Mixing Alcohol and Baclofen Side Effects and Interactions
While baclofen has therapeutic benefits, there are possible risks and side effects as well. One of the biggest risks of baclofen is that it can cause withdrawal symptoms if someone suddenly stops using it. Baclofen withdrawal can be severe and can include symptoms such as hallucinations, psychosis and seizures. Common baclofen side effects include drowsiness and impaired balance. There is also a potential for baclofen abuse. Baclofen can cause a mild sense of well-being and relaxation, especially when large doses are taken. While baclofen abuse on its own is somewhat rare, mixing it with other central nervous system depressants is much more common. It takes very large amounts of baclofen to achieve a high, putting people who abuse baclofen are at an increased risk of overdose.
Some people intentionally mix alcohol and baclofen. Both substances are central nervous system depressants, so when they are used together they can heighten the effects of one another. For example, someone who mixes alcohol and baclofen may experience deep relaxation and a sense of peacefulness or drowsiness. Mixing alcohol and baclofen could also diminish feelings of anxiety. There is also the possibility of inadvertently combining alcohol and baclofen. Regardless of the specific situation, it’s never a good idea to mix alcohol and baclofen.
If someone mixes alcohol and baclofen, the side effects of both are going to be more profound. For example, someone who is mixing alcohol and baclofen may experience extreme drowsiness and weakness, changes in mood, agitation, confusion, and dizziness. There have been instances of people mixing alcohol and baclofen and experiencing even more severe side effects like seizures and raised blood pressure and heart rate.
On the other hand, baclofen is increasingly being considered an option to help treat symptoms of alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal. This practice is still considered to be an off-label use for baclofen, but there is some clinical evidence that this drug is effectively utilized in addiction treatment.
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Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700Along with the risks of mixing alcohol and baclofen, a baclofen overdose is possible as well. Even on its own, baclofen can cause an overdose. This is especially true when people use it recreationally and take large amounts to try to feel a high similar to that of narcotics. Both alcohol and baclofen are central nervous system depressants. When they’re used simultaneously, a person is more likely to overdose. Baclofen overdose symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, severe muscle weakness, problems breathing, seizures and coma. No one should ever mix alcohol and baclofen. It’s also important that patients let their doctor know of any substances they regularly use, including alcohol, before taking any prescription medicine like baclofen.
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Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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