Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries or diseases. It works by reducing muscle tone and relaxing rigid muscles. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, and nausea. It is important not to stop taking baclofen suddenly, as this can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations or seizures. Baclofen should be taken exactly as prescribed and patients should see their doctor if symptoms do not improve or get worse while taking this medication.

1. Balcofen
“Baclofen is a muscle relaxer and an antispastic agent.”
Baclofen is used to treat muscle symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis, including spasm,
pain, and stiffness.
Baclofen is sometimes used to treat muscle spasms and other symptoms in people with
injury or disease of the spinal cord.
Important information
Do not use baclofen at a time when you need muscle tone for safe balance and
movement during certain activities.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use baclofen if you are allergic to it.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
 kidney disease;
 epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
 a history of stroke or blood clots; or
 if you also use a narcotic (opioid) medication.
Using baclofen during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby. In animal studies, it caused
low birth weight and birth defects. However, it is not known whether these effects would
occur in humans. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while
using this medicine.
It is not known whether baclofen passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
You should not breast-feed while you are using this medicine.
Using baclofen may increase your risk of developing an ovarian cyst. Talk with your doctor
about your specific risk.
Baclofen is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.
Do not stop using baclofen suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
How should I take baclofen?

2. Take baclofen exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription
label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Call your doctor if your muscle symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal
symptoms such as hallucinations or a seizure. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this
medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Upsides
 Baclofen is used to relieve muscle spasms such as those caused by multiple sclerosis
or spinal cord injury due to damage or disease.
 Particularly effective for relieving flexor spasms (involuntary muscle spasms
involving the ankle, knee, or hip) and the pain, contractions, and rigidity associated
with these.
 May help restore some muscle function.
 Baclofen is not effective for muscle spasms caused by rheumatoid arthritis, cerebral
palsy, stroke or Parkinson's disease.
 May also be used off-label to treat other conditions such as hiccups or Tourette's
syndrome.
 Generic baclofen is available.
Downsides
If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical
conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:
 Drowsiness, dizziness, or sedation, which may affect your ability to drive or operate
machinery or perform other hazardous tasks. The sedative effect of baclofen may be
enhanced by alcohol or by other medications that also cause sedation (such as
benzodiazepines, opiates).
 Weakness, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, constipation, low blood pressure, headache, and
confusion have also been reported.
 Sudden discontinuation of baclofen has been associated with hallucinations and
seizures. Baclofen should be withdrawn slowly unless it is an emergency.
 May not be suitable for some people, including those with a history of stroke or who
rely on spasticity to maintain an upright position, balance, or for increased function.
The dosage of baclofen should be reduced in those with kidney disease.
 People with a history of seizures or epilepsy should be monitored regularly for
changes in seizure control or EEG recordings.