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Generic Name:
Baclofen (BAK-loe-fen)
Brand Names:
Lioresal®
Classification:
Muscle Relaxant
Issue Date:
1978
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and an antispastic agent. The exact way that baclofen
works is unknown. Baclofen is used to relieve the muscle spasms, pain, and
muscular rigidity associated with multiple sclerosis. Baclofen may also be used
for purposes such as FM,
CFS/ME.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Baclofen may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking
baclofen. Do not stop taking baclofen suddenly. Stopping suddenly may cause seizures or
hallucinations. Your doctor will want to gradually reduce you dose.
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How To Use This Medicine
Take baclofen exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- You can take baclofen with or without food.
- Do not stop taking baclofen suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause seizures
or hallucinations.
- Talk to your doctor first if you need to stop taking this medication.
- Store baclofen at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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Discuss With Your Doctor
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- Kidney disease
- Epilepsy or another seizure disorder.
You may not be able to take baclofen, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring
during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not known whether baclofen will harm an unborn baby. Do not take baclofen without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether baclofen
passes into breast milk. Do not take baclofen without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
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If You Miss A Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take a
double dose to make up for a missed one.
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In Case of Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment. Symptoms of a baclofen overdose include:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Slow breathing
- Seizures
- Unusual pupil size
- Coma
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What To Avoid
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Baclofen may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness,
avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness
while you are taking baclofen.
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Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking baclofen and seek
emergency medical attention:
- An allergic reaction:
- difficulty breathing
- closing of your throat
- swelling of your lips, tongue, or face
- hives
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take baclofen and
talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Unusual Fatigue
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Stuffy Nose
- Blurred Vision
- A Rash
- Frequent Urination
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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Drug Interactions
Many drugs can increase the effects of baclofen, which can lead to heavy sedation.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
- brompheniramine (Dimetane®, Bromfed®, others)
- chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®, Teldrin®, others)
- azatadine (Optimine®)
- clemastine (Tavist®), and many others
- meperidine (Demerol®)
- morphine (MS Contin®, MSIR®, others)
- propoxyphene (Darvon®, Darvocet®)
- hydrocodone (Lorcet®, Vicodin®)
- oxycodone (Percocet®, Percodan®)
- fentanyl (Duragesic®)
- codeine (Fiorinal®, Fioricet®, Tylenol #3®, others)
- phenobarbital (Solfoton®, Luminal®)
- amobarbital (Amytal®)
- secobarbital (Seconal®)
- chlorpromazine (Thorazine®)
- fluphenazine (Prolixin®)
- mesoridazine (Serentil®)
- perphenazine (Trilafon®)
- prochlorperazine (Compazine®)
- thioridazine (Mellaril®)
- trifluoperazine (Stelazine®)
- doxepin (Sinequan®)
- imipramine (Tofranil®)
- nortriptyline (Pamelor®)
- fluoxetine (Prozac®)
- paroxetine (Paxil®)
- sertraline (Zoloft®)
- phenelzine (Nardil®)
- tranylcypromine (Parnate®)
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect baclofen. Tell your doctor about all
the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals,
herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication
without telling your doctor.
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Which Dysautonomia Symptoms Are Worst
For You
(Check all that apply)
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