These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
- A prescription for this medication is refillable.
- This list may not describe all possible side effects.
- It also relieves pain and improves muscle movement.
- This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness).
What is this medication?
Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store it or when you should throw it away. Baclofen may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. Send a note of thanks to Mayo Clinic researchers who are revolutionizing healthcare and improving patient outcomes. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor.
It usually is taken 3 times a day at evenly spaced intervals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take.
Why is this medication prescribed?
- Baclofen is commonly used for muscle spasticity, including muscle spasms, due to multiple sclerosis and other spinal cord conditions.
- A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose.
- If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits.
- Be sure to check the dosage before you take baclofen liquid.
The dose may then be increased or decreased minutely for all patients to achieve the optimal, patient-specific daily dose. The lowest dose producing an optimal response should be maintained. This will help them determine if baclofen is right for you. The most common side effects of baclofen are listed below.
Don’t stop taking this drug without talking to your doctor. Stopping it suddenly can cause seizures and hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that’s not real). If you need to stop taking this drug, your doctor will slowly lower your dosage over time. Do not use baclofen unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. In most cases, these cysts disappear by themselves.
Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your baclofen oral liquid dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose.
Withdrawal most commonly occurs due to a delivery system problem. The patient and caregiver must understand the importance of monitoring the pump to prevent withdrawal events. Baclofen is in a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants.
Drowsiness warning
Baclofen injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your injection, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.
Adverse effects
Tell your doctor right away if your baby has shakiness or tremors, seizures, or increased muscle tone. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Warnings for people with certain health conditions
Baclofen may also be used to relieve other conditions as determined by your doctor. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Medical Professionals
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific baclofen products they stock. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use baclofen. Baclofen tablets and granules should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.
They will tell you how much medication to take. Get emergency help right away if you have trouble breathing or are unusually tired or sleepy. Baclofen is baclofen addictive may interact with other medicines and supplements. Continue to take baclofen even if you feel well.
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Do not suddenly stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely. Unwanted side effects (eg, hallucinations, seizures, high fever, rhabdomyolysis) may occur if baclofen is stopped suddenly.