Suppression of alcohol dependence using high-dose baclofen: An observational study

The present paper reports the results of an open 3-month trial of baclofen for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Baclofen was prescribed at escalating dose, with 300 mg/day as set upper limit, up to the point at which patients experienced a decrease or a suppression of their motivation to drink. The results show that, at 3 months, 88% of the patients had either totally stopped drinking, or had significantly decreased their alcohol intake and that many of them had become indifferent to alcohol, effortlessly. Efficacious doses were highly variable from patient to patient, ranging from 15 mg/day to 300 mg/day (average 145 mg/day). Approximatelaly 2/3 of the patients needed a dose higher than the approved 80 mg/day dose.