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Case Report Volume 12 Issue 2
Resolution of central sleep Apnea following baclofen discontinuation in a patient with restless legs syndrome
Hyndavi B Dasari, Faheem Jafri, Barry A Cohen, Bilal Chaudhry
Received: September 24, 2025 | Published: October 28, 2025
Citation: Dasari HB, Jafri F, Cohen BA, et al. Resolution of central sleep apnea following baclofen discontinuation in a patient with restless legs syndrome. J Lung Pulm Respir Res. 2025;12(2):39-40. DOI: 10.15406/jlprr.2025.12.00331
Abstract
Background: Central sleep apnea (CSA) is characterized by a lack of respiratory effort during sleep and may be triggered by medications affecting central respiratory control. Baclofen, a GABAB agonist used for spasticity and sometimes for restless legs syndrome (RLS), has been associated with respiratory depression, although reports of CSA are limited. Case Report: A middle-aged patient with RLS was treating it with baclofen. The patient reported increased fatigue and disrupted sleep. Polysomnography revealed an apneahypopnea index (AHI) of 19.3 events per hour from central sleep apnea along with an AHI of 11.1 events per hour from obstructive events. After discontinuing baclofen, repeat polysomnography showed resolution of central apneas. Discussion: This case suggests a causal relationship between baclofen use and CSA, likely due to its central depressant effects on respiratory drive. While baclofen is not commonly recognized as a cause of CSA, clinicians should consider it in the differential diagnosis, especially when symptoms emerge after medication changes. Conclusion: Baclofen may induce central sleep apnea in susceptible individuals. Recognition of this association is important, as discontinuation of the drug can lead to full resolution of symptoms and normalization of sleep-disordered breathing.
Keywords: Central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, baclofen, restless legs syndrome, mixed sleep apnea, GABA agonist
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