A nurse is reinforcing discharge instructions to a client receiving baclofen (Lioresal). Which of the following would the nurse include in the instructions?

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and can cause central nervous system side effects, including sedation and decreased coordination. The use of alcohol can intensify these effects, leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and a higher risk of overdose. Therefore, it is essential for clients taking baclofen to avoid alcohol consumption to ensure their safety and enhance the medication's effectiveness.

Understanding this interaction helps reinforce the importance of safe medication practices. Although managing fluid intake and recognizing other side effects like diarrhea is important, those aspects do not carry the same level of risk of immediate harm as combining baclofen with alcohol. Additionally, while fatigue can be a side effect of baclofen, it is a common occurrence with many medications and does not necessitate an immediate notification unless it becomes severe or persistent. Thus, avoiding alcohol is a critical instruction to maintain safety while on baclofen.