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Summary
A large baclofen overdose in a teen caused severe central nervous system, cardiac, and respiratory depression. Intravenous atropine temporarily improved these functions, suggesting baclofen may cause cholinergic dominance.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Neurology
Background:
- Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic.
- Overdose can lead to significant central nervous system depression.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old presented after a 420 mg baclofen overdose.
- Symptoms included cerebral, cardiac, and respiratory depression, flaccidity, and hypothermia.
- These effects manifested within 3.5 hours of ingestion.
Findings:
- Intravenous atropine administration 8 hours post-ingestion showed temporary improvement.
- Key improvements included increased cardiac output, ventilation, and body temperature.
- These effects lasted approximately 90 minutes.
Implications:
- This case highlights the severe toxicity of baclofen overdose.
- The response to atropine suggests a potential role for cholinergic pathways in baclofen toxicity.
- Findings support the hypothesis that baclofen overdose may result in cholinergic dominance.