Anybody heard of Baclofen?

[Mybe]

Dr. prescribed me some. Said it would relax muscles and relieve pain in my legs and even the jerking eye movement.

Today is day 2 of taking it. I don't think it's working yet. Although my legs feel a little better since taking it, they have been very shaky since taking it too. No change in my eyes jerking. My left hand isn't so numb since taking it. But she didn't say it would help numbness so I think thats just a coincidence..

[Mybe]

LOL Lulu, I looked up the word "titrated" last Tuesday and it didn't help. But you just made it clear to me.

Guitar_grrrl, thank you for commenting. Is Baclofen the only one you've tried? There were two others mentioned here. Sorry you are still experiencing weakness and spams. It *****.

Ufrustrated2, I know what you mean by "subtle", I wish to have an immediate and very noticeable effect lol. I know I aint guna get that with this med though. Even a little bit of relief is good though so I'm not complaining.

Sllowe, and Lulu :-) I scrubbed the refrigerator and on top of it today, plus I vacuumed and cleaned the bathroom...not as fun as dancing but still very happy I can do it now without too much discomfort.

Thank you everyone for commenting!

[Guitar_grrrl]

I titrated up to 60 mg/day last November.  I think it helps, but my muscles are still soooo tired, spastic and weak.  I still have crazy spasms day and night.  I asked my neuro if I can take any more.  He seemed reluctant, and when it gets down to it, I'd really rather not take more drugs.  So I'm not taking more, yet.  

Good Luck!

[Ufrustrated2]

i like it much. it is one of the consistent meds i take not counting the copaxone.

one thing i noticed about it, was that after taking if for awhile, i stopped it because i thought it wasn't working well. that is when i noticed how well it does work.

it is one of those sublte type meds, and i kinda like that. doesn't overwhelm me so to speak and works mildly for me.

our systems are all different so your mileage may vary but give it try. if not try something else till hopefully you find one you like.

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Woo hoo and your on a small dose! I hope this continues for you. You may not need a strong dose and that is such a good thing!

I pictured you doing the danc ein the kitchen - just cause you could! I do that too!!!

Do it when, and if you can!
-Shelly
p.s. Belated welcome to you!

[Mybe]

Monday will be a week that I've been on it. But she wanted me to only take one half a pill a day of 10 mg for one week to get me used to it.
And then I swore she said to take a half a pill in morning and night after that. But the bottle says to take a whole pill morning and night after my first week. So I should call and verify.

My leg pain is gone, hardly spastic and the stiffness is a lot better. I did a little dance in the kitchen yesterday just because I can...lol

Thanks again everyone for commenting

[anon07072023]

Baclofen was the 3rd medicine that the neuro's PA tried to give me - and that is the one that finally worked. My left leg was hurting so bad. Sometimes it felt like someone was trying to rip off my hamstring. Plus, the spasticity in my leg was really bad.

I'd give it maybe about a week, and then hopefully you'll be good to go.

Good luck,
Kelly

[jensequitur]

I've been taking Flexaril for my spasms, and it seems to help a little.  I guess baclofen is the next step when it stops working!

[Lulu54]

The exhaustion comes from your brain-nervous system misfiring and not from the physical exertion itself.    the baclofen works by silencing the misfires in our nerves.  

I'm glad you have hope - it can be manageable.  hang in there, L

[Mybe]

Thanks everyone!!

Zacksmomi, thanks for informing me of the info on the health pages on it. It didn't say how long it takes. But like Lulu said, I'll just be patient.

And Lulu that is exactly what I was telling my doctor when she suggested it - standing washing dishes or vacuuming and it being exhausting lol.

I'm excited. I didn't think there was anything out there to help my legs. Now I have hope!

[Lulu54]

As all the others have said, Baclofen is a very common MSdrug, and it is used to treat spasticity.  Baclofen works in our spinal column and It works by crossing the blood brain barrier.  

It can be tricky to find the right dosage to give you relief from the spasticity but not so much that you lose muscle tone/strength.  The normal is for the baclofen to be titrated.  If I'm remembering from last year, it took almost 18 days of incrementally adding the drug to get me to a dose of 40-60 mg a day.

It is usually taken several times a day in smaller doses.  

I started on baclofen last summer when I told my neuro standing to do anything (like washing dishes or cookiing)  was exhausting and all I could think about was getting to sit back down.  The baclofen has helped with that feeling and I can last longer now.  

Be patient and give it time to start working. Be sure to let your doctor know if you think the dosage needs tweeked.

be well, Lulu

[Zacksmomi]

I used to take Flexeril for spasms before I knew I had MS.  It did nothing.  After my dx, they gave me Baclofen and it made a tremendous difference.  
There is info on it if you go to the health pages and click the "common MS Drugs" entry.
This may tell you more about how long you should take it for before you should feel relief.  

If you find it is not working for you, zanaflex is an alternative.  I tried both and zanaflex works a bit better but makes me drowsy and I can't function.  
baclofen is what I prefer but every person has different preferences as well as dosage needs so you and your Dr may need to experiment a bit at first to see what is best for you.

Hope you feel better soon
D

[tonyad]

   Yes!  This is a very common drug used to help treat Spasticity in people w/ MS.

It works pretty good. I have had no bad side affects from it. While some have complained of making them tired. I take it 3 - 4 times daily depending on how bad a day I am having.

   Good Luck, I am sure that you will get some relief from using it.
Take Care,
~Tonya

[kaluscout]

I have been taking Baclofen for about 18 months now and found it helps with the pain in my legs. You must keep taking it consistantly,and not miss any tablets as  i have found if i miss taking it my legs start aching.

[daisy.girl]

Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and used for spasticity. I use Zanaflex which is very similar.