title: [Baclofen for alcohol addiction].
abstract: Baclofen is approved for muscle spasms and cerebral spasticity.  Several studies have recently investigated the use of baclofen for  alcohol withdrawal symptoms and as an abstinence-promoting agent  in alcohol-dependent subjects. The evidence is too weak to recommend  baclofen for alcohol withdrawal, and drugs with better documentation  such as benzodiazepines and carbamazepine should be preferred for  this indication. The evidence for the use of baclofen to prevent  relapse to drinking in alcohol dependence is somewhat conflicting,  but the drug could be considered as a therapeutic option in case  of conservative measures and approved drugs such as disulfiram and  acamprosate having insufficient effect. Despite enthusiastic appraisal  in case reports, the use of baclofen in high doses to suppress alcohol  craving cannot be recommended due to insufficient evidence. Trials  that may resolve this issue are underway.
authors: Avdeling for klinisk farmakologi, St. Olavs hospital, Norway. arne.helland@legemidler.no
authors: Arne
authors: A
authors: Helland
authors: Jørgen G
authors: JG
authors: Bramness
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D058786:GABA-B Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D058786:GABA-B Receptor Agonists; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen