutes on this forum before you do

Take one day at a time

Try to fill your time with as much as possable



Congrats on 7 days



Why not diary your own story in your own thread - I for one would deffo be interested



Regards







Bacman

[brettham]

Thanks for your post! I agree that I need much more help than just Bac, but I feel that if I can stop the alcoholism, I'm on the right path. I'm trying to deal with my other diseases as best I can. Your lucky with your family, I have twin 24 yr old daughter, so that's a godsend. If I might ask, what dosage are you current taking, just trying to decided where to go from here.

Brettham

[brettham]

Bacman, thanks for the post. Any other SE of import? You seem to be at a stage of Bac about the same as I am. And yes you are very lucky!

[Baclofenman]

Bacman, thanks for the post. Any other SE of import? You seem to be at a stage of Bac about the same as I am. And yes you are very lucky!

No - Not as far as I can tell

I think I am going to increase to 150mg this week and maybe maintain this for a period of several periods of 5 days and see how I get on, then maybe cut down by maybe 10mg per 5 days and see how I get on?? - Depending on this will determine how I go (if that makes sense)....

I read on another threat a post that made me re read it

Try and remember that you have over 60,000 thoughts a day, these thoughts come and go endlessly without bothering you ..... EXCEPT the thoughts that obsess you. These thoughts

"I want a drink"
"I need a drink"
"I am going to fail"
"I can't do this"
Only keep returning BECAUSE you believe them and want them to stop. It is the 'try NOT thinking of a pink elephant' dilemma.
You are now sober, it is NOT the chemical lure of the drug but the MENTAL mouse wheel that has you

I like that.......

Yes I am lucky and I feel for you with all the other shit going on - At least your girls are looking out for you

Where are you from?

Regards


Bacman

[Baclofenman]

One thing I would add as a SE is that i am excited to be AF and looking forward to being AF tomorrow - I am looking forward to the

" Do you want a glass of wine"
"No I am ok thanks I dont drink because I am an alcoholic"

Conversation.....

Regards


Bacman

[brettham]

I live in Atlantic Beach,Fl. The post you quoted from Kuya is from a new book I started today titled "Super Better" by Jane McGonigal written in 2015, I think . Thanks for the kind words, I certainly need right about now.



Brettham