Baclofen (Lioresal)
Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 2:47 pm
What is baclofen used for in NMO?
- Baclofen is a drug used to treat spasticity and spasms in NMO. The NICE guideline for MS suggests that baclofen should be the first drug used for NMO spasticity.
How do I take baclofen?
- Baclofen is taken by mouth (orally) as tablets or as a liquid. Treatment usually starts with a small dose that can be increased in steps until it is most effective or side effects become a problem.
- If you have more advanced spasticity, a smaller dose of the drug can be given directly into the spine (intrathecally) using an implanted pump.
What side effects could I get with baclofen?
- Side effects affect almost half (45%) of people taking baclofen. These include drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness and difficulty sleeping. If the dose is too high, muscles can become weak.
- Stopping treatment suddenly may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. These can include hallucinations and seizures. You should talk to your doctor before stopping treatment, and plan a gradual reduction of the daily dose.
How does baclofen work?
- Baclofen is a type of drug known as a gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)-B receptor agonist. This means that it reduces the transmission of messages between nerve cells. This means that muscles are less likely to contract and become stiff.
- Baclofen is a drug used to treat spasticity and spasms in NMO. The NICE guideline for MS suggests that baclofen should be the first drug used for NMO spasticity.
How do I take baclofen?
- Baclofen is taken by mouth (orally) as tablets or as a liquid. Treatment usually starts with a small dose that can be increased in steps until it is most effective or side effects become a problem.
- If you have more advanced spasticity, a smaller dose of the drug can be given directly into the spine (intrathecally) using an implanted pump.
What side effects could I get with baclofen?
- Side effects affect almost half (45%) of people taking baclofen. These include drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness and difficulty sleeping. If the dose is too high, muscles can become weak.
- Stopping treatment suddenly may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. These can include hallucinations and seizures. You should talk to your doctor before stopping treatment, and plan a gradual reduction of the daily dose.
How does baclofen work?
- Baclofen is a type of drug known as a gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)-B receptor agonist. This means that it reduces the transmission of messages between nerve cells. This means that muscles are less likely to contract and become stiff.