Skeletal muscle relaxant Baclofen, sold under the brand name Lioresal among others, is a medication used to treat muscle spasticity, such as from a spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. Baclofen is a powerful skeletal muscle relaxant and a potent GABAB receptor agonist. It may also be used for hiccups and muscle spasms near the end of life, and off-label to treat alcohol use disorder or opioid withdrawal symptoms. It is taken orally or by intrathecal pump (delivered into the spinal canal via an implantable pump device). It is believed to work by decreasing levels of certain neurotransmitters.
Baclofen should be avoided in the setting of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease as even small doses can cause excessive toxicity. Common side effects include sleepiness, weakness, and dizziness. Serious side effects, such as seizures and rhabdomyolysis, may occur if use of baclofen is stopped abruptly. Use during pregnancy is of unclear safety, whilst use during breastfeeding is likely safe, and even more so if oral administration is avoided.
The adverse effects and safety profile associated with baclofen when it is combined with sedative drugs (for example alcohol or benzodiazepines) range depending on the dose and the individual. The interaction may increase the sedative effects of all ingested sedatives and as such is not generally recommended. In high doses the interaction can cause de novo seizures.
Baclofen was approved for medical use in the United States in 1977. It is available as a generic medication. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. In 2023, it was the 87th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 7million prescriptions.
Safety at a Glance
High Risk- Tolerance will develop to the sedative-within a couple of days of continuous use. After cessation,7 - 14 days.
- Baclofen produces cross-tolerance with Cross-all GABAgenic depressants, meaning that after its consumption, depressan...
- Toxicity: Baclofen has a low toxicity relative to dose. However, it is potentially lethal when mixed with depressants like alco...
- Dangerous with: Alcohol, Atropa belladonna, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines (+30 more)
- Overdose risk: fatal levels of respiratory depression. These substances potentiate the muscle relaxation, sedati...
If someone is in crisis, call 911 or Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Dosage
oral
Duration
oral
Total: 8 hrs – 14 hrsHow It Feels
Baclofen announces itself not with a bang but with a quiet unraveling. Within an hour of ingestion, the first thing you notice is what is absent: the low-grade muscular tension that you had stopped noticing because it had become the baseline. Shoulders drop a centimeter. The jaw unclenches. There is a gentle spreading warmth through the back and neck, as though invisible hands were methodically working through knots you had forgotten were there. The anxious hum that typically runs beneath the surface of consciousness dims to silence, and in its place is a stillness that feels almost startling in its completeness.
The come-up deepens this muscular release into something approaching physical bliss. The body feels loose and pliable, like warm clay. Walking becomes a slightly dreamy affair -- each step feels cushioned, as though the floor were padded. There is a mild sedation that settles over the mind like a light fog, softening the edges of thoughts without erasing them entirely. Anxiety, if it was present before, has been replaced by a calm acceptance that borders on indifference. Worries that seemed pressing an hour ago now appear distant and theoretical, like problems belonging to someone else.
At the peak, the experience is dominated by a profound sense of physical and emotional tranquility. The muscles are so relaxed that the body feels almost boneless, and there is a heaviness to the limbs that makes movement feel unnecessary and slightly pointless. The mind is quiet but not empty -- thoughts still form, but they move slowly and carry no urgency. There is a subtle emotional flattening: neither joy nor sadness presses very hard, and the dominant sensation is one of neutral contentment. Some users report a mild dizziness, especially when standing, and a faint tingling sensation in the extremities. The world seems muffled, as though experienced through a pane of thick glass.
The offset is gentle, a slow return of normal muscle tone and mental sharpness over several hours. The relaxation fades gradually, like color draining from a sunset. There is often a residual sense of calm that persists well into the following day, and sleep -- when it comes during the comedown -- is deep and uninterrupted. The overall impression left by baclofen is one of quiet relief, as though the body had been given permission to stop bracing itself against the world.
Subjective Effects
The effects listed below are based on the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal reports and personal analyses. They should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism. These effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects.
Physical Effects
Physical(11)
- Dehydration— A state of insufficient bodily hydration manifesting as persistent thirst, dry mouth, and physical d...
- Dizziness— A sensation of spinning, swaying, or lightheadedness that impairs balance and spatial orientation, o...
- Increased heart rate— A noticeable acceleration of heartbeat that can range from a subtle awareness of one's pulse to a fo...
- Insomnia— A persistent inability to fall asleep or maintain sleep despite physical tiredness, often characteri...
- Itchiness— A persistent, diffuse urge to scratch the skin that arises without any external irritant, most commo...
- Muscle relaxation— The experience of muscles throughout the body losing their rigidity and tension, becoming noticeably...
- Nausea— An uncomfortable sensation of queasiness and stomach discomfort that may or may not lead to vomiting...
- Respiratory depression— A dangerous slowing and shallowing of breathing that can progress from barely noticeable reductions ...
- Sedation— A state of deep physical and mental calming that manifests as a progressive desire to remain still, ...
- Seizure— Uncontrolled brain electrical activity causing convulsions and loss of consciousness -- a life-threa...
- Tremors— Involuntary rhythmic shaking of the hands, limbs, or body, ranging from fine tremor to gross shaking...
Tactile(1)
- Tactile hallucination— Tactile hallucinations are convincing physical sensations experienced without any corresponding exte...
Cognitive & Perceptual Effects
Cognitive(11)
- Amnesia— A complete or partial inability to form new memories or recall existing ones during and after substa...
- Anxiety— Intense feelings of apprehension, worry, and dread that can range from a subtle background unease to...
- Anxiety suppression— A partial to complete suppression of anxiety and general unease, producing a calm, relaxed mental st...
- Confusion— An impairment of abstract thinking marked by a persistent inability to grasp or comprehend concepts ...
- Delirium— Delirium is a serious and potentially dangerous state of acute mental confusion involving disorienta...
- Delusion— A delusion is a fixed, false belief that is held with unshakeable certainty and is impervious to con...
- Depersonalization— A detachment from one's own sense of self, body, or mental processes, as if observing oneself from o...
- Depression— A persistent state of low mood, emotional numbness, hopelessness, and diminished interest or pleasur...
- Disinhibition— A marked reduction in social inhibitions, self-consciousness, and behavioral restraint that manifest...
- Mania— Abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity with impulsive behavior and grandiosity, associated w...
- Psychosis— Psychosis is a serious psychiatric state involving a fundamental break from consensus reality — char...
Auditory(1)
- Auditory hallucination— Auditory hallucination is the perception of sounds that have no external source — hearing music, voi...
Pharmacology
Baclofen produces its effects by activating the GABAB receptor, similar to the drug phenibut which also activates this receptor and shares some of its effects. Baclofen is postulated to block mono-and-polysynaptic reflexes by acting as an inhibitory ligand, inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters.
Similarly to phenibut (β-phenyl-GABA), as well as pregabalin (β-isobutyl-GABA), which are close analogues of baclofen, baclofen (β-(4-chlorophenyl)-GABA) has been found to block α2δ subunit-containing voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). However, it is weaker relative to phenibut in this action (Ki = 23 and 39 μM for R- and S-phenibut and 156 μM for baclofen).
Moreover, baclofen is in the range of 100-fold more potent by weight as an agonist of the GABAB receptor in comparison to phenibut, and in accordance, is used at far lower relative dosages. As such, the actions of baclofen on α2δ subunit-containing VGCCs are likely not clinically-relevant.
The drug is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and is widely distributed throughout the body. Biotransformation is low: the drug is predominantly excreted unchanged by the kidneys.
Baclofen is often compared to phenibut, but more "messy", less euphoric, anxiolytic, and causing a stronger dizziness.
low toxicity relative to dose. However, it is lethal when mixed with depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids]].
It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance. -moderately physically and psychologically addictive. Discontinuation of baclofen can be associated with a withdrawal syndrome which resembles benzodiazepine withdrawal and alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely if baclofen is used for long periods of time (more than a couple of weeks) and can occur from low or high doses.
The severity of baclofen withdrawal depends on the rate at which it is discontinued. Abrupt withdrawal is more likely to result in severe withdrawal symptoms. Acute withdrawal symptoms can be stopped by recommencing baclofen.
Tolerance will develop to the sedative-within a couple of days of continuous use. After cessation,7 - 14 days.
Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction. Withdrawal symptoms may include auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, tactile hallucinations, delusions, confusion, delirium, disorientation, fluctuation of consciousness, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, inattention, memory impairments, perceptual disturbances, itchiness, anxiety, depersonalization, hypertonia, hyperthermia, psychosis, mania, mood disturbances, tachycardia, seizures, tremors, autonomic dysfunction, hyperpyrexia (fever), extreme muscle rigidity resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome and rebound spasticity.
Baclofen produces cross-tolerance with Cross-all GABAgenic depressants, meaning that after its consumption, depressants will have a reduced effect. -Depressants** (1,4-Butanediol, 2M2B,Alcohol,Benzodiazepines,Barbiturates,GHB/GBL,Methaqualone,Opioids) - This combination can result in dangerous or even fatal levels of respiratory depression. These substances potentiate the muscle relaxation, sedation and amnesia caused by one another and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Dissociatives** - This combination can result in an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and dying from the resulting suffocation. If a sudden loss of consciousness occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Stimulants** - It is dangerous to combine baclofen with stimulants due to the risk of excessive intoxication. Stimulants mask the sedative effect of baclofen, which is the main factor most people consider when determining their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the effects of baclofen will be significantly increased, leading to intensified disinhibition as well as other effects. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to only dosing a certain amount of baclofen per hour. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if hydration is not monitored.
Germany: Baclofen is a prescription medicine, according to Anlage 1 AMVV.
Russia: Baclofen is available through a prescription. Storing and transporting baclofen without a prescription can be considered a crime and result in criminal prosecution.
Sweden: Baclofen is available through a prescription.
Turkey: Baclofen is available at pharmacies without prescription.
United States: Baclofen is not a scheduled substance, but may only be sold with a prescription.
Responsible use
Gabapentinoid
GABA
Phenibut
Pregabalin
Baclofen (Wikipedia)
Baclofen (Erowid Vault)
Baclofen (Isomer Design)
Detection Methods
Standard Drug Panel Inclusion
Baclofen is NOT included on any standard drug screening panel. It is not a controlled substance in most jurisdictions and is not tested for on 5-panel, 10-panel, or extended drug panels. Baclofen is a GABA-B receptor agonist prescribed for muscle spasticity, and no immunoassay-based detection method exists for this compound class.
Urine Detection
Baclofen is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, with approximately 70 to 85 percent of a dose recovered as the parent compound. Urine detection windows are approximately 2 to 4 days after a single dose. The compound's half-life ranges from 2 to 6 hours in patients with normal renal function but can extend significantly in renal impairment. Detection requires LC-MS/MS or GC-MS methods specifically targeting baclofen.
Blood and Serum Detection
Blood detection is possible for 12 to 36 hours after a single dose. Therapeutic plasma concentrations range from 80 to 400 ng/mL. Concentrations associated with toxicity typically exceed 1000 ng/mL. Blood analysis is most relevant in clinical toxicology when baclofen overdose is suspected, particularly in patients using intrathecal baclofen pumps where withdrawal and overdose are medical emergencies.
Hair Follicle Detection
No validated hair testing methods exist for baclofen. The compound is not routinely targeted in forensic hair analysis.
Confirmatory Methods
LC-MS/MS is the preferred method for baclofen confirmation, providing excellent sensitivity and specificity. GC-MS with derivatization is also applicable. The relatively simple chemical structure and the high proportion of unchanged drug in urine make analytical identification straightforward when specifically targeted.
Reagent Testing
No established reagent testing protocols exist for baclofen. Standard harm reduction reagents do not produce diagnostic reactions with GABA-B agonists. Pharmaceutical-grade baclofen is widely available and does not typically require reagent verification.
Interactions
| Substance | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Dangerous | — |
| Atropa belladonna | Dangerous | Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure |
| Barbiturates | Dangerous | — |
| Benzodiazepines | Dangerous | — |
| Cake | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Datura | Dangerous | Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure |
| Deschloroetizolam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Desomorphine | Dangerous | Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose |
| Diclazepam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Diphenhydramine | Dangerous | Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure |
| Dissociatives | Dangerous | — |
| Eszopiclone | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Etizolam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Flubromazepam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Flubromazolam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Flunitrazepam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Flunitrazolam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Gaboxadol | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| GBL | Dangerous | — |
| GHB | Dangerous | — |
| Harmala alkaloid | Dangerous | Unpredictable potentiation of CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Lorazepam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Mephenaqualone | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Methaqualone | Dangerous | — |
| Metizolam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Midazolam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Naloxone | Dangerous | Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose |
| Nicotine | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Nifoxipam | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Opioids | Dangerous | — |
| Peganum harmala | Dangerous | Unpredictable potentiation of CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Pentobarbital | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| Phenobarbital | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| SAMe | Dangerous | Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure |
| 3-Cl-PCP | Caution | Both cause CNS depression; increased risk of vomiting, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression |
| 3-FMA | Caution | Masks the effects of each drug; risk of overdosing when one wears off before the other |
| 3-HO-PCE | Caution | Both cause CNS depression; increased risk of vomiting, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression |
| 3-HO-PCP | Caution | Both cause CNS depression; increased risk of vomiting, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression |
| 3-MeO-PCE | Caution | Both cause CNS depression; increased risk of vomiting, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression |
| 1,3-Butanediol | Low Risk & Decrease | Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers |
| 25E-NBOH | Low Risk & Decrease | Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers |
| 2C-T | Low Risk & Decrease | Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers |
| 2C-T-2 | Low Risk & Decrease | Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers |
| 2C-T-21 | Low Risk & Decrease | Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers |
History
Baclofen was synthesized in 1962 by Heinrich Keberle at Ciba (pharmaceutical company) in Basel, Switzerland, based on the idea of enhancing the lipophilicity of GABA in order to achieve penetration of the blood-brain barrier.
Baclofen is a derivative of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), except with a chlorine-substituted phenyl group in the β-position of the molecule.
It has an almost identical chemical structure to F-phenibut (only replacing a fluorine with a chlorine atom in the para-position of the phenyl group).
It is a chiral molecule and thus has two potential configurations as (R)- and (S)-enantiomers.
Baclofen is a white (or sometimes off-white) mostly odorless crystalline powder, with a molecular weight of 213.66 g/mol and it is somewhat soluble in water.
Baclofen produces its effects by activating the GABAB receptor, similar to the drug phenibut which also activates this receptor and shares some of its effects. Baclofen is postulated to block mono-and-polysynaptic reflexes by acting as an inhibitory ligand, inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters.
Similarly to phenibut (β-phenyl-GABA), as well as pregabalin (β-isobutyl-GABA), which are close analogues of baclofen, baclofen (β-(4-chlorophenyl)-GABA) has been found to block α2δ subunit-containing voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). However, it is weaker relative to phenibut in this action (Ki = 23 and 39 μM for R- and S-phenibut and 156 μM for baclofen).
Moreover, baclofen is in the range of 100-fold more potent by weight as an agonist of the GABAB receptor in comparison to phenibut, and in accordance, is used at far lower relative dosages. As such, the actions of baclofen on α2δ subunit-containing VGCCs are likely not clinically-relevant.
The drug is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and is widely distributed throughout the body. Biotransformation is low: the drug is predominantly excreted unchanged by the kidneys.
Baclofen is often compared to phenibut, but more "messy", less euphoric, anxiolytic, and causing a stronger dizziness.
low toxicity relative to dose. However, it is lethal when mixed with depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids]].
It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance. -moderately physically and psychologically addictive. Discontinuation of baclofen can be associated with a withdrawal syndrome which resembles benzodiazepine withdrawal and alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely if baclofen is used for long periods of time (more than a couple of weeks) and can occur from low or high doses.
The severity of baclofen withdrawal depends on the rate at which it is discontinued. Abrupt withdrawal is more likely to result in severe withdrawal symptoms. Acute withdrawal symptoms can be stopped by recommencing baclofen.
Tolerance will develop to the sedative-within a couple of days of continuous use. After cessation,7 - 14 days.
Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction. Withdrawal symptoms may include auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, tactile hallucinations, delusions, confusion, delirium, disorientation, fluctuation of consciousness, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, inattention, memory impairments, perceptual disturbances, itchiness, anxiety, depersonalization, hypertonia, hyperthermia, psychosis, mania, mood disturbances, tachycardia, seizures, tremors, autonomic dysfunction, hyperpyrexia (fever), extreme muscle rigidity resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome and rebound spasticity.
Baclofen produces cross-tolerance with Cross-all GABAgenic depressants, meaning that after its consumption, depressants will have a reduced effect. -Depressants** (1,4-Butanediol, 2M2B,Alcohol,Benzodiazepines,Barbiturates,GHB/GBL,Methaqualone,Opioids) - This combination can result in dangerous or even fatal levels of respiratory depression. These substances potentiate the muscle relaxation, sedation and amnesia caused by one another and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Dissociatives** - This combination can result in an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and dying from the resulting suffocation. If a sudden loss of consciousness occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Stimulants** - It is dangerous to combine baclofen with stimulants due to the risk of excessive intoxication. Stimulants mask the sedative effect of baclofen, which is the main factor most people consider when determining their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the effects of baclofen will be significantly increased, leading to intensified disinhibition as well as other effects. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to only dosing a certain amount of baclofen per hour. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if hydration is not monitored.
Germany: Baclofen is a prescription medicine, according to Anlage 1 AMVV.
Russia: Baclofen is available through a prescription. Storing and transporting baclofen without a prescription can be considered a crime and result in criminal prosecution.
Sweden: Baclofen is available through a prescription.
Turkey: Baclofen is available at pharmacies without prescription.
United States: Baclofen is not a scheduled substance, but may only be sold with a prescription.
Responsible use
Gabapentinoid
GABA
Phenibut
F-Phenibut
Pregabalin
Baclofen (Wikipedia)
Baclofen (Erowid Vault)
Baclofen (Isomer Design)
Harm Reduction
-moderately physically and psychologically addictive. Discontinuation of baclofen can be associated with a withdrawal syndrome which resembles benzodiazepine withdrawal and alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely if baclofen is used for long periods of time (more than a couple of weeks) and can occur from low or high doses.
The severity of baclofen withdrawal depends on the rate at which it is discontinued. Abrupt withdrawal is more likely to result in severe withdrawal symptoms. Acute withdrawal symptoms can be stopped by recommencing baclofen.
Tolerance will develop to the sedative-within a couple of days of continuous use. After cessation,7 - 14 days.
Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction. Withdrawal symptoms may include auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, tactile hallucinations, delusions, confusion, delirium, disorientation, fluctuation of consciousness, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, inattention, memory impairments, perceptual disturbances, itchiness, anxiety, depersonalization, hypertonia, hyperthermia, psychosis, mania, mood disturbances, tachycardia, seizures, tremors, autonomic dysfunction, hyperpyrexia (fever), extreme muscle rigidity resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome and rebound spasticity.
Baclofen produces cross-tolerance with Cross-all GABAgenic depressants, meaning that after its consumption, depressants will have a reduced effect. -Depressants** (*1,4-Butanediol, 2M2B,Alcohol,Benzodiazepines,Barbiturates, DangerousInt
Toxicity & Safety
Baclofen has a low toxicity relative to dose. However, it is potentially lethal when mixed with depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids.
It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance.
Dependence and abuse potential
Baclofen is moderately physically and psychologically addictive. Discontinuation of baclofen can be associated with a withdrawal syndrome which resembles benzodiazepine withdrawal and alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely if baclofen is used for long periods of time (more than a couple of weeks) and can occur from low or high doses.
The severity of baclofen withdrawal depends on the rate at which it is discontinued. Abrupt withdrawal is more likely to result in severe withdrawal symptoms. Acute withdrawal symptoms can be stopped by recommencing baclofen.
Tolerance will develop to the sedative-hypnotic effects within a couple of days of continuous use. After cessation, the tolerance returns to baseline in 7 - 14 days.
Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction. Withdrawal symptoms may include auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, tactile hallucinations, delusions, confusion, delirium, disorientation, fluctuation of consciousness, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, inattention, memory impairments, perceptual disturbances, itchiness, anxiety, depersonalization, hypertonia, hyperthermia, psychosis, mania, mood disturbances, tachycardia, seizures, tremors, autonomic dysfunction, hyperpyrexia (fever), extreme muscle rigidity resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome and rebound spasticity.
Baclofen produces cross-tolerance with all GABAgenic depressants, meaning that after its consumption, depressants will have a reduced effect.
Dangerous interactions
Warning: Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).
Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.
Depressants (1,4-Butanediol, 2M2B, Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, GHB/GBL, Methaqualone, Opioids) - This combination can result in dangerous or even fatal levels of respiratory depression. These substances potentiate the muscle relaxation, sedation and amnesia caused by one another and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Dissociatives - This combination can result in an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and dying from the resulting suffocation. If a sudden loss of consciousness occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Stimulants - It is dangerous to combine baclofen with stimulants due to the risk of excessive intoxication. Stimulants mask the sedative effect of baclofen, which is the main factor most people consider when determining their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the effects of baclofen will be significantly increased, leading to intensified disinhibition as well as other effects. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to only dosing a certain amount of baclofen per hour. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if hydration is not monitored.
Addiction Potential
moderately physically and psychologically addictive
Overdose Information
fatal levels of respiratory depression. These substances potentiate the muscle relaxation, sedation and amnesia caused by one another and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it. -Dissociatives** - This combination can result in an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and dying from the resulting suffocation. If a sudden loss of consciousness occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it. -Stimulants** - It is dangerous to combine baclofen with stimulants due to the risk of excessive intoxication. Stimulants mask the sedative effect of baclofen, which is the main factor most people consider when determining their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the effects of baclofen will be significantly increased, leading to intensified disinhibition as well as other effects. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to only dosing a certain amount of baclofen per hour. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if hydration is not monitored.
Germany: Baclofen is a prescription medicine, according to Anlage 1 AMVV.
Russia: Baclofen is available through a prescription. Storing and transporting baclofen without a prescription can be considered a crime and result in criminal prosecution.
Sweden: Baclofen is available through a prescription.
Turkey: Baclofen is available at pharmacies without prescription.
United States: Baclofen is not a scheduled substance, but may only be sold with a prescription.
Responsible use
Gabapentinoid
B
Dangerous Interactions
The combinations listed below may be life-threatening. Independent research should always be conducted to ensure safety when combining substances.
Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Compounding CNS depression with anticholinergic effects; risk of cardiac events and respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Unpredictable potentiation of CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Severe respiratory depression risk; leading cause of polydrug overdose
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Unpredictable potentiation of CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Combined CNS depression; risk of respiratory failure
Tolerance
| Full | within a couple of days of continuous use |
| Half | Unknown |
| Zero | 7 - 14 days |
Cross-tolerances
Legal Status
Germany: Baclofen is a prescription medicine, according to Anlage 1 AMVV.
Russia: Baclofen is available through a prescription. Storing and transporting baclofen without a prescription can be considered a crime and result in criminal prosecution.
Sweden: Baclofen is available through a prescription.
Turkey: Baclofen is available at pharmacies without prescription.
United States: Baclofen is not a scheduled substance, but may only be sold with a prescription.
Responsible use
Gabapentinoid
Baclofen (Wikipedia)
Baclofen (Erowid Vault)
Baclofen (Isomer Design)
Experience Reports (1)
Tips (6)
The recreational effects of Baclofen are dose-dependent and unpredictable. What feels euphoric at one dose can cause severe dizziness, ataxia, and double vision at a slightly higher dose.
If using Baclofen recreationally, do not drive or operate machinery. Gabapentinoids impair motor coordination and reaction time significantly, similar to alcohol intoxication.
Like other GABAergic drugs, baclofen should be tapered gradually when discontinuing. Abrupt cessation after regular use can cause withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and in severe cases, hallucinations and seizures. A typical taper reduces by 5-10mg every few days. Always taper under medical supervision.
Do not increase baclofen dosage without medical guidance. Rapidly escalating from prescribed doses to 100mg+ carries risk of severe sedation, respiratory depression, and seizures. Baclofen overdose can cause loss of consciousness and requires emergency medical treatment. If your prescribed dose stops working, contact your doctor rather than self-adjusting.
Baclofen is a GABA-B agonist and should never be combined with other GABAergic substances (alcohol, benzodiazepines, GHB, phenibut) due to compounding respiratory depression risk. Be aware that some herbal supplements like passionflower may interact with GABA-B receptor activity, potentially altering baclofen's effects in unpredictable ways.
Rebound anxiety after Baclofen wears off can be worse than baseline anxiety. This drives a cycle of escalating use. Recognize this pattern early and seek alternative anxiety management.
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References (3)
- PubChem: Baclofen
PubChem compound page for Baclofen (CID: 2284)
pubchem - Baclofen - TripSit Factsheet
TripSit factsheet for Baclofen
tripsit - Baclofen - Wikipedia
Wikipedia article on Baclofen
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