Baclofen Description

Generic Name: BACLOFEN

Pronunciation: (bak' loe fen)

Trade Name(s): Lioresal, Liofen

Why it is prescribed:
1. Baclofen acts on the spinal cord nerves and decreases the number and severity of muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord diseases.
2. It also relieves pain and improves muscle movement.
3. Baclofen also may relieve muscle rigidity caused by diseases such as cerebral palsy, stroke, and brain lesions.

When it is to be taken: Baclofen is usually taken three times a day at evenly spaced intervals. For example, if you are to take it three times a day, take it every eight hours. It may take up to two months before you feel the full effects of Baclofen. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.

How it should be taken: Baclofen comes as tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Do not stop taking Baclofen without consulting your doctor; this may cause hallucinations, nervousness, or an increase in muscle spasms. If you wish to stop taking this medication, your doctor will want you to decrease your dose gradually.

Special Instruction:
1. Baclofen makes some people drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
2. Keep all appoints with your doctor; it may be necessary to adjust your dose.
3. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, confusion, headache, fatigue, nausea, frequent urination. Contact your doctor but do not stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to do so.

Other Precautions:
1. Alcoholic beverages may add to the drowsiness caused by baclofen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how much alcohol is safe to drink.
2. If you ever had a bad reaction to baclofen, tell your doctor before taking it again.
3. If you have epilepsy, kidney disease or ulcers, tell your doctor before you take baclofen.
4. If you are taking sleeping pills, muscle relaxants or tranquilizers, tell your doctor. These drugs may add to the drowsiness caused by baclofen.

Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.