Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispastic used for treating spasm of skeletal muscles, muscle clonus, rigidity, and pain caused by multiple sclerosis. Baclofen is also injected into the spinal cord to treat severe spasticity, spinal cord injuries, and other spinal cord diseases. Baclofen is available in generic form.
The recommended oral dose of baclofen is 15-80 mg daily.
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Baclofen
Combining baclofen and tricyclic antidepressants may cause muscle weakness. Use of baclofen and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can result in greater depression of brain function as well as low blood pressure.
Baclofen and Pregnancy
During pregnancy, baclofen should be used only when prescribed. Baclofen passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Additional Information
Our Baclofen Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.
Baclofen Consumer Information
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, tiredness, headache, trouble sleeping, nausea, increased urination, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression, hallucinations).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
The most common is transient drowsiness (10 to 63%). In
one controlled study of 175 patients, transient drowsiness was observed in 63%
of those receiving baclofen compared to 36% of those in the placebo group. Other
common adverse reactions are dizziness (5 to 15%), weakness (5 to 15%) and
fatigue (2 to 4%).
Gastrointestinal: Nausea (4 to 12%), constipation
(2 to 6%); and rarely, dry mouth, anorexia, taste disorder, abdominal pain,
vomiting, diarrhea, and positive test for occult blood in stool.
Other: Instances of rash, pruritus, ankle edema,
excessive perspiration, weight gain, nasal congestion. Some of the CNS and
genitourinary symptoms may be related to the underlying disease rather than to
drug therapy. The following laboratory tests have been found to be abnormal in
a few patients receiving baclofen: increased SGOT, elevated alkaline
phosphatase, and elevation of blood sugar.
&Copy; Baclofen Patient Information is supplied by Cerner Multum, Inc. and Baclofen Consumer information is supplied by First Databank, Inc., used under license and subject to their respective copyrights.
