Generic Name: baclofen
- What is baclofen?
- What are the possible side effects of baclofen?
- What is the most important information I should know about baclofen?
- What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking baclofen?
- How should I take baclofen?
- What happens if I miss a dose?
- What happens if I overdose?
- What should I avoid while taking baclofen?
- What other drugs will affect baclofen?
- Where can I get more information?
What is baclofen?
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.
Baclofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of baclofen?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- weak or shallow breathing;
- confusion, hallucinations; or
- a seizure (convulsions).
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, tired feeling;
- headache;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- nausea, constipation; or
- urinating more often than usual.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about baclofen?
Do not use baclofen at a time when you need muscle tone for safe balance and movement during certain activities.
Do not stop using baclofen suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking baclofen?
You should not use baclofen if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease;
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- a stroke or blood clot; or
- if you also use a narcotic (opioid) medication.
Using baclofen may increase your risk of developing an ovarian cyst. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
In animal studies, baclofen 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.
You should not breast-feed while you are using baclofen.
Baclofen is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.
How should I take baclofen?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Call your doctor if your muscle symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Do not stop using baclofen 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.

QUESTION
What kind of disease is multiple sclerosis? See AnswerWhat happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include muscle weakness, vomiting, drowsiness, dilated or pinpoint pupils, weak or shallow breathing, seizure, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking baclofen?
Do not use baclofen at a time when you need muscle tone for safe balance and movement during certain activities. In some situations, it may be dangerous for you to have reduced muscle tone.
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
What other drugs will affect baclofen?
Taking baclofen with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may affect baclofen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about baclofen.
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