Overview: Baclofen is used to treat muscle spasms. It relaxes muscles by reducing nerve activity in the spinal cord. Common side effects include dizziness and drowsiness. You should not drive until you know how baclofen affects you. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have trouble taking baclofen or if you feel the medicine is not working very well. Various forms of baclofen are available.
Uses
What is baclofen used for?
Baclofen is commonly used for muscle spasticity, including muscle spasms, due to multiple sclerosis and other spinal cord conditions.
Baclofen may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does baclofen work (mechanism of action)?
Baclofen relaxes muscles by reducing nerve activity in the spinal cord.
How is baclofen supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Fleqsuvy
- Gablofen
- Lioresal
- Lyvispah
- Ozobax DS
Dosage forms and strengths
- 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg oral granules
- 5 mg/5 mL, 10 mg/5 mL oral solution
- 25 mg/5 mL oral suspension
- 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg oral tablets
Baclofen is also available in injectable forms.
How should I store baclofen?
Oral Tablets and Oral Granules. Baclofen tablets and granules should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Oral Liquid. Some baclofen liquids should be stored at room temperature between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C) and may be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Other baclofen liquids should be stored in a refrigerator between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Follow any storage instructions that come with your baclofen liquid, including throwing it away a certain number of days after using it for the first time. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store it or when you should throw it away.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of baclofen?
The most common side effects of baclofen are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Drowsiness and dizziness (see below)
- Weakness
- Tiredness
There may be other side effects of baclofen that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of baclofen?
While less common, the most serious side effects of baclofen are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Baclofen may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking baclofen and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Drowsiness and Dizziness. Baclofen can make you dizzy and drowsy. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how baclofen affects you.
Withdrawal Reactions. If you stop using baclofen suddenly, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be life-threatening. Do not stop using baclofen without talking with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you how to stop baclofen to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.
- Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations
- Seizures
- Fever
- Return of muscle spasms
- Itching
- Tingling in your hands or feet
- Increased muscle stiffness
- Rhabdomyolysis
Ovarian Cyst. Baclofen may cause an ovarian cyst. In most cases, these cysts disappear by themselves. Ovarian cysts do not usually cause symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider if you develop any of the following symptoms of an ovarian cyst.
- Bloating or swelling
- Pain or discomfort in your pelvic area
- Pain during sex
- Pain during your period
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use baclofen?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use baclofen.
- Baclofen
- Lyvispah
- Ozobax DS
- Fleqsuvy
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific baclofen products they stock.
What should I know about baclofen before using it?
Do not use baclofen unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share baclofen with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep baclofen out of the reach of children. Since some baclofen may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
Baclofen can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how baclofen affects you.
People who are aged 65 years and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from baclofen. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are 65 years and older.
Use an accurate measuring device to measure your baclofen oral liquid dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device. Baclofen oral liquid is available in multiple strengths and dosage forms. Be sure to check the dosage before you take baclofen liquid.
If you take the baclofen oral granules, you can either let them dissolve in your mouth or swallow them. If you have trouble swallowing them, you can take them with 15 mL of liquid or soft food, such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding. Read and follow the “Instructions for Use” that come with your baclofen. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using baclofen?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if baclofen is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Ovarian cysts
- Traumatic brain injury (baclofen injection)
- Current infection (baclofen injection)
- Stroke
- Mental health conditions, including schizophrenia or conditions that cause confusion
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- Alcohol use disorder
- Posture or balance problems
- Autonomic dysreflexia (sudden increase in blood pressure)
Other Medicines and Supplements. Baclofen may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using baclofen, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how baclofen could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use baclofen while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you use baclofen on a regular basis during pregnancy, your baby may have withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider if you used baclofen during your pregnancy, especially near the end of your pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. Baclofen passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use baclofen while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does baclofen interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between baclofen and foods or drinks.
The risk of drowsiness and dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using baclofen. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol that you drink.
Does baclofen interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any other medicine that causes drowsiness. These medicines can include prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and anxiety medicines.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with baclofen. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much baclofen?
If you or someone else has used too much baclofen, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of baclofen?
Oral Tablets, Granules, or Liquid. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Injection. Baclofen injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your injection, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.
Are you currently using Baclofen (Lioresal, Fleqsuvy, and others)?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.