Baclofen

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About Baclofen

This belongs to the group of medicines known as muscle relaxants.

Baclofen is used to treat conditions which cause the muscles to spasm, cramp or tighten such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.

Baclofen works by relaxing the muscles and preventing spasms reducing any pain and discomfort.

Baclofen is available in tablet, oral liquid and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Baclospas; Lioresal. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Baclofen

Before taking Baclofen make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney or cerebrovascular disease
• if you suffer from epilepsy, porphyria or diabetes
• if you suffer from psychiatric illness
• if you suffer from breathing problems
• if you suffer from or have ever suffered from a peptic (stomach) ulcer
• if you have problems urinating (passing water)
• if you are over 60 years of age
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Baclofen

• Take Baclofen exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• To get the best result Baclofen is better taken with or immediately after food
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Baclofen contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• Baclofen is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Baclofen.
• DO NOT stop taking Baclofen without first speaking to your doctor as stopping suddenly may cause serious side effects. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually.
• You may notice your symptoms getting worse when you first start taking Baclofen. This is to be expected and they should soon improve.
• Baclofen may causes dizziness and drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you.
• Baclofen may cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or a piece of ice. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome speak with your doctor.
• Keep your regular doctors appointments so your progress can be monitored.
• If you suffer from diabetes monitor your blood sugar carefully as Baclofen may cause it to change.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Baclofen.

Can Baclofen cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling sick, changes in passing water, tiredness, confusion, disturbed speech, dizziness, co-ordination problems, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), nightmares, headaches, problems sleeping, depression, anxiety, agitation, shakiness, squinting of the eyes, pins and needles, fits, muscle pain, fever, slowing down of the heart and breathing, dry mouth, upset tummy, sexual problems, problems seeing, itching or skin rash, mood changes, changes in taste.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Baclofen

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 07/02/2005   

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