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Baclofen Misuse in Clinical Practice: A Case Report on Management Strategies.
Mostafa Yousef1, Mohamed Elsayed2, Ahmed Hosney Nada3
1Department of Psychiatry Karl Jaspers Klinik Bad Zwischenahn DEU Germany.
Clinical Case Reports
|June 30, 2026
Summary
High-dose baclofen (a GABA_B agonist) withdrawal can cause severe neuropsychiatric symptoms. Prompt identification and intervention are crucial, especially in patients with substance use disorders and psychiatric conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Baclofen, a GABA_B receptor agonist, is associated with misuse and severe withdrawal.
- Withdrawal can manifest as acute neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of severe baclofen withdrawal in a patient with substance use disorder and depression.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing baclofen withdrawal in psychiatric decline.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 26-year-old male with substance use disorder and depression.
- Patient was on high-dose baclofen (200 mg/day) for 2-3 years.
- Treatment involved lorazepam with gradual reduction over 2 weeks.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced severe neuropsychiatric symptoms including insomnia, suicidal ideation, and visual hallucinations.
- Baclofen withdrawal was suspected, and treatment with lorazepam led to clinical stabilization.
- Lab tests and electrocardiography were normal, ruling out acute intoxication.
Conclusions:
- Baclofen withdrawal can be a critical factor in psychiatric decline, potentially fatal.
- Prompt identification, observation, and tailored interventions are essential for patients with psychiatric disorders and comorbid substance use.
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