baclofen Drug information
Generic Name: baclofen (BAK loe fen)
Brand Names: Lioresal


What is the most important information I should know about baclofen?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Baclofen may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking baclofen.
Do not stop taking baclofen suddenly. Stopping suddenly may cause seizures or hallucinations. Your doctor will want to gradually reduce you dose.


What is baclofen?
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and an antispastic agent. The exact way that baclofen works is unknown.
Baclofen is used to relieve the muscle spasms, pain, and muscular rigidity associated with multiple sclerosis.
Baclofen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking baclofen?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
kidney disease or
epilepsy or another seizure disorder.
You may not be able to take baclofen, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Baclofen is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether baclofen will harm an unborn baby. Do not take baclofen without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether baclofen passes into breast milk. Do not take baclofen without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.


How should I take baclofen?
Take baclofen exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
You can take baclofen with or without food.
Do not stop taking baclofen suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause seizures or hallucinations. Talk to your doctor first if you need to stop taking this medication.
Store baclofen at room temperature away from moisture and heat.


What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.


What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical treatment.
Symptoms of a baclofen overdose include vomiting, weakness, drowsiness, slow breathing, seizures, unusual pupil size, and coma.


What should I avoid while taking baclofen?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Baclofen may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking baclofen.


What are the possible side effects of baclofen?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking baclofen and seek emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
seizures; or
an irregular heartbeat.
Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take baclofen and talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following:
drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, or unusual fatigue;
a headache;
constipation;
stuffy nose;
blurred vision;
a rash; or
frequent urination.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.


What other drugs will affect baclofen?
Many drugs can increase the effects of baclofen, which can lead to heavy sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine), clemastine (Tavist), and many others;
narcotics (pain killers) such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others);
sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and secobarbital (Seconal);
phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine); or
antidepressants such as doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with baclofen. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.