Baclofen

Filed under: Other Medication

Displayed: baclofen lioresal 10mg

A muscle relaxant drug that works on the central nervous system, especially in instances of spinal cord injury. The drug relieves the spasm, cramping, and rigidity caused by a variety of disorders. Which includes multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. The drug is also used to treat the spasticity that results from brain injury, cerebral palsy, or stroke. Baclofen increases movement, allowing other treatment such as physiotherapy, to be carried out. Baclofen is less likely to cause muscle weakness than similar drugs, and its side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness, are usually only a temporary state. Elderly people are more susceptible to side effects, especially during the early stages of treatment. A very beneficial property of baclofen is that tolerance does not seem to occur to any significant degree in that baclofen retains its therapeutic anti-spasmodic effects even after many years of chronic use.

Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Muscle-relaxant with overdose danger – MEDIUM
• Dependency is said to be – LOW
• Prescription only drug – YES
• Available as generic – YES
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES
• Alcohol may increase sedative effect of drug

Side Effects

You may if on this medication suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Difficulty Passing Water, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Muscle Weakness, Nausea
Rare: Confusion, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Headaches

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

No problems would be expected from this drug.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Avoid driving / hazardous work until you know how the drug will affects you. There is a chance that baclofen may cause drowsiness. Making these kind of activities hazardous. Alcohol may increase sedative effect of drug.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

You will need to discuss this with your doctor, as it has not been established if it is safe to take while pregnant. The drug also passes into the breast milk. If taken normal doses there is no reason why it should cause adverse effects.

Baclofen is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery

Discuss with your dentist or doctor before you under-go any surgery.

Tell Your Doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

Over 60’s & Children

There is an increased risk of adverse effects which may call for a reduced dosage. A reduced dose would be necessary for infants and children.

Overdose

An unintentional extra dose taken would be unlikely to give cause for worry. However, if a large overdose has been taken it may cause weakness, vomiting and severe drowsiness you shouild notify your doctor.

Other Medication Reactions

All drugs that have a sedative effect on the nervous system may increase the sedative properties of baclofen. Tricyclic antidepressants may also increase the effects of baclofen, causing muscle weakness. Some of the drugs used to treat parkinsonism may cause hallucinations and confusion if taken with baclofen. Antihypertensive and diuretics may be affected by baclofen which could increase the blood-pressure lowering effects of such drugs.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

Do not stop taking the drug without first consulting with your doctor. Abruptly stopping this drug may cause hallucinations, fits, and a worsening spasticity. A slow reduction in doseage is needed.

Effect Of Medication

Some benefits can appear after 1 to 3 hours. However, full benefit from this drug could take several weeks before it is felt. A dose given 1 hour before a specific task will improve mobility.

Storage and Safety

Keep medicine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children. Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container. Return all un-used or old medicines to your pharmacist. Do not discard old or unwanted medication into your trash, sink or toilet.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or they feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.