How do you treat baclofen withdrawal?

The optimal treatment for intrathecal baclofen withdrawal is administration of baclofen into the CSF but this can be technically difficult. Treat baclofen withdrawal with escalating doses of benzodiazepines and consider propofol infusion for patients who continue to decline.

Does baclofen need to be weaned?

The clinical symptoms that present after oral baclofen is stopped are usually associated with iatrogenic or intentional drug cessation without adequate attention to weaning the dose. In the case reported, withdrawal symptoms developed within 48 hours of abrupt discontinuation of a 60-mg/d dose.

How long does intrathecal baclofen withdrawal last?

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) withdrawal is a well-recognized complication when drug delivery is disrupted for any reason. ITB withdrawal varies widely in its severity and poses the very real possibility of death if not promptly managed. Cases of withdrawal lasting greater than 1 or 2 weeks, however, are sparse.

Can baclofen cause permanent damage?

Chronic therapeutic overdose is possible, especially in the elderly and patients with renal impairment, because baclofen is renally excreted. CNS, respiratory, and cardiovascular depression are common with significant overdoses.

Does baclofen build up in your system?

Since baclofen is eliminated via urine, it can be detected in a urine screen for up to two days. If someone overdosed or took a very large amount of baclofen, it could stay in the urine and blood for longer and, in some cases, for up to 10 days.

What are the side effects of too much baclofen?

The signs of baclofen overdose include:

• Drowsiness.
• Lightheadedness.
• Dizziness.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Seizures.
• Loss of consciousness or coma.
• Lower than normal body temperature.

What happens when you take too much baclofen?

Conclusions: Baclofen overdose causes mainly neurological effects and excepting hypertension cardiovascular effects were uncommon. Doses greater than 200 mg were predictive of patients developing delirium, coma and seizures, requiring long hospital admissions and ICU admission.

How long does baclofen toxicity last?

Intoxication will develop within 2 hours, delirium is most evident just prior to the onset of coma. The duration of coma can last 24 – 48 hours.