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

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.