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Behavioral Health FAQs
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Baclofen is a muscle relaxer prescribed for spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other spinal cord diseases.
- Baclofen can be taken orally or via a spinal injection.
- People who take baclofen via spinal injection are at an increased risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medication.
- Common side effects of baclofen include drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, and weakness.
- More serious side effects can occur when taking baclofen and may include fever, muscle twitching, severe drowsiness, and hallucinations.
- Never stop taking baclofen or adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider.
- Baclofen must be tapered over a period of days or weeks to prevent or manage withdrawal symptoms, which can be life-threatening in some cases.
- Depending on severity, baclofen withdrawal syndrome can last anywhere from a few days to a few months.
- Risk factors for severe baclofen withdrawal symptoms include high doses of baclofen, duration of treatment, method of administration, the age of the individual, and overall health status.
- Mild baclofen withdrawal symptoms can be managed at home, but severe symptoms require immediate medical attention.
- Clinical treatment of baclofen withdrawal syndrome may include medication-assisted detoxification, IV fluids for hydration, resuming baclofen treatment, and treatment of complications such as seizures or high fever.
Baclofen withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe or even life-threatening. Because of this extreme risk, it’s not advised to stop taking baclofen without first consulting a medical professional. Some of the symptoms of baclofen withdrawal include mood changes, confusion, insomnia, hallucinations, and seizures. Severe symptoms require prompt medical attention. Taking baclofen via a spinal injection or in high doses may increase your risk of developing severe baclofen withdrawal syndrome.
What Is Baclofen?
Baclofen is a prescription drug classified as a skeletal muscle relaxant. [1] It’s often prescribed for patients who have pain and muscle spasticity related to multiple sclerosis, other spinal cord diseases, or a spinal cord injury. Brand names of baclofen include Lioresal, Gablofen, and Intrathecal. Baclofen may be taken orally or via spinal injection.
How Does Baclofen Work?
Baclofen acts on the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord, the body’s primary control center), binding to the receptors of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Researchers believe baclofen calms the overactivity of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in increased muscle relaxation and decreased muscle spasms and muscle stiffness. [2]
Baclofen Side Effects
Side effects are to be expected when taking prescription medications. Side effects associated with baclofen are typically mild, but they can be serious. Some common side effects include: [3]
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Weakness
Mild side effects of baclofen usually go away within a few days. If they persist or worsen, call your healthcare provider.
Some people who take baclofen experience more serious side effects such as: [4]
- Severe drowsiness
- Muscle weakness
- Fever
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Muscle twitching
- Itching
- Tingling in arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Trouble breathing
Serious side effects should be reported to a health care professional right away. If necessary, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Symptoms of Baclofen Withdrawal
Some people who stop taking baclofen experience mild withdrawal symptoms, but for others, baclofen withdrawal can be life-threatening. Reported withdrawal symptoms linked to baclofen include: [5]
- Mood swings
- Increased heart rate
- Confusion or disorientation
- Agitation
- Problems with vision
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure (i.e., hypertension)
- Increased muscle spasticity
- Rapid heart rate (i.e., tachycardia)
- Increased body temperature (i.e., hyperthermia)
- Changes in mental status
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Seizures
If you or a loved one experiences severe symptoms of withdrawal after baclofen cessation, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. This is a life-threatening situation.
Risk Factors for Serious Withdrawal Symptoms
Knowing the risk factors for severe baclofen withdrawal may help you avoid the condition or be prepared if it does occur. Some of these risk factors include: [6]
- Taking baclofen over a long period of time
- Receiving baclofen injections versus taking the medication orally
- Having a history of substance abuse or substance use disorder
- Taking baclofen in high doses
- Sudden discontinuation of baclofen as opposed to tapering
Avoiding Serious Complications of Baclofen Withdrawal
Baclofen withdrawal can lead to serious or even life-threatening complications, but there are things you can do to lower your risk of these adverse effects, including:
- Ask your doctor if a lower dose of baclofen may be a possibility. Higher doses tend to cause more severe withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medication.
- Never stop taking baclofen abruptly or without talking to your healthcare provider first. This is the number one thing you can do to avoid serious or prolonged withdrawal symptoms.
- Your doctor will likely taper your dose over a period of days or weeks to avoid severe withdrawal syndrome. Follow these instructions precisely.
- Ask about the possibility of a medical detox from baclofen, where your body eliminates the substances under medical supervision. Your doctor can tell you whether this is necessary given your specific situation.
How Long Does Baclofen Withdrawal Last?
Baclofen withdrawal syndrome can last between a few days and a few months, depending on a number of different factors. [7] Some of these factors influencing the duration of withdrawal symptoms include:
- How long you’ve been taking baclofen
- How high your dose of baclofen is
- Whether you’re taking baclofen via intrathecal baclofen therapy (cerebrospinal fluid injection) or orally
- Your general health and organ function
- Method of discontinuation (i.e., cold turkey versus titration)
Notably, if you’re taking baclofen via an intrathecal baclofen pump or via a spinal injection, you may be at an increased risk for severe baclofen withdrawal symptoms versus someone experiencing oral baclofen withdrawal.
How Is Baclofen Withdrawal Managed?
Mild symptoms of baclofen withdrawal may resolve on their own. If your withdrawal symptoms appear to be getting worse or don’t go away after a few days, it’s best to contact your healthcare provider for treatment. [8] Some of the ways clinicians manage severe baclofen withdrawal include:
- Medications such as benzodiazepines and propofol
- Treatment of seizures and other complications of withdrawal
- Hydration via IV fluids
- Resuming baclofen treatment gradually
- Admission to intensive care
Does baclofen need to be tapered?
Yes. Never stop taking baclofen or adjust your dose without consulting your doctor first. If you stop cold turkey, the results could be life-threatening. A doctor can taper your dose over a period of days or weeks to avoid uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations, mood swings, and seizures.
Baclofen Addiction Treatment
Even though baclofen isn’t classified as a controlled substance or considered to have addictive properties, substance abuse and dependency can be a risk with any medication. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of substance use disorder, help is available. A compassionate substance use and rehabilitation counselor can discuss treatment options with you, including evidence-based inpatient and outpatient treatment services. In some cases, medical detoxification services are available in addition to relapse prevention and aftercare support. You don’t have to face addiction and dependency alone, and with support, recovery is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baclofen Withdrawal Symptoms
Sources
[1] [3] [4] Baclofen uses, dosage & side effects. Drugs.com. (n.d.-e). https://www.drugs.com/baclofen.html
[2] [6] [8] Romito, J. W., Turner, E. R., Rosener, J. A., Coldiron, L., Udipi, A., Nohrn, L., Tausiani, J., & Romito, B. T. (2021, June 3). Baclofen Therapeutics, toxicity, and withdrawal: A narrative review. SAGE open medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8182184/
[5] [7] Alvis, B. D., & Sobey, C. M. (2017a, January). Oral baclofen withdrawal resulting in progressive weakness and sedation requiring intensive care admission. The Neurohospitalist. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5167087/
[9] Baclofen Interactions checker. Drugs.com. (n.d.-e). https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/baclofen.html
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