SPASTICITY-BACLOFEN SIDE EFFECTS

SUMMARY

1. Adverse events: lowers seizure threshold, drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, weakness, ataxia, confusion, coma (Hinderer 1990; Gracies et al. 1997; Kirshblum 1999; Burchiel & Hsu 2001).

2. Also, potential for weakness during routine activities and during activity-dependent interventions such as locomotor treadmill training (Roy & Edgerton 2012; Harkema et al. 2012).

3. Increases cough threshold in cervical spinal cord injury (Dicpinigaitis 2000).

4. Sudden discontinuation or withdrawal of baclofen can result in seizures, confusion, hallucinations and rebound muscle overactivity with fever (Gracies et al. 1997).

5. Tolerance with sustained use of baclofen is possible (Knutsson et al. 1974), but is not a major issue (Roussan et al. 1985; Gracies et al. 1997; Kirshblum 1999).

6. The anticholinesterase physostigmine reverses respiratory depression caused by baclofen overdose.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.