Can You Take Too Much Baclofen?
Baclofen (
Lioresal®) is a prescription drug used to treat spasticity. It can be taken by mouth or administered directly to the spinal cord using a pump (this is known as intrathecal infusion).
As with any medication, it is possible to take too much baclofen. The specific effects of an overdose can vary, depending on a number of factors, including the
baclofen dosage, how it was taken, and whether it was taken with any other medications or substances.
Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else may have overdosed on baclofen.
Effects of an Overdose With Baclofen
- Vomiting
- Low muscle tone
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Coma
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Seizures.
Treatment for a Baclofen Overdose
The treatment for a baclofen overdose will vary.
If the overdose was recent (and if the drug was taken by mouth), a healthcare provider may administer certain medicines to induce vomiting or place a tube into the stomach to "pump" it. For the infusion form, any baclofen still in the pump should be removed.
Physostigmine may be useful for reversing some of the effects of an overdose, although it can increase the risk of
seizures or a low heart rate. Also, treatment for any type of overdose typically involves supportive care, which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options for an overdose with baclofen may include:
- Fluids through an intravenous line (IV), if necessary
- Close monitoring of the heart and lungs.
