A client receiving baclofen should be taught to do which?

A client receiving baclofen should be taught to do which?

• A. Increase caffeine intake
• B. Avoid the use of alcohol
• C. Stop the medication abruptly
• D. Start an exercise program

Answer: (B)

Baclofen depresses the central nervous system to reduce muscle spasticity, so anything that also depresses the CNS—like alcohol—can greatly increase drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This combination also raises the risk of respiratory depression in severe cases. Because of these dangers, the most important teaching is to avoid alcohol while taking baclofen. Other ideas like increasing caffeine intake don’t address the primary safety concern with baclofen and alcohol. Stopping the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so it’s not about a single “do this now” action but about overall safety with the drug. Starting an exercise program is beneficial in general but isn’t the specific precaution highlighted for baclofen therapy.

Baclofen depresses the central nervous system to reduce muscle spasticity, so anything that also depresses the CNS—like alcohol—can greatly increase drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This combination also raises the risk of respiratory depression in severe cases. Because of these dangers, the most important teaching is to avoid alcohol while taking baclofen.

Other ideas like increasing caffeine intake don’t address the primary safety concern with baclofen and alcohol. Stopping the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so it’s not about a single “do this now” action but about overall safety with the drug. Starting an exercise program is beneficial in general but isn’t the specific precaution highlighted for baclofen therapy.