Baclofen Abuse: Better To Be Suspicious Than To Be Cheated

Abstract

Since 2008, Baclofen’s gamut has gradually evolved from an anti-spastic agent to an off label anti-craving agent in Alcohol Use Disorders. However, with its accreditation in addictions psychiatry, have emerged additional risk of abuse of its relaxant properties. Over the last decade there have been increase in reports of its abuse for recreation or intentional self-harm. A high index of suspicion should be exercised in patients of Alcohol Use Disorders presenting with unexplained features of central nervous system depression. We hereby report a case of alcoholic dependence syndrome who presented in an unconscious state with bradycardia, bradypnea and pin-pointed fixed pupils after ingestion of 200 mg of tablet Baclofen with around 65 grams of alcohol and posed a diagnostic challenge.

Keywords

• abuse
• addiction
• baclofen