Baclofen

Baclofen (brand names Kemstro and Lioresal) is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) primarily used to treat spasticity. It is an agonist specific to mammalian but not fruit fly (Drosophila) GABAB receptors. Its beneficial effects result from actions at spinal and supraspinal sites. Baclofen can also be used to treat hiccups. It has been shown to prevent rises in body temperature induced by the drug MDMA in rats. A very beneficial proper... more

Baclofen (brand names Kemstro and Lioresal) is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) primarily used to treat spasticity. It is an agonist specific to mammalian but not fruit fly (Drosophila) GABAB receptors. Its beneficial effects result from actions at spinal and supraspinal sites. Baclofen can also be used to treat hiccups. It has been shown to prevent rises in body temperature induced by the drug MDMA in rats. A very beneficial property of baclofen is that tolerance does not seem to occur to any significant degree in that baclofen retains its therapeutic anti-spasmodic effects even after many years of chronic use. Baclofen is used for the treatment of spastic movement, especially in instances of spinal cord injury, spastic diplegia, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgias. Baclofen has been shown to be as effective as diazepam in uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal syndrome. An Italian study... less