ratio-Baclofen

Brand Name:Apo-Baclofen, Gen-Baclofen, Lioresal Intrathecal, Lioresal Oral, Nu-Baclo, PMS-Baclofen

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Baclofen is most commonly used to help with symptoms of muscle spasm or cramping and tight or rigid muscles that are caused by some medical problems like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or cerebral palsy. It is in a class of medications called muscle relaxants and works in the brain to relax muscles. Relaxed muscles increase mobility and make it somewhat easier to participate in physical therapy programs that are designed to improve the underlying condition.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to baclofen. Tell your doctor if you if you have or have ever had:

  • difficulty going to the bathroom (e.g. urinary incontinence or urinary retention)
  • seizures
  • problems with your kidney or liver
  • mental or emotional problems
  • stroke or other brain disease
  • low blood pressure
  • problems with balance or dizziness
  • breathing problems
  • constipation

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects to this medication include:

  • feeling extremely sleepy and drowsy
  • feeling tired
  • dizziness, lightheadedness
  • feeling weak in the muscles
  • nausea
  • constipation

These side effects are usually related to dose, the use of other medications and other factors (e.g. older age, other medical conditions). As well, some of these side effects may go away with time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you have any risk factors that may make you more sensitive to these side effects. Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue or become worse.

Less common and possibly severe side effects include:

  • confusion, hallucinations - call your doctor immediately
  • low blood pressure, feeling faint when sit or stand up
  • seizures (usually in people who have a history or in people who have stopped the medication abruptly)
  • headache
  • difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • rash or itchiness
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact and may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:
  • drugs that can cause tiredness, sedation, dizziness or increase the chances of having the same side effects - talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following drugs:
  • antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine)
  • opioid pain medications (e.g. codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone)
  • other antidepressants (e.g. sertraline, paroxetine, trazodone), medications for anxiety (e.g. lorazepam, diazepam) and antipsychotics (e.g. risperidone, haloperidol)
  • muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine)
  • drugs for epilepsy (gabapentin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid)
  • If you are taking medications for blood pressure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist as baclofen may increase the chances of having low blood pressure.
  • levodopa/carbidopa: may increase the chances of having side effects such as confusion, hallucinations.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Diabetes: If you have diabetes, baclofen has been shown to increase blood sugar in some people. Check your blood sugar levels frequently and tell your doctor if you notice any unexpected changes in your results.

Lab Tests: Your doctor may order blood tests as some patients have experienced an increase in blood sugar or certain liver enzymes when taking this drug. This is not a frequent occurrence but your doctor will still want to check your blood now and then.

Children: Lower dose is necessary.

Seniors: Can be used but a lower dose is necessary, especially in the beginning as there is a greater chance for having side effects.

Pregnant women: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Baclofen passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this medication will effect them; may cause drowsiness.

Alcohol: Avoid alcohol as it may increase the sedative affects of this drug.

Overdose: If you experience blurred or double vision, convulsions, severe muscle weakness, breathing problems, vomiting or any other unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Do not stop taking this medication until you talk to your doctor first. He or she will wean you off the drug gradually. If you stop suddenly, you could experience serious side effects including hallucinations and seizures.

If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it if it is within the hour of when you were supposed to take it. Otherwise, skip the dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and direct light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None.