Baclofen - Common brands: Lioresal, Lyflex

What baclofen is for

Baclofen is used to ease muscle spasms, cramps or tightness caused by conditions that affect your nerves and brain (nervous system).

It can help with conditions such as:

• cerebral palsy
• motor neurone disease (MND)
• multiple sclerosis

How to take baclofen

Baclofen usually comes as tablets or a liquid (oral solution) that you swallow. You usually take it 3 times a day.

How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it.

Your doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it after a few days depending on how well your symptoms improve. This reduces the chance of side effects.

Sometimes a hospital doctor (specialist) may prescribe baclofen as an injection or in a pump.

When taking baclofen tablets or liquid:

• try to take it at the same time each day
• it's best to take it with food or a glass of milk, particularly if it makes you feel sick
• swallow the tablets whole
• use the syringe or spoon that comes with the liquid medicine to help you measure the right dose

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of baclofen

If you forget to take a dose of baclofen, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much baclofen

Taking an extra dose of baclofen can be dangerous.

How to stop taking baclofen

If you need to stop taking baclofen, do not suddenly stop taking it because it may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose over several weeks or months. Always follow your doctor's advice.

Side effects of baclofen

Like all medicines, baclofen can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of baclofen include:

• headaches
• dry mouth
• feeling tired or weak
• feeling dizzy or faint
• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• problems with your eyesight
• mood changes
• muscle weakness or muscle pain

If you feel dizzy, tired or have problems with your eyesight after taking baclofen, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Serious side effects

Baclofen can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of baclofen include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• liver problems, which can cause yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes – yellowed skin may be less noticeable if you have brown or black skin
• difficulty breathing
• having a very low mood and having suicidal thoughts

Who can and cannot take baclofen

Most adults and children aged 1 month or over can take baclofen.

But baclofen is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from baclofen
• you have a liver or kidney condition
• you have epilepsy, diabetes or Parkinson's disease
• you've had a stroke
• you have a mental health condition
• you have problems with alcohol or drug dependence

Before taking baclofen, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and baclofen

You may be able to take baclofen while breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first. They may want to recommend a different muscle relaxant.

If you take baclofen when breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and baclofen

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant. You may be able to take baclofen during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Your baby may need to be closely monitored after you've given birth, to check for possible withdrawal symptoms.

Find out more about taking baclofen during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking baclofen with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with baclofen.

This includes:

• other muscle relaxants, such as tizanidine
• medicines for mental health conditions, such as lithium or amitriptyline
• medicines for high blood pressure, such as diltiazem
• medicines for Parkinson's disease, such as co-beneldopa or co-careldopa
• drowsy or sedating antihistamines, such as promethazine, or sedatives, such as temazepam
• opioid painkillers, such as morphine or buprenorphine

Before taking baclofen, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with baclofen

You can eat and drink as normal while taking baclofen, but it's best not to drink alcohol.

Drinking alcohol while taking baclofen increases the risk of side effects such as feeling very tired or sleepy.