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867787 tn?1318936230

Baclofen?? Whats your experience?

Hello Everyone!
   I have been taking zanaflex 4mg 4x per day for the last 3 yrs & now its no longer helping me with these awful spasms. I have friends that also have MS & they take baclofen(spelling?) & say it helps them. What is your opinion??What if any side effects does it have?? Sorry for all the questions, I really need some relief!! Thank you!!



11 Responses
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Avatar universal
I've taken both zanaflex & baclofen. Zanaflex made me soooo tired so I only took it before bed. Baclofen is def less sedating. Unfortunately my spasticity got so bad that I ended up getting a baclofen pump. Good thing about it is it's no going in ur blood stream so u don't get tired.
Helpful - 0
667078 tn?1316000935
Baclofen makes my life more bearable but my spasms still come on, but I have bad one. It does make me dopey as well. Everyone reacts differently there is no one size fits all medication.

Alex
Helpful - 0
867787 tn?1318936230
Thank you all for your help!! I will sure ask my PCP about prescribing it for me when I see him next week. Something has got to help better than the zanaflex has. The spasms are getting unbearable!! Thanks again!! :)
Helpful - 0
738075 tn?1330575844
I've been on Baclofen, 20mg 3x/day for two years.  It helps with the stiffness, but I still get breakthrough spasms sometimes.  It's still better than the 3-5 times/night I was having spasms before Baclofen.  I've tolerated it well.
Helpful - 0
1453990 tn?1329231426
I take 20 mg tree times a day and for the last week or so, it has not been hacking it.  I have what feels like a golf ball in my right calf and a couple of marbles in the lateral side of my right foot.  

I'm heading to my PCP on Tuesday to make sure there is nothing else going on like a DVT, etc.  (and to get my BP medications tuned up.)  Assuming there are no other issues, they my PCP may need to add something to the Baclofen.

Bob
Helpful - 0
1168317 tn?1330262837
hi
i take baclofen 10mg 3xdaily or as required but i never mis my nightime dose .
it works well for me to control the spasms and ease the stiffness.
it does not dry my mouth as others have said although it made me more sleepy when i first started it.
hope this helps you make your mind up as to use it or not
regards bairdy
Helpful - 0
1312898 tn?1314568133
I also take 60mg of Baclofen each day.  It works very well for me, when my spasticity pain still comes through, I take some Zanaflex.  The thing about Zanaflex is that it just makes me feel like I'm sort of drunk.  

Baclofen can make my mouth really dry, like Sumana, I always carry hard candies and a beverage

Red
Helpful - 0
338416 tn?1420045702
I take 60 mg of baclofen a day.  Evidently that's as much as I can take per day, so if I need something more, I take a flexaril or xanaflex.

What I like about baclofen is that you can get it at the Walmart for $4 for 30 pills.  This makes my bill $20 a month - not bad!

I also have dry mouth, so I drink a LOT of water.  This isn't a bad thing, necessarily.  It also reduces your alcohol tolerance quite a bit.  (Don't tell my neurologist!)
Helpful - 0
1394601 tn?1328032308
I use baclofen.  I take it four times per day.  It definately helps the spasms.  There is one thing I do NOT like about it,  It dries my mouth terribly.  I keep lemon drops nearby.
Helpful - 0
867787 tn?1318936230
Thanks for your help!! The fact that it makes you less groggy is a definate plus!! I stay tired enough as it is! Thanks again!! :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i prefer baclofen over zanaflex. much less groggy for  me. it is a subtle med to me. 10m 3x a day when needed.

many days i don't take it, others i do.

for a few spasms i've had for years, think like knots, nothing helps. some days worse/better than others. some days/nites, very painful.

in my case, is that MS or spinal injury? in my case, depends on if the doctor is paid by VA or civilian.

baclofen is worth trying IMHO
Helpful - 0
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