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Baclofen

  • Take baclofen with food.
  • Your doctor may increase your dose slowly. This is to reduce side-effects such as drowsiness.
  • Do not stop taking baclofen suddenly or without speaking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause problems.

About baclofen

Type of medicineMuscle relaxant
Used forTo relieve muscle spasms
Also calledLyflex®
Lioresal®
Available asTablets, oral solution

Baclofen is used to relieve muscle spasms which may result from some conditions which affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, cerebral palsy and following long-term injuries to the head or back. In these conditions the muscles may cramp or tighten causing spasms.

Baclofen works by causing the muscles to relax which reduces pain and discomfort.

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 have ever had a stomach ulcer.
  • If you have kidney problems or an 'overactive' bladder.
  • If you have ever had a stroke or know you have cerebrovascular disease (thickening of the blood vessels to the brain).
  • If you suffer from epilepsy, Parkinson's disease or diabetes.
  • If you have mental health problems.
  • If you have breathing problems.
  • If you are over 65 years of age
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take baclofen

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take baclofen exactly as your doctor tells you. Take your doses with or after food where possible.
  • Try to take baclofen at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you do forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first as stopping suddenly may cause unwanted side-effects. If your doctor decides you should stop taking baclofen, your dose will be reduced gradually to prevent these from occurring.
  • If your muscle spasms increase after taking baclofen, or if your muscles become weak so that you have difficulty doing things, let your doctor know as your dose may need adjusting.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can baclofen cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling sickEat little and often. Take your dose after eating food
Tiredness, drowsiness, problems with eyesight, weaknessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which would be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol as it will increase the drowsiness
Dizziness, light-headednessTry getting up and moving more slowly. If you feel faint, sit or lie down for a few minutes until the feeling passes
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak to your doctor
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum or sweets
Breathing difficulties, aching muscles, sleeplessness or nightmares, mood changes, confusion, unsteadiness, increased need to pass urine, shakiness, increased sweating and skin rashIf any of these become troublesome, discuss them with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store baclofen

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Lioresal® tablets, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2009, accessed January 2010.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Lioresal® liquid, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2009, accessed January 2010.
  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3251DocRef: dils2135Last Reviewed: 10 Jun 2010Version: 22
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