Baclofen and Tinnitus: What You Need to Know About This Unexpected Link
When you take baclofen, a muscle relaxant commonly prescribed for spasticity in conditions like multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. Also known as Lioresal, it works by calming overactive nerve signals in the spinal cord. But for some people, this relief comes with an unexpected side effect: ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, a condition where you hear sounds like ringing, buzzing, or hissing without an external source. It’s not listed as a common side effect on every label, but enough users report it—and enough doctors have seen it—to make it worth paying attention to.
Why does this happen? Baclofen affects GABA-B receptors in the central nervous system. These same receptors are found in the auditory pathways of the brainstem and cochlear nuclei. When baclofen alters signaling there, it can disrupt how the brain processes sound, leading to phantom noises. It’s not the same as hearing loss or ear infection—it’s a neurological glitch. People who’ve taken baclofen for months or years sometimes notice the ringing starts slowly, gets louder with higher doses, and fades after stopping. Others report it kicks in within days. The dose matters: higher doses (above 30 mg/day) are more likely to trigger it, but even low doses can affect sensitive individuals.
It’s also important to rule out other causes. Many people on baclofen also take other meds—like diuretics, NSAIDs, or even antidepressants—that can cause tinnitus on their own. If you’re on multiple drugs, it’s hard to know which one’s to blame. That’s why doctors often recommend a medication review before jumping to conclusions. Some patients find switching to another muscle relaxant like cyclobenzaprine or methocarbamol helps, while others manage by lowering their baclofen dose under supervision. There’s no proven cure for baclofen-induced tinnitus, but stopping or reducing the drug often leads to improvement within weeks.
If you’re dealing with ringing in your ears and you’re on baclofen, don’t ignore it. Track when it started, how loud it is, and whether it changes with your dose. Bring this info to your doctor. They might adjust your treatment, run a hearing test, or refer you to an audiologist. You’re not alone—this isn’t rare, and it’s not all in your head. There’s real science behind it.
Below, you’ll find real-world experiences, medical insights, and practical advice from people who’ve walked this path. Whether you’re trying to figure out if baclofen is the culprit or looking for ways to manage the symptoms, the posts here give you the clear, no-fluff facts you need.