Baclofen Side Effects May Increase Risk of Encephalopathy Among Individuals With Kidney Disease: Study
For individuals with pre-existing kidney problems, high doses of the muscle relaxant baclofen may increase the risk of a serious brain disease, known as encephalopathy, according to the findings of a recent study.
In findings published last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Canadian researchers indicate that side effects of baclofen may be linked to a significantly increased the risk of encephalopathy in patients with chronic kidney disease, at doses of 20 mg per day or greater.
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant first introduced in 1992, and originally sold under the brand name Gablofen. It is now widely available in generic form, and is also sold under the brand name Lioresal in Canada.
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Learn MoreIn this latest report, researchers conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study in Ontario from 2007 to 2018, involving nearly 16,000 adults ages 66 or older with chronic kidney disease. They looked at exposures greater or equal to 20 mg per day or less than 20 mg per day, and compared them with reports of encephalopathy, which can manifest as delirium, disorientation, dementia, stroke, and changes to awareness.
According to the findings, 61% of patients were prescribed doses of 20 mg per day or more, and 39% were prescribed amounts of less than 20 mg per day. Of those given the higher doses, 1.11% suffered encephalopathy within the first 30 days. By comparison, only 0.42% of those given the lower doses had an encephalopathy diagnosis.
However, compared to non-users, both high and low baclofen doses resulted in increased risks. Those given higher doses were nearly 20 times more likely to suffer encephalopathy compared to nonusers. Those given lower doses were also still nearly six times as likely to suffer brain disease than those not taking the drug.
“Among older patients with CKD who were newly prescribed baclofen, the 30-day incidence of encephalopathy was increased among those prescribed higher doses compared with lower doses,” the researchers concluded. “If verified, these risks should be balanced against the benefits of baclofen use.”
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6 Comments
ElizabethFebruary 2, 2023 at 8:51 pm
Was given a prescription for this medication. I lost 3 entire days, no memory at all. My daughter had to have the fire department break in my apartment because I couldn’t answer the door. Don’t know what happened. Was incoherent, blabbling, crying, yelling. I was taken to hospital in another town because they thought I was having a stroke. I spent one week in the hospital suffering from delusions [Show More]Was given a prescription for this medication. I lost 3 entire days, no memory at all. My daughter had to have the fire department break in my apartment because I couldn’t answer the door. Don’t know what happened. Was incoherent, blabbling, crying, yelling. I was taken to hospital in another town because they thought I was having a stroke. I spent one week in the hospital suffering from delusions and hallucinations. I was given the Baclofen because I pulled my shoulder out. I never took this medicine before or since. My memory is messed up and I suffer from anxiety which was never a problem before.
DharrelJuly 24, 2022 at 12:01 pm
Hello. I suffer from a motorcycle accident,spinalcord injury. And was treated with baclofen, orally and infusion for over 15 years, and I believe it caused me to have issues.
MarlaMay 3, 2022 at 4:43 pm
Taking baofen 20mg for 3years Causing bradycardia diastolic to 45 I faint from it breathing problems when drops prolonged QT with my heart nausea vomiting horrific pain in feet and legs trouble concentrating along with hindering communication when speaking terrible medication had to stop this medication it appears side effects are permanent I can no longer drive or go places alone
BrendaOctober 5, 2021 at 1:04 am
My neurosurgeon prescribed this medication and have ben using it for past three weeks (3 times per day). My side effects include dizziness, nausea, constipation, weakness, need assistance during any walk, fear of falling, instability.
AnnettaJune 24, 2020 at 5:10 am
I've been taking baclofen since 2015 I've noticed changes in my memory and coordination and stability. at one time I was taking baclofen 3 times a day for spasms,
JamieMay 24, 2020 at 4:32 am
I cant hardly write a letter. It hurts to concentrate. I just read this. I didn't know. Nobody told me.