What are the risks and side effects of using baclofen?

Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Patricia Mills | Published: 21 November 2017 | Updated: ~

Even for those who are not restricted from using baclofen (see above), there may be risks and side effects with the use of this treatment. It is important to discuss these possibilities in detail with your health provider before using this treatment.

• Drowsiness, tiredness, or dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Confusion
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Interactions with other drugs such as antidepressants, sleeping pills, alcohol, and other medications
• Baclofen pumps are implanted surgically, which carries a risk of infection and other surgical risks

Because baclofen helps to relax the muscles, it may also have unintended effects on other medical problems that benefit from increased muscle tone. For example:

• It may further reduce the cough reflex in people who already have trouble coughing
• It may make it more difficult to walk, stand, or do other tasks requiring muscle strength and movement
• Baclofen pumps may make it more difficult for men to have erections, although this may be regained when reducing the dose or stopping treatment

In addition, stopping baclofen therapy abruptly can cause withdrawal. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including seizures, hallucinations, confusion, and fever. When baclofen is stopped, the dose of the medication should be gradually lowered over time before it can be stopped. It is important to follow the routine recommended by your health providers when stopping use of this medication.

Although we often focus on the negative effects of spasticity, it can also have benefits. For example, spasticity in the legs can sometimes help people transfer more effectively or stand and walk. For this reason, when treatments like baclofen work the way they are supposed to, they can sometimes have negative effects, such as:

• Reduced functional abilities, such as the ability to transfer, stand, or walk
• Loss of health benefits of spasticity, such as better circulation and muscle strength
• Loss of spasticity as a warning sign of other health problems (such as infections or injuries below the level of injury)

The decision to treat spasticity needs to be made by you and your health team on a personal basis, taking into consideration function, symptoms, and the benefits and drawbacks of treatment.