What are the effects of a baclofen overdose?

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. Baclofen overdose: defining the spectrum of toxicity Emerg Med Australas.

Is there an antidote for baclofen?

Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, there is no antidote. Baclofen controls muscle spasticity in conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Off-label uses include alcohol dependence, GERD, intractable hiccups, nystagmus, and trigeminal neuralgia.

Can baclofen be used to treat alcohol dependence?

The use of high dose baclofen for treatment of alcohol dependence is a relatively new phenomena although high doses have been long used for treatment of spasticity where needed5. However most neurology patients needing high baclofen doses are converted to intrathecal baclofen, something not envisaged in alcohol dependency treatment.

How long does it take for baclofen to wear off?

This decreases signals to muscles, which reduces muscle tone and spasticity. Baclofen kinetics vary in oral versus intrathecal administration. Peak and half-life are prolonged in overdose: Oral: Peak 1.5 hours, 2-3 hours in overdose; Half-life 5.5 hours, up to 32 hours in overdose.

Is baclofen too unsafe for the treatment of diabetic patients?

Baclofen in overdose. All medications have risks. It would be like saying that insulin is too unsafe for the treatment of diabetics because it can cause blood sugar levels to drop to dangerously low levels or that epileptics should not be treated because they might overdose on their anti-epileptic medications.

How many milligrams of baclofen are there?

Baclofen oral tablets are available in either 10 mg or 20 mg doses. Baclofen is also available as an intrathecal solution, which means it’s injected into the spinal cord by a special pump.