Uses of Baclofen

Baclofen is used to treat muscle spasms caused due to cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke or due to any other nerve or spinal cord disorders.

Therapeutic Category

Baclofen: Muscle Relaxants

How Baclofen works

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant. It acts by increasing the effects of certain chemical messengers (such as GABA) in the spinal cord that induces muscle relaxation. As a result, it prevents muscle twitching, relieves pain caused due to muscle spasms and improves muscle movement.

Common side effects of Baclofen

• nausea, vomiting
• tiredness, sleepiness
• weak limbs, muscle pain
• constipation, diarrhoea, dry mouth
• lack of sleep, nightmares
• confusion, hallucination
• breathing difficulties
• vision problems
• urge to pass urine
• feeling unsteady or shaky
• feeling faint due to low blood pressure
• skin rash, sweating

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• in case of accidental overdosage
• if you experience feeling extremely depressed with thoughts of harming or killing themselves (suicidal thoughts)
• if you experience signs of severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• if you experience uncontrollable muscle spasms affecting the eyes, head, neck or body
• if you experience behavioural changes (such as aggression, excitement, confusion, restlessness, agitation, irritability, rages, hallucinations, nightmares)
• if you experience fainting or seizures (fits)

Health Tips for Baclofen

• Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the sedative effects of Baclofen, leading to increased drowsiness and impairment
• Drink an adequate amount of water to help prevent constipation
• Follow a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity and get sufficient sleep to support the recovery and minimize the impact of muscle spasms