Discharge instructions for a client receiving baclofen should include which instruction?

Discharge instructions for a client receiving baclofen should include which instruction?

• A. Do not take with meals.
• B. Increase caffeine intake.
• C. Avoid the use of alcohol.
• D. Start a daily vitamin C supplement.

Answer: (C)

The safety principle here is avoiding substances that increase central nervous system depression when taking baclofen. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed reaction time. Alcohol also depresses the CNS, and using both together can markedly amplify these effects, raising the risk of severe sedation, impaired coordination, and even respiratory depression. That’s why avoiding alcohol is the best discharge instruction. There’s no need to avoid meals in relation to baclofen—the medication can be taken with or without food. Increasing caffeine intake isn’t a standard or necessary instruction and could cause jitters or sleep disturbances, which isn’t helpful when trying to manage baclofen’s sedative effects. Starting a vitamin C supplement doesn’t relate to the medication’s action or safety profile.

The safety principle here is avoiding substances that increase central nervous system depression when taking baclofen. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed reaction time. Alcohol also depresses the CNS, and using both together can markedly amplify these effects, raising the risk of severe sedation, impaired coordination, and even respiratory depression. That’s why avoiding alcohol is the best discharge instruction.

There’s no need to avoid meals in relation to baclofen—the medication can be taken with or without food. Increasing caffeine intake isn’t a standard or necessary instruction and could cause jitters or sleep disturbances, which isn’t helpful when trying to manage baclofen’s sedative effects. Starting a vitamin C supplement doesn’t relate to the medication’s action or safety profile.