Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Leo, R. J. Articles by Baer, D. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Leo, R. J. Articles by Baer, D. Syndromes Secondary to General Medical Disorders Symptoms/Dimensions Other Somatic Therapy

Delirium Associated With Baclofen Withdrawal: A Review of Common Presentations and Management Strategies

Received May 28, 2004; revision received Oct. 9, 2004; accepted Oct. 28, 2004. From the Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Leo, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center, 462 Grider Street Buffalo, NY 14215; rleomd{at}aol.com (e-mail).

The authors reviewed 23 published cases of psychiatric symptoms in association with baclofen withdrawal. Delirium, and not other functional psychiatric conditions, arose secondarily from abrupt baclofen cessation. Vulnerability to baclofen-withdrawal delirium appeared to be greater in individuals who received chronic baclofen therapy. Baclofen-withdrawal delirium can be difficult to distinguish from delirium of other etiologies, and unrecognized and inadequately treated baclofen-withdrawal delirium is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Complete resolution of delirium symptoms was possible with reinstatement of baclofen. The clinical management of patients experiencing baclofen-withdrawal delirium includes supportive interventions to reduce complications of delirium until symptoms resolve.

Key Words: Baclofen • antispasmodics • delirium • muscle relaxants • withdrawal

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. M. Chawla, R. Rao, and R. Sagar Baclofen-Induced Psychosis Ann. Pharmacother., November 1, 2006; 40(11): 2071 - 2073. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2005 Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us