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The Annals of Pharmacotherapy: Vol. 37, No. 9, pp. 1177-1181. DOI 10.1345/aph.1C465
© 2003 Harvey Whitney Books Company.
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PSYCHIATRY

Baclofen Treatment for Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Roger G Drake, PharmD

Director of Clinical Pharmacy, Bryce Hospital, Tuscaloosa, AL

Lori L Davis, MD

Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL; Coordinator of Research and Development, Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tuscaloosa

Marshall E Cates, PharmD BCPP FASHP

Associate Professor, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham; Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Michele E Jewell, MA

Research Coordinator, Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Sandra M Ambrose, RN

Research Coordinator, Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Joette S Lowe, PharmD

Pharmacy Director, Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Reprints: Marshall E Cates PharmD BCPP, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham, AL 35229-7027, FAX 205/726-2669, mecates{at}samford.edu

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown the efficacy of {gamma}-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptor agonists in treating anxiety in patients with panic disorder and in treating depression and anxiety in alcoholic patients. We hypothesized that baclofen, a GABAB agonist, would be an effective treatment in the symptomatic management of veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHODS: Fourteen male veterans with chronic, combat-related PTSD were enrolled in an open-label, 8-week, monotherapy trial of baclofen titrated to a maximum of 80 mg/d in 3 divided doses. The primary outcome measure was the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), and secondary outcome measures included the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, and the Clinical Global Impressions.

RESULTS: In the 11 patients who completed the 8-week trial, the mean total CAPS score decreased significantly from baseline (from 82.9 ± 16.1 to 63.5 ± 21.2). The avoidance and hyperarousal subscales showed significant decreases (from 36.2 ± 6.2 to 26.5 ± 9.6 and from 31.9 ± 6.5 to 22.1 ± 7.1, respectively), whereas the re-experiencing subscale remained unchanged. Significant improvements were also noted on all secondary outcome measures. Treatment response was noted within the first 4 weeks of treatment and was maintained throughout the trial. Baclofen therapy was well tolerated, as only 1 patient dropped out due to adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS: Baclofen therapy was effective in treating both the PTSD symptoms and accompanying depression and anxiety in patients with chronic PTSD due to combat. Larger, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of baclofen in the treatment of PTSD.

Key Words: anxiety disorders, baclofen, {gamma}-aminobutyric acid, posttraumatic stress disorder

Published Online, July 2, 2003. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1C465


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