Baclofen Medication - Uses & Side Effects

GENERIC NAME: baclofen

BRAND NAME: Lioresal, Kemstro

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and an antispastic agent. The exact way that baclofen works is unknown. It is available in tablet, oral liquid and injection form. It is slightly soluble in water, very slightly soluble in methanol, and insoluble in chloroform. It relieves the spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles caused by medical problems such as multiple sclerosis or certain injuries to the spine. Its beneficial effects result from actions at spinal and supraspinal sites. Baclofen can also be used to treat hiccups. Spasticity is a motor disorder characterized by tight or stiff muscles that might interfere with voluntary muscle movements. Baclofen acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to produce its muscle relaxant effects. Its actions on the CNS may also cause some of the medicine's side effects. It is also sometimes known as: Baclospas; Lioresal. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Baclofen Dosage:

• The dose of baclofen will be different for different patients.
• Take Baclofen exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Start therapy at a low dosage and increase gradually until optimum effect is achieved (usually between 40-80 mg daily).
• Children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Uses of Baclofen:

• Baclofen is used to relieve the muscle spasms, pain, and muscular rigidity associated with multiple sclerosis.
• It relieves the spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles caused by medical problems such as multiple sclerosis or certain injuries to the spine.
• Baclofen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• Baclofen can also be used to treat hiccups.

Side Effects of Baclofen:

The following side effects of Baclofen may includes:

• Bloody or dark urine.
• Diarrhea.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Rowsiness.
• A rash.
• Increased urinary frequency.
• Weakness.
• Stuffy nose.
• Shortness of breath or unusually slow or troubled breathing. 
• Constipation.
• Vomiting..
• Drowsiness.
• Dizziness.
• Unusual fatigue.

Warnings and precautions before taking Baclofen:

• Do not stop taking baclofen suddenly. Stopping suddenly may cause seizures or hallucinations.
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• Do not take a double dose of this medication.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, epilepsy, ulcers, a stroke, a rheumatic disease, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, or a psychiatric condition.
• Patients and caregivers should be advised of the importance of keeping scheduled refill visits and should be educated on the early symptoms of baclofen withdrawal.
• Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how baclofen affects you.

Drug Interaction:

Interactions attributed to the combined use of baclofen injection and epidural morphine include hypotension and dyspnea. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• Antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others),
• Narcotics (pain killers) such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others),
• Sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and secobarbital (Seconal);
• Antidepressants such as doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft) and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Overdosage:

• After taking Baclofen, If you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately.
• In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
• Symptoms of a baclofen overdose include vomiting, weakness, drowsiness, slow breathing, seizures, unusual pupil size, and coma.
• If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
• It is unknown what effect hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis has on the serum concentration of baclofen.