Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking baclofen as follows:
- Take the medication at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication. Taking the medication at regularly spaced intervals helps to maintain appropriate blood levels of baclofen needed to derive the desired beneficial effects and also prevent toxicity with the medication.
- Observe compliance with intake of medication, as ordered. Do not change the dose or frequency of the medication without physician consultation.
- Follow closely on the expiration date of the medication. If using a pillbox, check the expiration date on the medication container every time you fill the pillbox. If you are taking this medication for longer periods of time, set enough reminders on your phone for medication refill pick-up. You can have a reminder 10 days ahead, the next a week ahead, and then, every day, before you run out of the medication. This measure helps with securing the refill in time and making arrangements for pick-up at the pharmacy. This contributes towards preventing sudden withdrawal from baclofen, with consequent withdrawal symptoms.
- Individuals on sudden withdrawal from baclofen, especially after prolonged use or use in high doses, can present with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as, listlessness, lack of energy, exacerbation of depressive symptoms, anxiety, agitation, sleep disturbances, confusion, appetite changes, delusions, hallucinations, mania, rebound spasticity, bad muscle spasms, and seizures. Discontinuation on baclofen use must be slow and gradual, using tapering doses, and only on your physician recommendation.
