A woman with multiple sclerosis takes oral baclofen 20 mg three times daily for severe spasticity. It is causing daytime somnolence but remains

Question

A woman with multiple sclerosis takes oral baclofen 20 mg three times daily for severe spasticity. It is causing daytime somnolence but remains effective. She asks whether she can stop it today. What is the safest advice?

Accepted Answer

Plan a gradual dose reduction over about one to two weeks unless urgent toxicity mandates stopping

Answer

Double the evening dose for one week before stopping all daytime doses

Answer

Continue indefinitely because baclofen should never be withdrawn in multiple sclerosis

Answer

Stop immediately because clinically important withdrawal occurs only with intrathecal baclofen

Answer

Stop immediately and use diazepam only if spasticity recurs

Baclofen Withdrawal — SCE Neurology MCQ

A woman with multiple sclerosis takes oral baclofen 20 mg three times daily for severe spasticity. It is causing daytime somnolence but remains effective. She asks whether she can stop it today. What is the safest advice?