NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Baclofen

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

A GABA-B receptor agonist used for the treatment of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and other spinal cord diseases. Baclofen is also available as an intrathecal formulation for severe spasticity not adequately managed by oral therapy. It is sometimes used off-label for alcohol use disorder.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2019–2024
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

A GABA-B receptor agonist used for the treatment of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and other spinal cord diseases. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is Oral: start 5 mg three times daily, titrate to 40–80 mg/day in divided doses (max 80 mg/day); Intrathecal: individualized (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Reduction of spasticity from spinal cord lesions6
  • Treatment of MS-related spasticity4,6
  • Relief of muscle spasms and clonus7
  • Intrathecal delivery for severe refractory spasticity1,3
What to watch for
  • Drowsiness and sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Known hypersensitivity to baclofen1,2
  • Do not abruptly withdraw (risk of life-threatening withdrawal syndrome)4

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: reduction of spasticity from spinal cord lesions, treatment of ms-related spasticity, relief of muscle spasms and clonus. 10 sources indexed (2019–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Acts as an agonist at GABA-B receptors in the spinal cord and brain. By activating presynaptic GABA-B receptors, baclofen inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters (glutamate, aspartate) at spinal motor neuron synapses, reducing monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes. This decreases muscle tone and the frequency of muscle spasms without directly affecting neuromuscular transmission.6

Class
Skeletal Muscle Relaxant (Antispastic)
Absorption
Water-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
Oral: start 5 mg three times daily, titrate to 40–80 mg/day in divided doses (max 80 mg/day); Intrathecal: individualized (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet or intrathecal injection (via pump)

Take with food to reduce GI side effects; do not abruptly discontinue, taper gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms8

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Drowsiness and sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Confusion (especially in elderly)
  • Withdrawal syndrome if abruptly discontinued (hallucinations, seizures, rebound spasticity)

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to baclofen1,2
  • Do not abruptly withdraw (risk of life-threatening withdrawal syndrome)4
  • Caution in renal impairment (primarily renally excreted)
  • Caution in patients with seizure disorders (may lower seizure threshold)
  • Caution in elderly patients (increased CNS side effects)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

5

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Baclofen, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Baclofen?

A GABA-B receptor agonist used for the treatment of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and other spinal cord diseases. Baclofen is also available as an intrathecal formulation for severe spasticity not adequately managed by oral therapy. It is sometimes used off-label for alcohol use disorder.

What is Baclofen used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Baclofen include: Reduction of spasticity from spinal cord lesions; Treatment of MS-related spasticity; Relief of muscle spasms and clonus; Intrathecal delivery for severe refractory spasticity. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Baclofen?

A typical adult dose of Baclofen is Oral: start 5 mg three times daily, titrate to 40–80 mg/day in divided doses (max 80 mg/day); Intrathecal: individualized (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet or intrathecal injection (via pump). These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Baclofen?

Reported side effects include drowsiness and sedation, dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache, confusion (especially in elderly). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Baclofen?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Baclofen in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

Download on the App Store → Read the methodology

NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.