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Key Points
- Baclofen is a prescription muscle relaxant commonly used to treat muscle stiffness associated with spinal injuries and spinal diseases.
- Relatively recently, baclofen has seen a surge in off-label use for the treatment of substance use disorder, particularly alcohol use disorder.
- Baclofen works by interacting with the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and reducing the activity of motor neurons that contribute to muscle spasms.
- Baclofen may also be known by the brand name Ozobax.
- Common side effects of baclofen are typically mild and may include nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and headache.
- Some serious side effects of baclofen can occur, including hallucinations and seizures.
- Some people experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking baclofen, particularly if they stop treatment abruptly.
- Withdrawal symptoms associated with baclofen can be mild or life-threatening and can last from a few days to a few months.
- People who take baclofen by spinal injection versus orally tend to experience longer, more severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Other risk factors for severe baclofen withdrawal syndrome include taking baclofen for a long period of time, high-dose baclofen use, and a history of substance use disorder.
- You may be able to manage baclofen withdrawal symptoms, potentially preventing them from persisting or becoming severe, by consulting with a doctor and tapering your dose of baclofen when you plan to stop treatment.
- Treatment of baclofen withdrawal syndrome may include IV fluids, medication, and vital sign monitoring, for instance.
How Long Does Baclofen Withdrawal Last?
Baclofen withdrawal can last between a few days and a few months, and this duration depends on a number of different factors, including the dose, how long you’ve been taking baclofen, and the route of administration, among others. Talk to your doctor about how to properly titrate your dose to safely withdraw from this muscle relaxant.
Depending on their severity, symptoms of withdrawal from baclofen can be managed at home or may require medical attention. Since baclofen withdrawal can be fatal, it’s best to err on the side of caution if withdrawal symptoms get worse or last more than a few days, especially if you’re taking baclofen by spinal cord injection. Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for more guidance.
What Is Baclofen?
Baclofen is a member of a class of drugs known as skeletal muscle relaxants. It’s sometimes described as an antispasmodic agent. This prescription medication is FDA-approved to treat multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, spinal cord disease, and other conditions that cause muscle rigidity. It may be used off-label to treat alcohol use disorder, particularly alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and other types of substance use disorder. [1] Baclofen may also be recognized by its brand name Ozobax.
Baclofen works by acting on the central nervous system, resulting in decreased muscle stiffness and spasticity. [2] Specifically, it binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain and spinal cord. By reducing the overactivity of certain motor neurons, baclofen facilitates the relaxation of the muscles. Baclofen can be taken orally or by spinal cord injection.
Always tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking or medical conditions you have (or have had in the past) before beginning a new medical treatment. You should tell your doctor before taking baclofen if you have a history of mental illness or psychosis, epilepsy, substance use disorder, stroke, blood clots, or kidney disease.
Side Effects of Baclofen
Like other prescription drugs, baclofen has been linked to some unwanted side effects such as: [3]
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Weakness
- Confusion
In some cases, serious side effects may occur when taking baclofen, including seizures and hallucinations. These side effects warrant an immediate call to your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of Baclofen Withdrawal
Depending on various individual factors, the symptoms of baclofen withdrawal can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. In some cases, baclofen has been associated with a number of severe withdrawal symptoms, including both physical and psychological symptoms: [4]
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Mood swings
- Changes in behavior
- Worsening muscle spasms
- Rapid heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Insomnia
- Vision problems
- Agitation
- Tachycardia (abnormally rapid heartbeat)
- Hyperthermia (dangerously elevated heart rate)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Serious withdrawal symptoms should be treated as a life-threatening medical emergency. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
How Long Does Baclofen Withdrawal Syndrome Last?
The severity and duration of baclofen withdrawal syndrome can vary widely from one individual to the next. Symptoms usually begin within 48 hours of the last dose of baclofen and can last from a few days to a few months. [5] Many individual factors can contribute to the duration of baclofen withdrawal symptoms, including:
- The person’s age
- How long they’ve been taking baclofen
- Baclofen dosage
- Method of administration, whether taken orally or by spinal injection (intrathecal)
- Overall health, especially organ function
- Whether or not the dosage is tapered or abruptly stopped
It could be important to note that people who take baclofen by spinal injection are often prone to experiencing withdrawal symptoms that are both more severe and longer lasting. This condition is sometimes referred to as intrathecal baclofen withdrawal. However, there are other risk factors for experiencing severe baclofen withdrawal syndrome.
Risk Factors for Severe Baclofen Withdrawal
Baclofen withdrawal symptoms can range from relatively mild to life-threatening. There are certain risk factors that could make a person more susceptible to severe or prolonged withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking baclofen. Some of these risk factors include:[6]
- Taking higher doses of baclofen than prescribed
- Taking baclofen for longer than prescribed
- Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen compared to tapering
- Taking baclofen via spinal injection versus oral administration
- History of substance abuse
Managing Baclofen Withdrawal Symptoms
If you’ve been taking baclofen and want to stop, there are things you can do to prevent or manage baclofen withdrawal symptoms. Here are some tips to avoid unnecessarily severe or prolonged symptoms of withdrawal:
- Talk to your doctor before discontinuation of baclofen. Never stop taking this medication, lower your dose, or skip a dose without first consulting with your healthcare provider.
- Your doctor will likely recommend tapering your dose gradually rather than abruptly stopping baclofen treatment; this can reduce the severity and duration of baclofen withdrawal symptoms.
- Ask your doctor whether it’s best to withdraw from baclofen under medical supervision in early recovery, or attending medical detox can prevent serious or even fatal outcomes.
Treatment of Baclofen Withdrawal Symptoms
Mild symptoms of baclofen withdrawal may be effectively treated at home. Some serious cases of baclofen withdrawal syndrome may require hospitalization. When you see a doctor for baclofen withdrawal, they may advise a variety of different treatments to help you feel better faster and prevent further complications: [7]
- Monitoring of vital signs
- Hydration with IV fluids
- Use of medications such as benzodiazepines, dexmedetomidine, and propofol
- Treatment of complications like seizures and hyperthermia
- Admission to an intensive care unit in severe cases
Baclofen Addiction Treatment Options
Baclofen is not a controlled substance and is associated with a low risk of abuse or addiction. However, any drug can be addictive. If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of addiction to baclofen or any other substance, help is just a call away.
Substance use and rehabilitation counselors have experience with various types and levels of abuse and addiction. They’re well-equipped to provide the compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment you deserve, including Baclofen detox.
Once you connect with a counselor, you can begin to explore your treatment options, including detoxification services, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and aftercare support. Many people have been exactly where you are and are reaping the rewards of recovery today. Never give up hope. You, too, can experience a brighter tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baclofen Withdrawal
Sources
[1] Ghanavatian, S. (2024, August 11). Baclofen. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526037/
[2] [6] [7] Romito, J. W., Turner, E. R., Rosener, J. A., Coldiron, L., Udipi, A., Nohrn, L., Tausiani, J., & Romito, B. T. (2021, June 3). Baclofen Therapeutics, toxicity, and withdrawal: A narrative review. SAGE open medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8182184/
[3] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-b). Baclofen: Medlineplus drug information. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682530.html
[4] Alvis, B. D., & Sobey, C. M. (2017, January). Oral baclofen withdrawal resulting in progressive weakness and sedation requiring intensive care admission. The Neurohospitalist. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5167087/
[5] Alvis, B. D., & Sobey, C. M. (2017a, January). Oral baclofen withdrawal resulting in progressive weakness and sedation requiring intensive care admission. The Neurohospitalist. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5167087/
[8] professional, C. C. medical. (2025a, July 15). Muscle Relaxers. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24686-muscle-relaxers
[9] NHS. (n.d.). NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/baclofen/common-questions-about-baclofen/
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