title: Death of an alcohol-dependent patient following intentional drug intoxication: implication of baclofen?
abstract: Used in the treatment of spasticity at low doses, baclofen is also prescribed off-label at high doses for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Several cases of baclofen intoxication have been reported, but only 1 case deals with the treatment of alcohol dependence. Thus, we report the first death in the context of baclofen off-label use of an alcohol-dependent patient with a high blood baclofen concentration after intentional drug intoxication. The safety profile of baclofen in the treatment of alcohol dependence is reviewed and discussed, underlining the obligatory caution that may support any prescription of high doses of baclofen in this off-label indication and especially in patients with concomitant psychiatric disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, CHU Nancy, Nancy, France.
authors.forename: Elise
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pape
authors.forename: Emilie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Roman
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scala-Bertola
authors.forename: Carine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Thivilier
authors.forename: Lucie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Javot
authors.forename: Franck
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Saint-Marcoux
authors.forename: Jean Yves
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Jouzeau
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gambier
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000982:Antipruritics / Q000506:poisoning; D001418:Baclofen / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000506:poisoning; D062787:Drug Overdose; D000431:Ethanol / Q000506:poisoning; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D058786:GABA-B Receptor Agonists / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D056687:Off-Label Use; D014291:Trimeprazine / Q000506:poisoning
chemical_list: D000982:Antipruritics; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D058786:GABA-B Receptor Agonists; D000431:Ethanol; D014291:Trimeprazine; D001418:Baclofen