title: High-dose baclofen for treatment-resistant alcohol dependence.
abstract: Alcohol dependence is associated with a wide array of physical and psychiatric complications and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent randomized trials of baclofen, with a total daily dose 30 mg administered in 3 divided doses, have supported its efficacy in reducing craving and promoting abstinence from alcohol. Individual case studies support a possible increased effect at higher doses for treatment-resistant patients. Here, we report on 4 alcohol-dependent patients resistant to standard treatments who responded to higher doses of baclofen ranging from 75 to 125 mg daily. Further research into the use of high-dose baclofen for treatment-resistant alcohol dependence is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Addiction Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. adampastor@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pastor
authors.forename: David Martyn Lloyd
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Currie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000517:prevention & control; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D058786:GABA-B Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D058786:GABA-B Receptor Agonists; D001418:Baclofen