Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

[munitia]

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'm fascinated with the subject of baclofen for alcoholism. I have what may seem like a strange question to some. After ruining my life with alcohol and countless hard-learned lessons I finally got sober and have been for 5 1/2 years, however, I still struggle with a lot of anxiety, particularly social.
I've been on too many meds to list, but have tried many related to the GABA system (Neurontin, Gabitril, Trileptal, Topamax, etc.) I've tried a boat load of supplements as well and do take L-Glutamine. For the past 2 years I've been taking Celexa and Topamax. This combo did work better than anything before it, but I've had to decrease the Topa to only 25 mg d/t the extreme and debilitating fatigue it started causing.
Now that I hear about baclofen for alcoholism and anxiety, I'm wondering if this might be a good idea. I actually went through a stint of using Phenibut earlier this year when the anxiety got too bad and it worked well, but found I couldn't take it any more because the tolerance to it develops so quickly. I read that the psychopharmacological activity of phenibut is similar to that of baclofen, and it is supposedly a p-Cl-derivative of phenibut. I ordered Ameisen's book hoping it might shed some light on using baclofen. The only thing is, although my psychiatrist is very open minded, I seriously doubt she will prescribe this for anxiety alone and not to stop drinking. Does anyone have any thoughts on using this for anxiety? Has it helped any of you that have problems with anxiety?

[beatle]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

For anxiety --- definitely!

I started Baclofen to deal with my alcohol problem. I also had a huge anxiety problem (the two are related, no doubt).

I have tried more than a "boat load" of medications and supplements, natural remedies -- I think I've tried ALL of them.

So, I started taking the Bac to deal with my alcohol issues, and from the first dose, my anxiety started to ease.

Many other people have had similar experiences. But, obviously, not everyone is alike.

I would just urge you to try it. I have never had anything that worked so well for my anxiety (and depression). I am a different person (although I haven't solved the alcohol issue entirely yet).

I've had bad experiences with many (almost all) meds, so I was very suspicious about this-- but it works (for me).

[billyb]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

Baclofen is great for anxiety. I find it to be as effective as valium and other benzos, but without the euphoria and the buzz, and without the potential for abuse that benzos have.

[munitia]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

Thank you so much for your answers! I think I'm going to try it. I'll ask my psychiatrist for it, but I'll probably end up ordering it online if she won't prescribe it. I'd rather have a script though, of course It may also help me to stay on the wagon because you just never know...Congratualtions to all of you on your success!

[beatle]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

I forgot to say CONGRATULATIONS on 5 1/2 years! WOW... is all I can say. I hope the Bac works for your anxiety (I believe it will, but as I said, everyone is different) -- then you will be living the high life (the natural high life, of course =-))

[Anna B]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

yes, congratulations indeed, munitia!!

(btw, like everyone else here, baclofen has completely gotten rid of my anxiety and I've been on every anxiety med out there...)

[munitia]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

Thanks! The only way I got sober was by hitting the lowest of the low in rock bottom. After that I clawed at anything and everything that would help me (rehab, antabuse, naltrexone, AA, God, etc). It was either that or die. I'm sure some of you'all understand what I mean. I work in health care and with people with substance abuse issues so I'm hoping this drug eventually turns out to be something worthwhile for a lot of people. What help there is now leaves a lot to be desired.

[beatle]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

munitia;707549 wrote: Thanks! The only way I got sober was by hitting the lowest of the low in rock bottom. After that I clawed at anything and everything that would help me (rehab, antabuse, naltrexone, AA, God, etc). It was either that or die. I'm sure some of you'all understand what I mean. I work in health care and with people with substance abuse issues so I'm hoping this drug eventually turns out to be something worthwhile for a lot of people. What help there is now leaves a lot to be desired.

"leaves a lot to be desired" is one of the understatements of all time.

I have suffered from anxiety my whole life... tried EVERYTHING... and then, poof, it was all gone in just a couple days. It is a crime that this is UNKNOWN to almost every professional treating patients with anxiety problems.

My psychiatrist, whom I respect highly (unlike just about all the brainwashed, establishment, drug pushers -- which covers about every other psychiatrist in the U.S. and Europe -- this said from extensive experience) knew nothing about Baclofen (and she is an anxiety specialist), but she was at least a little bit interested. I lent her the Dr. A book, and am looking forward to hearing about what she thinks. Well, she refused to give me a prescription as she had never even heard of the drug (fair enough), but she gave me her implicit go-ahead to use it on my own recognizance.

I really believe it will help almost everyone with anxiety problems... but as always, we are all different.

Good luck to you!

[Bill.P.]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

Baclofen dramatically reduces anxiety. its not approved for it but off-label use by a qualified physician they will be able to prescribe it to you.
Finding a physician who is familiar with baclofen as an anti-anxiety just aint going to happen anytime soon to say it bluntly.
It will probably in my best estimation take about 5 years until it gets filtered through. With new medications is like turning an aircraft carrier. Its meant to be a slow deliberate process. For a primae example of why you can google the MMR and autism issue where one physician can literally cause hysteria and pandemonium based on nonscience, throw in Jenny McCarthy trying to restart a failed acting career and you have whooping cough epidemics and other epidemics based on parents scared to vaccinate their kids with completely scientfically proven vaccines.

So it will take a long time for baclofen to wind its course through the appropriate tests and procedures.
Anectdotally though, those who have personal experience with anxiety and baclofen will tell you its a miracle drug and the evidence is pouring in from studies proving such. But still,most of what you will hear here is anectdotal. And from web definitions, this is what results on a web search if you are unfamiliar with that term. Doesnt mean its not right, just not proven at this point and THAT means it is out of the UP TO DATE computer program many physicians use asa "Medical google" of sorts
# In an anecdotal manner; by means of a recounted incident
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/anecdotally

# anecdotal - having the character of an anecdote; "anecdotal evidence"
wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

# The expression anecdotal evidence has two distinct meanings.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anecdotal

# anecdotal - Of the nature of or relating to an anecdote
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/anecdotal

# anecdotal - based on personal accounts.
anxiety-panic.com/dictionary/en-dicta.htm

# anecdotal - refers to evidence based on reports of specific individual cases rather than controlled clinical trials.
San Francisco AIDS Foundation: HIV/AIDS Glossary

# anecdotal - When used in a medical context, it does not mean a funny story. It means a single case report not yet substantiated by studies using large numbers ...
oreilly.com/medical/lymphoma/news/nhl7.html

# anecdotal - Based on or consisting of reports or observations of usually unscientific observers.
nevada.usgs.gov/crfld/definitions.htm

[Beaches]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

Munitia, welcome and congrats on 5 1/2 years. I can only hope to say that one day!

I was on bac a bit ago and went off now am back on and I can clearly see the immediate difference in my anxiety levels. I was beginning to have the strangest anxiety symptoms, now all is mellow (like more2life said).

Good luck.

[NickUK]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

Congratulations on 5 1/2 years
I will be using baclofen for both cravings and anxiety but for me I think my anxiety is very much linked to my drinking and I crave alcohol so much more when I am anxious. From reading the threads I have a good idea of the dose people are getting to for their cravings to stop.
I would be really interested to hear the dose peoples anxiety reduced, from what I have read it seems
the anxiety is the first to go with the cravings at a higher dose. thanks

[beatle]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

Yes, Nick, for me, the anxiety abated from the first dose. After a few days at 10-20mg, I can say my anxiety virtually disappeared. Also, my lifelong insomnia disappeared even faster.

This was not a placebo effect because I did not expect anything to happen for at least a few days, and I was only focussing on the alcohol... the effects on anxiety and insomnia took me by surprise.

Unfortunately, my drinking hasn't subsided as much as I had hoped, but it has decreased slowly but surely, and with not much effort. I have no physical cravings anymore -- none. I am basically drinking out of habit and desire. The obsession is gone. The overpowering "need" is gone.

Life is much, much better.

[jonboy43]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

Hi Beatle

Really interested in your experinces with Baclofen for anxitey.

Can you tell me:-

1) What dose you are currently taking?
2) Can you recommend a safe reliable place to buy these online?

Many thanks.

Jonboy

[cowgal]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

AGREE totally!!!!

I agree w/ most here, the first thing I noticed was the anxiety was gone immediately before I even quit drinking, but it made quitting drinking even easier!!!

good luck!!!:l:h

MA

[Virgil]

Using baclofen strictly for anxiety

beatle;707569 wrote: I really believe it will help almost everyone with anxiety problems... but as always, we are all different.

As Beatle says, we are all different. I have OCD and GAD. I am currently on 90mg baclofen per day and have been slowly ramping up to this dosage over the last four weeks. As yet, my OCD and GAD have not been helped by the baclofen. Nor has my alcohol intake been reduced. But I am still hopeful that things will get better. Fingers crossed.

V.