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.