Oral baclofen is a medication primarily utilized as a skeletal muscle relaxant and an antispasmodic agent. It manages muscle stiffness and involuntary muscle contractions. This medication helps alleviate discomfort associated with various conditions that cause muscle rigidity and spasms, supporting improved muscle movement.
What Oral Baclofen Treats
Oral baclofen is prescribed for conditions characterized by increased muscle tone and spasms, known as spasticity. This includes spasticity from multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and other spinal cord diseases.
The medication helps reduce the frequency and severity of muscle spasms, which can contribute to pain and limit physical activity. While it does not cure these underlying medical problems, baclofen can significantly improve symptoms like clonus, flexor spasms, and muscular rigidity. However, it is generally not recommended for spasms related to rheumatic disorders, stroke, cerebral palsy, or Parkinson’s disease.
How Oral Baclofen Works
Baclofen acts on the central nervous system by targeting gamma-aminobutyric acid B (GABA-B) receptors in the spinal cord. When baclofen binds to these receptors, it decreases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters from nerve cells, inhibiting nerve signals that contribute to muscle overactivity and spasms.
This dampens excessive nerve activity, leading to muscle relaxation and a reduction in the number and severity of muscle spasms. This results in decreased muscle tone and improved muscle movement.
Administering Oral Baclofen
Oral baclofen is available as tablets, solutions, and granules. Dosing typically begins low, such as 5 mg three times daily, and is gradually increased by 5 mg every three days as needed. The usual maximum dose for adults is 80 mg per day, divided into four doses.
Take baclofen exactly as prescribed, following all instructions on the prescription label. For liquid forms, use a measuring device for accurate dosing. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, then skip the missed dose.
Potential Side Effects
Oral baclofen can cause common side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, headache, constipation, or insomnia.
More serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These can include confusion, hallucinations, or seizures. Contact a doctor promptly if any severe symptoms arise. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you understand how baclofen affects you, as it may cause drowsiness.
Important Warnings and Interactions
Abruptly stopping oral baclofen can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, fever, confusion, increased muscle stiffness, or hallucinations. A healthcare professional must gradually decrease the dose to prevent such reactions.
Baclofen can interact with other substances, increasing adverse effects. Alcohol consumption can intensify sedation. Using baclofen with other central nervous system depressants, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, can lead to increased sedation and respiratory depression. Individuals with kidney impairment or epilepsy may require monitoring or dosage adjustments.