From the Research
Baclofen overdose typically progresses through several stages over hours, with symptoms beginning within 1-2 hours after ingestion, as seen in a study published in 2020 1. The timeline of a baclofen overdose can be broken down into several key stages:
- Initial symptoms: drowsiness, confusion, and respiratory depression, which can occur within 1-2 hours after ingestion, as reported in a study published in 1998 2.
- Peak symptoms: seizures, coma, cardiovascular complications (including hypotension and bradycardia), and hypothermia, which can occur between 6-12 hours post-ingestion, as described in a study published in 2020 1.
- Prolonged coma: lasting 24-72 hours due to the drug's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and its variable elimination half-life, as noted in a study published in 1998 2.
- Recovery: typically begins after 24-48 hours as the drug is eliminated, though complete clearance may take 2-4 days in severe cases, especially with kidney dysfunction, as reported in a study published in 1983 3. It is essential to note that patients with pre-existing renal impairment face extended elimination times and potentially longer-lasting symptoms, as described in a study published in 1998 4. Treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on maintaining respiratory and cardiovascular function, as emphasized in a study published in 2008 5. Baclofen overdose is serious because it affects GABA-B receptors in the central nervous system, causing widespread CNS depression that can be life-threatening without prompt medical intervention, as highlighted in a study published in 2020 1.