Abstract
Aims: Baclofen is widely used for spastic disorders, and most recently
for addictive disorders. The first signals of baclofen abuse occurred in
the last decade. This study aims to assess the motives, diversion
sources and routes of administration associated with the non-medical use
of baclofen and examine health problems related to the non-medical use
of baclofen. Methods: Spontaneous reports of baclofen abuse reported to
the addictovigilance center of East France were analyzed. A literature
search was simultaneously conducted using PubMed®, Web of Sciences®, and
Google Scholar® databases. Both searches were performed in February 2021
without a time limit. Results: Forty-six cases were analysed (33-from
the literature review and 13-from addictovigilance base). Baclofen’s
non-medical use mainly affected male subjects with addictive history,
but cases of primary abuse in subjects without any substance abuse
history were also observed. Euphoria search was the most common reason
for misuse. Route of administration included oral, snorting and
sublingual use. Physicians were a common source for misused baclofen,
but cases involving illegal sources were also observed. Most of the
patients misusing baclofen presented serious complications, mainly
represented by neurological and respiratory disturbances. Physical and
psychological dependence to baclofen was observed in three persons.
Conclusion: Although baclofen abuse remains relatively infrequent or
(most likely) underestimated, this study helped to confirm the intrinsic
abuse potential of baclofen and make visible the baclofen-abuse-related
health harms. Careful consideration and benefit-risk analysis should be
employed when prescribing baclofen, and emergency departments should be
aware of baclofen dangers in abuse situations.