Can you drink on Baclofen?

In this article:

• Baclofen and alcohol
• Baclofen interaction with alcohol
• Contraindications
• Baclofen and alcohol use disorder
• Baclofen alternatives
• The bottom line

In this article

• Baclofen and alcohol
• Baclofen interaction with alcohol
• Contraindications
• Baclofen and alcohol use disorder
• Baclofen alternatives
• The bottom line

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant often prescribed to treat muscle spasms. It’s often prescribed for people with muscle spasticity or tightness from multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or certain types of spinal cord injuries. If you are taking baclofen, you might wonder whether it’s safe to drink—especially if you’re heading to an event where alcohol will be served. 

Both substances can slow the central nervous system (CNS) and cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. Therefore, it’s not generally recommended to mix alcohol with baclofen. Although some people may be able to drink alcohol in moderation, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before considering drinking while on treatment.

Can you drink while taking baclofen?

A double-blind study of heavy social drinkers suggests that baclofen is safe to take with alcohol. However, you should use caution when first starting on the medication—when side effects are more likely to occur—and always consult a healthcare provider before drinking on this medication. 

Some people who have been on their target dose of baclofen and know how the drug affects them may be able to drink in moderation. Drinking in moderation generally means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

What happens if you mix baclofen and alcohol?

Combining baclofen and alcohol may cause various mental and physical side effects. As both work on the central nervous system, they often cause overlapping CNS depressant side effects that are especially common when you begin taking Baclofen.

Drowsiness

One of the most common side effects of baclofen is drowsiness or sedation. Alcohol can also cause you to feel drowsy, which can lead to increased sleepiness when consumed with baclofen. Taking baclofen and alcohol together can greatly impair judgment and slow reaction times, which may be particularly dangerous while driving or operating machinery.

Dizziness

Dizziness is another potential problem when mixing baclofen and alcohol. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is a potential side effect of baclofen that can result in lightheadedness or a spinning sensation. Alcohol can have similar side effects. Impaired coordination after drinking alcohol on baclofen may increase the risk of falls and accidents.

Headache

You could also experience headaches after combining baclofen and alcohol. Headaches can vary in intensity, from mild discomfort to severe and throbbing pain. These headaches may occur as a side effect of baclofen and be worsened by dehydration from increased alcohol consumption. Managing these headaches can be difficult, especially if other symptoms like dizziness or drowsiness are also present.

Insomnia

Although both baclofen can cause drowsiness, some people have the opposite problem: They can’t sleep while taking it. Similarly, alcohol can interfere with the sleep cycle by disrupting REM sleep and causing poor-quality sleep. This may cause worsened insomnia when combined with baclofen.

Nausea

Nausea is a potential side effect of baclofen. Alcohol can also lead to feelings of queasiness or an upset stomach. When alcohol is mixed with baclofen, nausea may become more serious, potentially leading to vomiting. In severe cases, nausea and vomiting can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Side effects can vary from person to person and may become more intense with higher doses of baclofen or alcohol. Use caution and monitor for adverse effects if you’re given the go-ahead to drink alcohol during baclofen treatment. Do not stop taking Baclofen or skip a dose in favor of having a drink. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause increased muscle spasms, mood changes, and even seizures (especially in people with epilepsy).

Are certain people at greater risk of side effects?

Some people are at higher risk of adverse events from mixing baclofen and alcohol. Age and health conditions—particularly related to the kidneys—may affect a person’s risk of side effects.

Older adults

Older adults might experience stronger side effects because their bodies process substances like baclofen and alcohol differently. As a person ages, their metabolism slows down, affecting how drugs are absorbed and eliminated. This can lead to more serious effects of both substances, such as severe drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness.

Aging may also come with other medical conditions, like kidney or liver disease, which can affect how the body breaks down alcohol and medications. In addition, older adults might take other drugs that can interact with baclofen or alcohol, such as benzodiazepines and antidepressants, further increasing health risks.

People with kidney problems

Baclofen is mainly processed by the kidneys. Therefore, if you have kidney problems, you may need to use extra caution with the use of baclofen, as drug levels can build up. A healthcare provider may prescribe baclofen at a lower dosage to reduce the risk of side effects.

Heavy drinking may damage the kidneys, affecting how the kidneys clear baclofen from the body. Kidney damage from alcohol use can lead to increased side effects when taking baclofen.

People with multiple sclerosis

Alcohol can make certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis worse. It can increase the need to urinate, which might be a problem for people with MS who already have bladder problems. Alcohol may also affect mood and thinking, possibly leading to depression and confusion. In addition, alcohol can worsen problems with coordination, increasing the chance of falls. These effects are especially serious for people with MS because the condition already makes it harder to control mood, thinking, and movement.

Drinking alcohol can affect how well multiple sclerosis medications work. It might make the side effects of the drugs stronger or change how the body handles the medication.

People taking high doses

It’s important to note the risk of baclofen overdose, particularly among those receiving high-dose treatment. Serious adverse effects can occur with doses over 200 mg per day. These include changes in heart rate, respiratory depression, impairment of blood pressure regulation, seizures, and weakness or paralysis in the limbs.

Baclofen withdrawal syndrome may also occur after abruptly stopping the drug, especially after taking a high dose for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms might include mental health problems (delusions, hallucinations, and psychosis), seizures, visual changes, hyperthermia (high body temperature), and increased spasticity (muscle stiffness).

How does baclofen work for alcohol use disorder?

Baclofen is sometimes used off-label to help people with substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Some people with alcohol dependence may find that baclofen helps them control their alcohol intake and reduces their urge to drink—helping them stay sober for longer periods. A clinical trial involving outpatient alcohol-dependent individuals with liver cirrhosis showed that 71% of those taking baclofen for 12 weeks were able to stay alcohol-free, compared to only 29% in the placebo group.

Baclofen, a GABA-B receptor agonist, targets certain receptors that may be involved in reducing cravings and helping with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. In a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of baclofen in this regard, researchers found that baclofen likely reduces the risk of relapse and increases abstinent days without alcohol. This benefit is seen mainly in those who have gone through detox before starting the medication.

Alternative medications, such as naltrexone and acamprosate, are more commonly used for alcohol use disorder.

Are all muscle relaxers affected by alcohol?

Most muscle relaxers can be affected by alcohol. These types of drugs and alcohol can slow down the nervous system, leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and a lack of coordination. The effects can vary depending on how a person reacts to the medication and alcohol, how long they have been taking the medicine, and the amount of alcohol consumed.

Other muscle relaxers affected by alcohol include:

• Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
• Zanaflex (tizanidine)
• Robaxin (methocarbamol)
• Soma (carisoprodol)

Besides muscle relaxants like baclofen, Valium (diazepam) is also approved for muscle spasms. Diazepam is a type of benzodiazepine that can be particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol due to increased sedation. Medications with CNS depressant side effects may interact with alcohol in different ways, but caution is generally recommended for all of them.

The bottom line

Mixing a muscle relaxant like baclofen with alcohol isn’t typically recommended because both can make you sleepy and dizzy—especially when first starting the medication. Mixing baclofen and alcohol can be especially risky for older adults and people with kidney problems. Some people might be able to drink in moderation while on baclofen, but it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider first.