Baclofen

How it works

     * Baclofen is a muscle relaxant.
     * Experts are not sure exactly how baclofen works to relieve muscle
       spasms but research suggests it inhibits nerve impulses in the
       spine, which relaxes and relieves muscle contractions.

Upsides

     * Baclofen is used to relieve muscle spasms such as those caused by
       multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury due to damage or disease.
     * Particularly effective for relieving flexor spasms (involuntary
       muscle spasms involving the ankle, knee, or hip) and the pain,
       contractions, and rigidity associated with these.
     * May help restore some muscle function.
     * Baclofen is not effective for muscle spasms caused by rheumatoid
       arthritis, cerebral palsy, stroke or Parkinson's disease.
     * May also be used off-label to treat other conditions such as
       hiccups or Tourette's syndrome.
     * Generic baclofen is available.

Downsides

   If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or
   have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to
   experience include:
     * Drowsiness, dizziness, or sedation, which may affect your ability
       to drive or operate machinery or perform other hazardous tasks. The
       sedative effect of baclofen may be enhanced by alcohol or by other
       medications that also cause sedation (such as benzodiazepines,
       opiates).
     * Weakness, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, constipation, low blood
       pressure, headache, and confusion have also been reported.
     * Sudden discontinuation of baclofen has been associated with
       hallucinations and seizures. Baclofen should be withdrawn slowly
       unless it is an emergency.
     * May not be suitable for some people, including those with a history
       of stroke or who rely on spasticity to maintain an upright
       position, balance, or for increased function. The dosage of
       baclofen should be reduced in those with kidney disease.
     * People with a history of seizures or epilepsy should be monitored
       regularly for changes in seizure control or EEG recordings.
     * Not recommended during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the
       risks.
     * May cause an increase in the risk of ovarian cysts.

   Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical
   conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes,
   seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of
   developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all
   side effects, [84]click here.

Bottom Line

   Baclofen relieves muscle spasm associated with multiple sclerosis and
   spinal cord injury or disease, but its use is limited by its ability to
   cause sedation and increase seizure risk.

Tips

     * Baclofen may be taken with or without food.
     * Treatment should be started at a low dose and increased gradually
       as directed by your doctor. Take baclofen as directed by your
       doctor. Do not take more than is recommended.
     * Do not drive or operate machinery, or perform hazardous tasks if
       baclofen makes you drowsy, dizzy, or sleepy.
     * Avoid alcohol while you are taking baclofen.
     * Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. If you feel you are not
       gaining any benefit from this drug, or the side effects are
       intolerable, talk with your doctor about slowly discontinuing it.

Response and Effectiveness

     * Baclofen is rapidly absorbed, although absorption may be reduced
       with higher dosages. There is a wide variation in the way
       individuals respond to baclofen, with some people reporting a
       reduction in symptoms of muscle spasm within a few hours, whereas
       for some others it may take several weeks.

References