Anyone on Baclofen?

[debral09]

Hey I was just put on Baclofen for spasticity and was wondering if anyone else here was on this?  Any side affects that I should be aware of?  

I took half of one last night and it seemed to help.  I felt a little dizzy and wobbly and thank goodness I didn't take it till I went to bed.  I hope that I don't have to take more than half of one for I am afraid of what I might feel like.

Thanks,
Debra

[LLWB]

Hi Deb,
My neuro put me on 10mg of Baclofen in April. I don't have ms, but I have several mimics, and experience a lot of the same sx. I must have a high tolerance. I haven't noticed any side effects at all. It does make me a little sleepy, but since I take it only at night, or at home on the weekends, that hasn't bothered me at all. And I need the help sleeping. It has helped me much better than the other spasm medication I was taking. My level of spasticity has probably reduced 15-20%. That may not be a lot, but it has made me a lot more comfortable. I have been on one type or another med for spasms since 1991, so it takes a lot for me to get a little comfort.

Just take your pill at bedtime, and be careful if you have to get up in middle of night, as legs can be wonky. Good luck, and hope it helps your sx's.

Maggie

[Heather3418]

I am on Baclofen.  I am suppose to take 2 10 mg. tablets during the day and three at night.  I have a hard time taking the day time pills because they make me sleepy.  It definitely has helped me sleep better at night.

Through my 13 years of having MS, I have found that Baclofen has worked the best for me.  I would say that I am alot like Maggie, it reduces the tight spasms by about 25%.  It doesn't take them away, but helps.  

Maybe if I could get myself up to a full 50 mgs. a day, it would help more.  Baclofen can make your legs weak.  Everyone needs some spasicity to walk.

Try to stick with it.  It will help in the long run.  If you are having trouble with sleeping, you might want to take at least 20 mg. at night.  I am sure your doctor would approve, but ask them what they think first.

All the Best,
Heather

[sllowe]

Hi Debra,

I'm on Baclofen too.  I take 30 mg daily and spread throughout the day, though my last 2 I do closer together and more toward the evening.  

I was horribly sleepy in the beginning for the better part of 3 weeks.  Especially in the a.m. Body was stiff, and I felt that I couldn't move at all.  It passed.  My spasms are greatly reduced, and when they flare up, they are only slight.

Hope it works wonders for you....

be well,
SL

[debral09]

Thanks ladies for your input!  I am right now taking only half of a 10mg pill.  I take it only at night but think that I may need to take once in awhile during the day.  The only thing is that I have my 7 month daughter to take care of.  I don't want to be sleepy or weak to take care of her.  Just might have to keep toughing it out during the day.  It is not as bad as it is sometimes at night.

Well hope you are all feeling well and having a good week!!!

Debra