Tablets
To relax muscles and relieve the pain of muscle spasms and cramping. Chronic muscle spasms may be associated with disorders such as multiple sclerosis or spinal injuries. Baclofen has also been shown to improve urinary or fecal incontinence in patients with spinal cord injuries.
Baclofen appears to reduce the transmission of nerve impulses from the spinal cord to muscle tissue.
To start, 5 mg, 3 times a day for 3 days. The dose may then increase 5 mg every 3 days until the desired response is attained. The maximum dose is 80 mg a day.
Varies from hours to weeks.
Unknown.
Take it with milk or food to reduce stomach upset.
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Take it as soon as you remember if it is within an hour of the scheduled dose. If more than an hour has passed, do not take the missed dose. Take your next scheduled dose at the proper time, and resume your regular dosage schedule. Do not double the next dose.
Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Consult your doctor about reducing the doses gradually to avoid suffering from withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations or seizures.
Consult your doctor about reducing doses gradually after prolonged use.
Central nervous system side effects such as confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness are more likely in older persons.
This drug may cause drowsiness; avoid driving or engaging in hazardous work until you determine how the medicine affects you.
Avoid alcohol while taking this drug.
Some animal studies have found that very large doses of baclofen can cause birth defects. Human studies have not been done. Before taking baclofen, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.
Baclofen passes into breast milk; caution is advised. Consult your doctor for specific advice.
The safety and effectiveness of baclofen in children under age 12 have not been determined.
Baclofen may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness when you rise from a sitting or lying position; avoid any sudden position changes. Some side effects may appear after stopping baclofen; if any of the following develop, call your doctor immediately: hallucinations; seizures; confusion or changes in mental state; increase in muscle spasms, cramping, or tightness; unusual restlessness or nervousness.
Blurred or loss of vision, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness, twitching, seizures, slowed breathing, vomiting.
Call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately.
Consult your doctor for specific advice if you are taking an antidepressant, an MAO inhibitor, a tranquilizer, a sedative, a barbiturate, another muscle relaxant, or a narcotic pain reliever.
No known food interactions.
Caution is advised when taking baclofen. Consult your doctor if you have a history of any of the following: stroke, diabetes mellitus, a mental or emotional problem, epilepsy, or kidney disease.