Side Effects of baclofen: A Synthesis of Findings from 21 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms, particularly in stroke patients and those with spinal cord injuries. However, baclofen can cause a high level of drowsiness in the elderly, which led to the discontinuation of a double-blind crossover trial of baclofen against placebo in elderly stroke patients. 8

Postoperative use of the muscle relaxants baclofen and/or cyclobenzaprine is associated with an increased risk of delirium following lumbar fusion. 15

Baclofen is metabolized in the kidneys, posing a threat to patients with underlying renal dysfunction, with complications ranging from drug toxicity to death. A case of baclofen toxicity in a patient with renal failure on hemodialysis, who presented with signs and symptoms of baclofen overdose after consuming 10 mg of the medication, was reported. 20

Baclofen is commonly used for spasticity management, especially with neurogenic bladder in spinal cord injury (SCI), but a less common side effect of baclofen is transient alterations of consciousness, which can easily be confused for altered mental status secondary to orthostatic hypotension in SCI. 19

Baclofen combined with psychosocial care is useful and safe in alcohol-related cirrhosis patients. 16

Reasons for Side Effects

Baclofen is a drug that acts on GABAB receptors. GABAB receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system and inhibit the release of various neurotransmitters. The side effects of baclofen are thought to be due to its action on these GABAB receptors. 5

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness

The most common side effect of baclofen is drowsiness. This is thought to be because baclofen acts on the central nervous system and produces an inhibitory effect. 8

Dizziness

Baclofen can also cause dizziness. This is thought to be because baclofen can lower blood pressure. 8

Muscle Weakness

Baclofen can cause muscle weakness. This is thought to be because baclofen inhibits muscle contraction. 8

Nausea

Baclofen can cause nausea. This is thought to be because baclofen slows down the movement of the digestive system. 8

Constipation

Baclofen can cause constipation. This is thought to be because baclofen slows down the movement of the digestive system. 8

Delirium

Postoperative use of the muscle relaxants baclofen and/or cyclobenzaprine is associated with an increased risk of delirium following lumbar fusion. 15

Toxicity

Baclofen can cause toxicity in patients with renal dysfunction. 20

Transient Alterations of Consciousness

A less common side effect of baclofen is transient alterations of consciousness, which can easily be confused for altered mental status secondary to orthostatic hypotension in SCI. 19

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Drowsiness

If you experience severe drowsiness from baclofen, consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your baclofen dosage or switch you to a different medication. Adjusting the time of day you take baclofen can also help reduce drowsiness. 8

Dizziness

If you experience dizziness from baclofen, get up slowly to avoid falling. If you experience severe dizziness, consult your doctor. 8

Muscle Weakness

If you are concerned about muscle weakness from baclofen, consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your baclofen dosage or switch you to a different medication. 8

Nausea

If you experience nausea from baclofen, take smaller doses several times a day or take it with meals to reduce nausea. If you experience severe nausea, consult your doctor. 8

Constipation

If you experience constipation from baclofen, eat foods high in fiber and drink plenty of fluids to relieve constipation. If you experience severe constipation, consult your doctor. 8

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities

Many studies have shown that baclofen is effective in treating muscle spasms. However, it has also been shown that baclofen can cause various side effects.

Differences

Baclofen side effects have been shown to vary from patient to patient. It has also been shown that baclofen side effects can vary depending on the dosage and administration method.

Precautions for Application in Real Life

It is important to take baclofen as directed by your doctor. Do not take it without medical supervision or change your dosage without consulting your doctor. If you experience any side effects from baclofen, consult your doctor immediately.

Limitations of Current Research

Baclofen can cause various side effects, so caution is required when using it. Baclofen can also interact with other medications. Therefore, you should consult your doctor about other medications you are taking before taking baclofen.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed on how to reduce the side effects of baclofen. Research is also needed to identify patients for whom baclofen use is safe.

Conclusion

Baclofen is an effective medication for treating muscle spasms, but it can cause various side effects. It is important to understand the risks and benefits of baclofen and consult your doctor before taking it. Further research is needed on the use of baclofen.

Literature analysis of 21 papers
Positive Content
15
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
5
Article Type
2
0
0
2
18
2.

[Informativity of French web forums for the evaluation of side effects of baclofen].

Author: KarapetiantzPierre, Lillo-Le LouëtAgnès, BousquetCédric

Baclofen use monitoring
Causality assessment difficult

French discussion forums can be a complementary source for pharmacovigilance about baclofen, but they are less informative than the French pharmacovigilance database and may not be sufficient for causality assessment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Observational StudyResearch that observes and collects data on participants' behavior and outcomes in their natural state, without intervention.

Language : French

3.

Efficacy and side effects of baclofen and the novel GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor positive allosteric modulator CMPPE in animal models for alcohol and cocaine addiction.

Author: VengelieneValentina, TakahashiTatiane T, DravolinaOlga A, BelozertsevaIrina, ZvartauEdwin, BespalovAnton Y, SpanagelRainer

Substance use disorder treatment
Adverse effects
Efficacy concern

There is a discrepancy between preclinical and clinical findings on the efficacy of GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor agonists for substance use disorders, which requires further investigation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

6.

Baclofen versus clonidine in the treatment of opiates withdrawal, side-effects aspect: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Author: Ahmadi-AbhariS A, AkhondzadehS, AssadiS M, ShabestariO L, FarzanehganZ M, KamlipourA

Opiate withdrawal symptom management
Side effects

Baclofen was found to be at least as effective as clonidine in managing physical symptoms of opiate withdrawal syndromes and superior to clonidine in managing mental symptoms.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

7.

Side effects of chronic intrathecal baclofen on erection and ejaculation in patients with spinal cord lesions.

Author: DenysP, ManeM, AzouviP, Chartier-KastlerE, ThiebautJ B, BusselB

Erection recovery
Ejaculation impairment
Erection impairment

Intrathecal baclofen may compromise erection and ejaculation in men, but this effect is reversible.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

8.

Baclofen in the elderly stroke patient its side-effects and pharmacokinetics.

Author: HulmeA, MacLennanW J, RitchieR T, JohnV A, ShottonP A

Drowsiness

Baclofen causes drowsiness in elderly patients. However, increased drowsiness is not likely due to changes in how the body processes the drug.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

9.

Baclofen Toxicity in a Patient with End-stage Renal Disease on Maintenance Dialysis.

Author: AhmedSamar, KharratMahmoud, SalahHesham, ShearyiaFouad, AlrimawiReem, MakhsoomAzizah, Al SharifSahal, AlyamiRozana, ShaheenFaissal

Baclofen toxicity

This case report describes a patient with end-stage renal disease who developed baclofen toxicity. Intense hemodialysis successfully treated the toxicity.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

10.

When the fever will not stop, stop the pills! A case report.

Author: MatosCésar Ricardo Coimbra de, BeirãoEduarda Maria da Conceição Sério Pereira, NevesRafael Simões, AssunçãoAntónio José, MarquesRui Moreira

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare, potentially fatal neurologic emergency associated with antipsychotics. It's most common with first-generation antipsychotics and less common with second-generation ones. Diagnosis relies on clinical and laboratory criteria and ruling out other conditions.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

11.

Therapeutic Approach for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Systematic Review.

Author: RanaMuhammad Haseeb, KhanAbdul Ahad Ghaffar, KhalidImran, IshfaqMuhammad, JavaliMukhatar Ahmed, BaigFawaz Abdul Hamid, KotaMohammad Zahir, KhaderMohasin Abdul, HameedMohammad Shahul, ShaikSharaz, DasGotam

Trigeminal neuralgia treatment
Drug side effects

Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine are considered the first-line drugs for treating classical trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Lamotrigine and baclofen can be used as second-line options if the first-line drugs are ineffective or cause intolerable side effects. While anticonvulsants are effective in managing TN, more research is needed on other drugs, combination therapies, and newer formulations.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

12.

Treatment of severe tardive dyskinesia with concurrent administration of olanzapine, clonazepam, baclofen, and gabapentin: a case report.

Author: GuoXiaoling, ChenJiong, WangWeixin, JiangBo, LiangBo

Efficient management of TD
Abnormal behavior
Abnormal speech
Involuntary movements

The study presented a case of tardive dyskinesia (TD) in an 18-year-old female patient. The patient's TD was efficiently managed through co-administration of olanzapine, clonazepam, baclofen, and gabapentin.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

13.

Chiropractic Care in a Patient With Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia and Chronic Pain.

Author: ChuEric Chun-Pu, HuangKevin Hsu Kai, ChengKenny, ChuValerie Kok Yan, LinAndy

HSP management

Chiropractic therapy provided relief from chronic low back pain, improved strength and functionality, and reduced lower extremity spasticity in a 13-year-old girl with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). Chiropractic therapy can be a valuable non-invasive addition to the management of HSP.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

15.

Postoperative Use of the Muscle Relaxants Baclofen and/or Cyclobenzaprine Associated With an Increased Risk of Delirium Following Lumbar Fusion.

Author: PerezEli A, RayEmanuel, GoldColin J, ParkBrian J, PiscopoAnthony, CarnahanRyan M, BanksMatthew, SandersRobert D, OlingerCatherine R, MuellerRashmi N, WoodroffeRoyce W

Delirium

Postoperative use of muscle relaxants in older adults undergoing lumbar fusion surgery was associated with an increased risk of delirium. The incidence of delirium was 17.6% in patients who received muscle relaxants compared to 7.9% in those who did not. Multivariate analysis confirmed a 2.00 times higher risk of delirium in the muscle relaxant group.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

16.

Baclofen Combined With Psychosocial Care is Useful and Safe in Alcohol-Related Cirrhosis Patients: A Real-Life Multicenter Study.

Author: BarraultCamille, AlqallafShuaib, LisonHortensia, Lamote-ChaoucheIsabelle, BourcierValérie, LaugierJoëlle, ThevenotThierry, LabarriereDamien, RipaultMarie-Pierre, Le GruyerAntonia, CostentinCharlotte, BeharVéronique, HagegeHervé, JungCamille, CadranelJean-François,

Alcohol dependence
Baclofen for cirrhosis

This study investigated the use of baclofen for alcohol dependence in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis. The results suggest that baclofen may be a safe and effective treatment option for this population, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

17.

[Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy for Spastic Paralysis].

Author: UsamiKenichi

Effective treatment
Lower doses
CSF leakage
Device malfunction

Intrathecal baclofen therapy is a recognized treatment for spastic paralysis, offering effective drug administration at lower doses compared to oral administration.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Japanese

19.

Transient alteration of consciousness in spinal cord injury secondary to Baclofen use: a case report.

Author: PisanoThomas John, AceJessica, HonBeverly

Manage spasticity
Altered consciousness

This abstract highlights the potential for confusion between baclofen-induced transient alterations of consciousness and altered mental status due to orthostatic hypotension in patients with spinal cord injury.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

20.

A Small Dose Can Cause a Major Problem.

Author: PatelPooja, Yates MunarAdriana, MichelGeorge

Baclofen toxicity

This case report highlights the potential for baclofen toxicity in patients with renal failure, emphasizing the need for careful medication review and monitoring in this population.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

21.

A double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of lesogaberan on the objective cough frequency and capsaicin-evoked coughs in patients with refractory chronic cough.

Author: BadriHuda, GibbardCarmen, DentonDimitra, SatiaImran, Al-ShekllyBashar, DockryRachel J, HoltKimberley, McGuinessKevin, TreadwaySam, WhorwellPeter, HoughtonLesley, LeeAugustine, EscottK Jane, LeeTheresa, WilkinsonGreame, HoltAlison, CanningBrendan J, SmithJacky A

Cough suppression
CNS side effects

This study aims to evaluate the potential of lesogaberan, a novel peripherally acting GABA<sub>B</sub> agonist, for the treatment of refractory chronic cough, as baclofen, a centrally acting GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor agonist, has been shown to reduce gastro-oesophageal reflux and suppress cough but has central nervous system side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

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