Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Baclofen as follows:
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Baclofen, especially when taken in high doses, carries the risk of depressing the cardiovascular center in the brain, which regulates the heart rate and blood pressure. Consequently, intake of baclofen can result in low heart rate and blood pressure.
- This risk with baclofen can be even high when it is taken along with any other products and medications causing hypotension and bradycardia, such as, antihypertensives, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and sedatives.
- Hypotension and bradycardia, secondary to baclofen intake, can contribute to the confusion and dizziness, thus significantly increasing the risk for fall and accidents.
Respiratory depression
- Baclofen, especially when taken in high doses, can lead to depression of respiratory center in the brain and consequently cause exacerbation of SOB, and difficult breathing.
- This risk with baclofen can be even high when it is taken along with any other products and medications causing central nervous depression, such as, alcohol, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and sedatives.
- Individuals with history of breathing disorders, such as, asthma, emphysema, and COPD, are at increased risk for presentation with severe debility due to respiratory arrest from baclofen intake.
Genitourinary side-effects
- Baclofen can also induce retention of urine in the bladder and difficulty with emptying the bladder. Individuals with history of retention of urine and frequent urinary tract infections must be aware of this side-effect, as baclofen can exacerbate risk for UTIs significantly.
