A client is receiving baclofen for muscle spasms. Which symptom is a side effect?

A client is receiving baclofen for muscle spasms. Which symptom is a side effect?

• A. Nausea
• B. Slurred speech
• C. Dizziness
• D. Headache

Answer: (B)

Baclofen works by dampening nerve activity in the central nervous system to reduce muscle spasm. That depressant effect on the brain can blunt coordination and the muscles used for speaking, leading to slurred speech. So, this symptom directly reflects the drug’s impact on CNS function related to motor control. While nausea, dizziness, and headache can occur with many medications, slurred speech is a more specific manifestation of baclofen’s CNS effects on speech and articulation, making it the most fitting side effect among the options. If this happens, safety and dosing considerations should be reviewed.

Baclofen works by dampening nerve activity in the central nervous system to reduce muscle spasm. That depressant effect on the brain can blunt coordination and the muscles used for speaking, leading to slurred speech. So, this symptom directly reflects the drug’s impact on CNS function related to motor control. While nausea, dizziness, and headache can occur with many medications, slurred speech is a more specific manifestation of baclofen’s CNS effects on speech and articulation, making it the most fitting side effect among the options. If this happens, safety and dosing considerations should be reviewed.