Background:
Many people suffer from alcoholism which can be a debilitating disease. With only three medications on the market to treat alcoholism, research to find new pharmaceuticals is important. The recent publication of a book promoting baclofen, a GABA agonist normally used to treat spasticity, as a treatment for alcoholism, has brought public attention to the topic. For potential patients who have read the book and clinicians who treat alcoholism, this systematic review examines claims that baclofen decreases alcohol cravings and has a possible clinical use in the treatment of alcoholism. Methods: An exhaustive search of available medical literature, published in English, was conducted using MEDLINE, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews Multifile, and CINAHL with the keywords “baclofen” and “alcoholism.” A bibliographical search of the literature was done to find further articles and information. Each study needed to evaluate both abstinence and craving for alcohol. Due to the fact that there is limited research available on the topic, all available articles were included. Results: The search yielded 2 random controlled trials, 2 open label studies, and 3 case reports. Both random controlled trials (RCT) showed statistically significant results in increased abstinence and decreased craving in baclofen versus placebo group. Both open label studies showed decreased craving with baclofen use, and one showed increased abstinence, while the other showed a decrease in alcohol consumption. All three case reports described accounts of severe alcoholics whose alcoholism was successfully treated with higher doses of baclofen. Minimal to no side effects were seen in all trials and no patients described craving or euphoric effects from taking baclofen. Conclusion: Even with the need for more research on the topic, baclofen should be considered as another medication to try in the treatment of alcoholism. Patients with intense cravings for alcohol may have greater benefit in cessation of alcohol use as baclofen significantly and quickly decreases cravings. Both the high safety and low side effect profile make baclofen a reasonable option to try. Since the amount of research on the topic is minimal, clinicians need to use their judgment and may want to try baclofen only after first attempting other treatment options. The duration and dosage of baclofen is uncertain and will need to be adjusted on a patient by patient basis. Degree Type Capstone Project Rights Terms of use for work posted in CommonKnowledge. This capstone project is available at CommonKnowledge: http://commons.pacificu.edu/pa/216 Copyright and terms of use If you have downloaded this document directly from the web or from CommonKnowledge, see the “Rights” section on the previous page for the terms of use. If you have received this document through an interlibrary loan/document delivery service, the following terms of use apply: Copyright in this work is held by the author(s). You may download or print any portion of this document for personal use only, or for any use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.). Except for personal or fair use, you or your borrowing library may not reproduce, remix, republish, post, transmit, or distribute this document, or any portion thereof, without the permission of the copyright owner. [Note: If this document is licensed under a Creative Commons license (see “Rights” on the previous page) which allows broader usage rights, your use is governed by the terms of that license.] Inquiries regarding further use of these materials should be addressed to: CommonKnowledge Rights, Pacific University Library, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, (503) 352-7209. Email inquiries may be directed to:. [email protected] This capstone project is available at CommonKnowledge: http://commons.pacificu.edu/pa/216 NOTICE TO READERS This work is not a peer-reviewed publication. The Master’s Candidate author of this work has made every effort to provide accurate information and to rely on authoritative sources in the completion of this work. However, neither the author nor the faculty advisor(s) warrants the completeness, accuracy or usefulness of the information provided in this work. This work should not be considered authoritative or comprehensive in and of itself and the author and advisor(s) disclaim all responsibility for the results obtained from use of the information contained in this work. Knowledge and practice change constantly, and readers are advised to confirm the information found in this work with other more current and/or comprehensive sources. The student author attests that this work is completely his/her original authorship and that no material in this work has been plagiarized, fabricated or incorrectly attributed.
