Baclofen/Lioresal

• Painful muscle spasms, often involving the legs or back
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity that may interfere with walking, sleep or other functions
• Aching pain often felt in the leg that is due to spasticity
• May also be used occasionally to treat bladder dysfunction due to sphincter dysfunction

Intrathecal administration through a surgically implanted pump that delivers the medication directly to the spine can be used in selected patients.

For maximum therapeutic benefit baclofen should be used in combination with exercise and stretching on a regular basis.

Common Side Effects:

Drowsiness, dizziness, mood disturbances, insomnia, slurred speech, lack of coordination, low muscle tone or weakness, low blood pressure, fatigue, confusion, headache, rash, nausea, constipation, frequent urination.

Side effects can be minimized by slowly increasing the dosage of medication over time.

Call your health care provider if:

• You develop a rash
• You feel extremely tired or weak
• There is no improvement in your symptoms or your symptoms worsen since it could be a sign of other health problems such as a urinary tract infection.

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Wheezing, difficulty breathing, bad cough or chest tightness
• Fever
• Itching
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat

Precautions:

• This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breast feeding. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Avoid driving, or doing other tasks or activities that require alertness until you see how this medication affects you.

What do I do if I miss a dose?  

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop taking this medicine without consulting your healthcare provider. Stopping high doses of baclofen (> 30 mg/day) abruptly will cause a withdrawal syndrome causing convulsions, hallucinations, muscle spasms, mental changes, unusual nervousness, psychosis, or restlessness.

Drug Interactions:

• Increased drowsiness may occur if taken with alcohol or other medications, such as antihistamines, mood stabilizers or pain medications, which may cause drowsiness.
• There may be drug interactions that are not listed. It is important to keep your health care provider and pharmacist informed of all medications you are taking, including vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements and over-the-counter products that you are using.