Baclofen acts at spinal level as a GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) receptor agonist.

Side Effects (arise from supraspinal sites with consequences relevant to other aspects of brain injury):

  • Sedation including respiratory & cardiac depression.
  • Seizures.  This makes it a relative contraindication rather than an absolute contraindication in patients at risk of seizure.
  • Hallucinations/nightmares.
  • Headache.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Hypotension.
  • Ataxia.
  • Gastrointestinal  disturbance or urinary disturbance.

However, Baclofen still remains the first choice medication for the treatment of spasticity.

Dose

  • Start at 5mg three times daily.
  • Increase at increments of 5mg three times daily every three days.
  • Maximum dose is 100mg /24hrs.