8 Baclofen Side Effects You Should Know About

Baclofen is a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant. It’s approved to treat spasticity, which is stiff or tight muscles. It’s also taken off-label to treat muscle spasms, muscle pain, and hiccups. 

If you’ve been prescribed baclofen, you may be wondering what to expect. Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion are potential side effects of baclofen. And headache, weakness, and nausea can happen, too. 

Below, we review eight baclofen side effects, along with a few tips and tricks for how to manage them.

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1. Drowsiness

Drowsiness is a common baclofen side effect. In one study, it was reported by almost 2 out of 3 people who took the medication. So it’s important to see how you react to baclofen before driving or doing activities that require you to be alert. 

Drowsiness typically resolves once baclofen’s effects wear off. Taking the lowest effective dose needed can help lower the risk of drowsiness. If you get too sleepy to participate in your usual daily activities, talk to your healthcare provider. There are other muscle relaxants you may be able to take instead.

Keep in mind: Combining baclofen with other medications and substances that also cause drowsiness can worsen this side effect. This includes sleeping pills, opioids, and alcohol. In some cases, these combinations can be dangerous and result in slowed breathing. Your provider and pharmacist can help check for these interactions when you’re prescribed baclofen.

2. Confusion

Some people taking baclofen report feelings of confusion. Confusion, along with trouble breathing and seizures, can be indicators of baclofen toxicity. You may have an increased risk of experiencing this side effect if you’re older, have kidney problems, and are taking a higher baclofen dosage. This is because your body may not be able to get rid of baclofen efficiently.

If you experience confusion while taking baclofen, contact your healthcare provider right away. There may be medications that are better options for you.

3. Dizziness

Dizziness is also a common baclofen side effect. As with drowsiness, do not drive or perform activities that require you to be alert until you know how you respond to baclofen. 

If you find yourself getting dizzy after taking baclofen, find a place to lie or sit down so you don’t fall. It can also help to get up slowly when changing positions (e.g., going from sitting to standing). If your dizziness starts affecting your daily life, let your healthcare provider know.

Certain interactions, like with alcohol, may also worsen dizziness from baclofen. In general, it’s best to avoid alcohol or minimize how much you drink while taking the medication.

4. Weakness

Some people experience weakness while taking baclofen. For older adults, weakness, along with side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion, can increase the risk of a fall.

If weakness is interfering with your daily life, contact your healthcare provider. They may be able to prescribe you a lower dosage of baclofen or a different medication altogether.

5. Nausea

Baclofen can make you feel nauseated. But there are a few things you can do that may help prevent or lessen nausea related to the medication. 

Baclofen can be taken with or without food. But if you’ve been taking it on an empty stomach and experienced nausea, try taking it with a meal or small snack. Avoid foods that cause nausea, like spicy foods and fried foods. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help, too.

If that doesn’t work, or the nausea becomes bothersome, contact your healthcare provider. They may be able to recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for nausea.

6. Headache

Headaches are possible with baclofen. They’re not typically serious and usually go away once you stop taking the medication. Mild headaches may also go away after your body gets used to baclofen.

In the meantime, taking other steps to prevent a headache may help. These include drinking enough water, avoiding too much alcohol and other food triggers, and getting enough sleep.

There are also OTC medications and supplements that may help with headaches. But talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider first to be sure it’s OK for you to take them.

7. Sleeping problems

Drowsiness is common with baclofen. But some people have the opposite problem: They can’t fall or stay asleep while taking it.

Practicing good sleep hygiene may help. That includes avoiding screens, like those on phones and other digital devices, at least 1 hour before bedtime. Avoid caffeine 6 hours before bedtime. Your healthcare provider may also suggest changing how soon before bed you take your dose.

8. Withdrawal symptoms

Baclofen can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. If this happens, you may experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, and weakness. In some cases, withdrawal can even lead to hallucinations and seizures.

Never stop taking baclofen without speaking to your healthcare provider first. They will help you with stopping treatment slowly. This helps prevent withdrawal symptoms from baclofen.

When should I contact my healthcare provider about baclofen side effects?

Many people taking baclofen get drowsy, and some experience other side effects like headaches or dizziness. If any baclofen side effects become bothersome or interfere with your work or daily activities, contact your healthcare provider. They may be able to lower your dosage or switch you to another medication.

If you stopped taking baclofen suddenly and are experiencing withdrawal side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately. You should also contact them if you’re experiencing confusion or other cognitive side effects.

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Written by:

Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA

Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA, has been a pharmacist for 12 years. His first job was floating in a community chain pharmacy.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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