Understanding Baclofen

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant developed in the 1960s in Switzerland. It was first marketed to treat epilepsy! Most patients take it orally, though an injection into the spine is also available. The starting dose of this medication is fifteen milligrams daily for three days. Doctors will gradually increase the dose. The maximum is eighty milligrams daily! A pump delivers lower doses when patients need it. Either way, though, patients need to be monitored on this medication!

Many patients take baclofen as a multiple sclerosis treatment. However, it is not the only available medication for multiple sclerosis! It is also a common prescription for muscle spasms pain relief. Many patients benefit from taking this medication for stiff muscles, especially when they also have a condition like multiple sclerosis. However, all patients need to understand how it works as a treatment for multiple sclerosis and for other uses first!

How It Works

This medication is amazing! It is a GABA-B agonist, which means that it relaxes muscles by activating these receptors. This also makes it quite similar to pregabalin, another strong medication! Baclofen also blocks some reflexes and the release of specific neurotransmitters.

The patient's body absorbs this medication quite quickly. It has a half-life of only two to four hours! This is why individuals need to take it multiple times daily. Patients will get rid of this medication through their kidneys. It also does not change much in their body. Thus, it is a useful medication for liver disease patients. This is especially so if their condition is related to alcohol.

Reveal the uses for this medication next.

Uses

The most common use of this medication is to reduce muscle spasms! Baclofen also alleviates muscle pain and stiffness. Many multiple sclerosis patients benefit greatly from taking this medication. It is especially helpful in reducing their flexor spasms! Reports even indicate that it restores function related to spasticity in this condition as well. Certain Huntington's disease patients also benefit from it! It is excellent for individuals with spinal cord injuries too. However, it is not recommended for those with Parkinson's disease or who have had strokes, along with other conditions!

There are also 'off-label' uses for this medication! Many doctors use it for acid reflux and to help patients with alcohol use disorders. However, patients need to discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor first! This is particularly important when it is being prescribed 'off-label.'

Continue reading to uncover the side effects next.

Side Effects

This medication has several side effects! The most common are nausea, headaches, constipation, and confusion. Many patients also feel dizzy! Other common side effects that this medication causes include weakness, sweating, and problems sleeping. Increased urination is also fairly common! Thankfully, these side effects disappear as the patient's body adjusts to the medication.

Rare side effects also exist on this medication! Examples of rare side effects are weight gain, swollen ankles, and diarrhea. Others include slurred speech and unusual excitement! Patients need to call their doctor immediately for ringing in the ears, chest pain, and blood in their urine! They must also do this for depression, hallucinations, and fainting. Emergency medical help is needed for blurry vision, muscle pain, seizures, and breathing problems. Those effects are rare, but are also signs of an overdose, which is why patients need emergency attention!

Discover the precautions linked to this medication next.

Precautions

Patients need to take precautions with this medication! Thus, they need to tell their doctor about their medical history. Serious points to include are a history of kidney disease, diabetes, or seizures. Past ulcers and high blood pressure matter as well! Doctors also ask their patients about bipolar disorder, blood clots, Parkinson's disease, and strokes. Patients need to inform them when they have cerebral palsy and schizophrenia as well! These issues are vital for doctors to know about, as they make this medication unsafe for the patients who have them. It is also not suitable for patients who take opioids or children under twelve years old! Pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot take it either.

Patients also need to avoid alcohol while they are taking this medication. Combining them increases the impaired reaction time and issues with cognition that this medication often causes. Patients need to avoid driving for this reason as well! Ultimately, patients need to avoid intense physical activity while using this medication.

Reveal the information on medication interactions next.

Medication Interactions

Baclofen interacts with many medications! It has twenty-four major interactions and over three hundred moderate ones. Thus, it is vital for patients to know about all of their medications and share this information with their doctor. They need to make sure that they mention vitamins and nutritional supplements as well! The pharmacist also needs to look at this list before dispensing baclofen.

Patients cannot take opioids such as codeine with this medication, as this causes severe side effects! Many different benzodiazepines cause increased drowsiness when patients take them with baclofen. This medication also has major interactions with buprenorphine and levomethadyl!