1
|
de Beaurepaire R, Jaury P. Baclofen in the treatment of alcohol use disorder: tailored doses matter. Alcohol Alcohol 2024; 59:agad090. [PMID: 38266071 PMCID: PMC10807704 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agad090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS To address the question of tailored baclofen prescribing in alcohol use disorder (AUD) in relation to dose-dependent efficacy and the potential danger of high doses and to provide suggestions for the use of high doses of baclofen in the treatment of AUD. The context is the approvement in France of baclofen in the treatment of AUD without dose limitation, making French physicians, who usually prescribe baclofen in a tailored manner, often use high or very high doses. METHODS A narrative review of the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that used tailored baclofen prescribing and of the severe adverse effects of baclofen that have been reported in the literature. RESULTS The results show that RCTs using tailored doses of baclofen in AUD are not completely demonstrative, though they are encouraging according to certain meta-analyses, while observational studies that used tailored doses constantly show a good effectiveness of baclofen treatment. The results suggest that many severe adverse effects of baclofen could be related to a nonrespect by physicians of prescription rules and appropriate treatment monitoring. CONCLUSIONS The use of tailored doses shows that the dose required to suppress cravings is highly variable, low or high, depending on each case. Analysis of the circumstances in which severe adverse effects occur suggest that a careful monitoring of baclofen prescribing might prevent a large majority of severe adverse effects. We propose that the education of the patients and the prescription skills, seriousness, and availability of the prescribing physicians are of major importance in the managing of tailored baclofen treatment of AUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renaud de Beaurepaire
- Renaud de Beaurepaire, GH Paul-Guiraud, 54 Avenue de La République, 94806 Villejuif, France
| | - Philippe Jaury
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ibeson E, Nwosu I, Donenfeld T, Clemen B, Ogar UA, Ogbeifun OE, Marcelin M. Low-Dose Baclofen-Induced Encephalopathy in a Healthy Young Adult: Is Baclofen Toxicity Dose-Dependent? Cureus 2021; 13:e20499. [PMID: 35047311 PMCID: PMC8760001 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Baclofen is a commonly used medication for managing muscle spasticity with the potential of causing life-threatening adverse effects, including encephalopathy as well as withdrawal symptoms including confusion and hallucinations following abrupt discontinuation. Severe toxicity with baclofen is common in patients with kidney disease, hence the importance of dose reduction and monitoring in patients with renal impairment. This article reports a case of encephalopathy with low-dose baclofen in an otherwise healthy young adult concurrently taking ibuprofen and baclofen and aims to underscore the importance of potential drug interaction and patient education when initiating baclofen.
Collapse
|
3
|
Reynoard J, Schmitt C, Torrents R, Simon N. Toxicological considerations in the prescription of baclofen for the treatment of substance use disorders. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:309-317. [PMID: 32149546 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1740681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: For many years, applications for baclofen have widened in the treatment of substance abuse disorder (SUD), mainly alcohol use disorder, with a growing rate of off-label prescriptions in Europe. Clinical effects seem to be both a decrease of craving and anxiety, leading to a decrease of drug or alcohol consumption. We described baclofen poisoning circumstances, therapeutic options and outcomes when used in substance use disorders.Areas covered: This review summarizes the toxicological considerations where baclofen was prescribed in humans for substance use or abuse disorder in randomized clinical trials, case series, case reports and observational studies between 1990 and 2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic reviews and Meta-Analysis.Expert opinion: The most frequent cause of severe intoxication is self-poisoning. A dose above 180 mg are expected to cause severe toxicity and death. The treatment is only symptomatic as no antidote is available. Off-label prescription remains unsafe because the optimal dose is not known and varies greatly between patients. As SUD are frequently associated with psychiatric disorders and such patients may have suicidal thoughts, the risk of self-poisoning is high. Potential co-ingestants should also be considered, especially CNS depressants, and they need to be closely monitored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Reynoard
- Pharmacologie Clinique CAP-TV, APHM, Hôpitaux Sud, Marseille, France
| | - Corinne Schmitt
- Pharmacologie Clinique CAP-TV, APHM, Hôpitaux Sud, Marseille, France
| | - Romain Torrents
- APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite Pharmacologie Clinique CAP-TV, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Simon
- APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite Pharmacologie Clinique CAP-TV, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ahmed S, Victor GS, Kodali R, Santos MG. Delirium Caused by Baclofen Withdrawal. Psychiatr Ann 2019. [DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20191105-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
5
|
Acute Psychosis Related to Baclofen in a Patient Treated for Binge Eating Disorder Highlights the Urgent Need to Regulate Off-Label Prescriptions. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2019; 39:282-284. [PMID: 30939595 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
6
|
Mahadevan J, Dcruz M, Chand P, Murthy P. An interesting presentation of psychotic catatonia in an elderly patient with alcohol dependence. JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/jgmh.jgmh_33_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
|
7
|
Bharadwaj B, Selvakumar N, Kuppili PP. Pharmacotherapy for relapse prevention of alcohol use disorder in the Indian setting: A systematic review. Ind Psychiatry J 2018; 27:163-171. [PMID: 31359967 PMCID: PMC6592216 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_79_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is an important public health concern as estimates of the prevalence of AUD range at 4%-6% in the Indian population. Currently, there is limited literature on the pharmacotherapeutic interventions for AUD in the Indian setting. It is imperative to identify the possible variations in their effects from Western studies, and hence the current review was attempted to perform a comprehensive evaluation and critical appraisal of the methodology of the evidence on pharmacological strategies of relapse prevention of AUD in the Indian setting. A total of 18 studies were included in the review. Disulfiram was the most common pharmacological agent to be studied. The initial literature before 2000 focused primarily on disulfiram, whereas the studies in the next decade compared it to acamprosate and naltrexone and emerging interest in anticraving agents such as baclofen and topiramate had been noted over the past few years. No studies were available on newer agents such as ondansetron, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or formulations such as depot and implants. Deterrent agents were found to be better when compared to anticraving agents in terms of abstinence and relapse, whereas the latter were more effective for control of craving. Among the pharmacological agents studied, the greatest evidence exists for disulfiram for relapse prevention which could be due to affordability of disulfiram and social support in the Indian context. The chief methodological limitations include the lack of randomized trials and objective measures for assessing abstinence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balaji Bharadwaj
- Department of Psychiatry, De-addiction Clinic, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Nivedhitha Selvakumar
- Department of Psychiatry, De-addiction Clinic, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Pooja Patnaik Kuppili
- Department of Psychiatry, De-addiction Clinic, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rolland B, Simon N, Franchitto N. Safety Challenges of Using High Dose Baclofen for Alcohol Use Disorder: A Focused Review. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:367. [PMID: 30186187 PMCID: PMC6113385 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the early 2000s, the gamma-aminobutyric acid type B (GABA-B) receptor agonist baclofen has been extensively used for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). In some countries, like France, Australia, or Germany, baclofen has been used at patient-tailored dose regimens, which can reach 300 mgpd or even more in some patients. The GABA-B-related pharmacology of baclofen expose patients to a specific profile of neuropsychiatric adverse drug reactions (ADRs), primarily some frequent sedative symptoms whose risk of occurrence and severity are both related to the absolute baclofen dosing and the kinetics of dose variations. Other frequent neuropsychiatric ADRs can occur, i.e., tinnitus, insomnia, or dizziness. More rarely, other serious ADRs have been reported, like seizures, manic symptoms, or sleep apnea. However, real-life AUD patients are also exposed to other sedative drugs, like alcohol of course, but also benzodiazepines, other drugs of abuse, or other sedative medications. Consequently, the occurrence of neuropsychiatric safety issues in these patients is essentially the result of a complex multifactorial exposure, in which baclofen causality is rarely obvious by itself. As a result, the decision of initiating baclofen, as well as the daily dose management should be patient-tailored, according the medical history but also the immediate clinical situation of the patient. The overall safety profile of baclofen, as well as the clinical context in which baclofen is used, have many similarities with the use of opiate substitution medications for opiate use disorder. This empirical statement has many implications on how baclofen should be managed and dosing should be adjusted. Moreover, this constant patient-tailored adjustment can be difficult to adapt in the design of clinical trials, which may explain inconsistent findings in baclofen-related literature on AUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Rolland
- Service Universitaire d'Addictologie de Lyon (SUAL), Pôle MOPHA, CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France.,Univ Lyon, Inserm U1028, CNRS UMR5292, UCBL, CRNL, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Simon
- APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Hop Sainte Marguerite, Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, CAP-TV, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nahar A, Shanker Reddy MS, Subramaniyam BA, Thippeswamy H, Chandra PS, Chaturvedi SK. Baclofen Overdose Presenting as Psychosis with Catatonia. Indian J Psychol Med 2017; 39:695-697. [PMID: 29200574 PMCID: PMC5688905 DOI: 10.4103/ijpsym.ijpsym_291_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Baclofen is a centrally acting gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist with many therapeutic uses in neurology and psychiatry. An overdose of baclofen is known to cause serious side effects such as encephalopathy, seizures, respiratory depression, and delirium. Association of baclofen with psychosis has also been reported. In this case report, we are highlighting the manifestation of catatonic features in addition to psychosis following baclofen overdose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Nahar
- Centre for Brain Research IISC, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Mukku Shiva Shanker Reddy
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhaskaran Andi Subramaniyam
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Harish Thippeswamy
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Prabha S Chandra
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Chaturvedi
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
|
11
|
Schmitt C, Gégu C, Spadari M, de Haro L. [Use of phenibut in France: report of two cases]. Therapie 2013; 68:123-4. [PMID: 23773355 DOI: 10.2515/therapie/2013014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
12
|
Abstract
Pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (MS) may be seen in 2-5% of patients with MS. It is characterized by high disease burden. As such, early treatment with preventative therapies should be considered. Although randomized controlled trials have not been conducted on therapies for pediatric MS, there is a growing body of literature suggesting safety of first-line agents approved for use in adult MS, including interferons and glatiramer acetate. The use of second-line therapies, such as natalizumab, cyclophosphamide, and mitoxantrone has been described in a small number of pediatric MS cases. These case series suggest benefit of these agents after limited follow-up. Little information on long-term effects of therapies such as cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, or natalizumab is available for this population, although concerns of increased risk for opportunistic infections (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with natalizumab) and secondary hematologic cancers (with mitoxantrone) exist. Finally, although fatigue, motor, cognitive, and psychosocial difficulties are common in this population, no trials have been conducted on pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic interventions for the management of these problems. Therapies for spasticity, including baclofen (including the baclofen pump), diazepam, and botulinum toxin have been evaluated in children with cerebral palsy and may be used safely in children. Psychiatric intervention is often necessary for affective disorders. Interventions for fatigue have not been studied, although evidence in the adult MS literature suggests possible benefit of exercise and modafinil. This article provides a practical guide to the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis in pediatric patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Ann Yeh
- Department of Pediatrics (Neurology), University of Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dore G, Lo K, Juckes L, Bezyan S, Latt N. Clinical Experience with Baclofen in the Management of Alcohol-Dependent Patients with Psychiatric Comorbidity: A Selected Case Series. Alcohol Alcohol 2011; 46:714-20. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agr131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
14
|
Oyama H, Kito A, Maki H, Hattori K, Tanahashi K. Consciousness recovery induced by intrathecal baclofen administration after subarachnoid hemorrhage -two case reports-. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2010; 50:386-90. [PMID: 20505293 DOI: 10.2176/nmc.50.386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Two patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage recovered consciousness after intrathecal baclofen administration using an implanted intrathecal baclofen pump delivering 50 microg per day using a simple infusion mode. Intrathecal baclofen resulted in significant reduction of spasticity 3 months after the implantation. Case 1 was reduced to a completely bedridden state with spasticity and could slightly move her fingers following commands. However, the patient could eat food and wash her face with minimal assistance at 3 months after the implantation, and could stand up in the parallel bars with assistance and speak several words at 8 months. Case 2 was in a completely bedridden state at 10 months after onset and could neither drink water nor follow instructions. However, the patient became oriented and could eat by herself within 3 to 4 weeks of implantation. She could walk with a cane and use the stairs with minimal assistance at 2 and 3 months after implantation. The patient could speak fluently within 6 months of implantation. Flatulence and dysuria happened during the screening test, but these symptoms were not repeated after implantation of a pump-catheter-system and continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion. Continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion caused both improvement in muscle tone and spasms and consciousness recovery from the vegetative state. This therapy is a strong candidate treatment for patients with spasticity and consciousness disturbance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Oyama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Current awareness: Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
16
|
Shuster J. Rituximab Skin Reaction; Skin Hyperpigmentation with Minocycline; Baclofen-Induced Psychosis; Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Hypothyroidism; Myoclonus with Low-Dose Hydromorphone; Hyponatremia with Newest Antidepressant; Lingual Lesions with Orally Disintegrating Risperidone; Quetiapine-Induced Erythema Multiforme Minor. Hosp Pharm 2007. [DOI: 10.1310/hpj4201-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the FDA's medWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting preventable ADR to medWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers. Write to Dr. Shuster at ISMP, 1800 Byberry Road, Suite 810, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 (call 215-947-7797; fax 215-914-1492; E-mail: joel.shuster@temple.edu ). Your report will be published anonymously unless otherwise requested. This feature is provided by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices in cooperation with the FDA's medWatch Program and Temple University School of Pharmacy. ISMP is an FDA medWatch partner.
Collapse
|