Question for those of you on Baclofen...

[madmelissa]

How long did it take for the Baclofen to start relieving some of your spasticity, and at what dosage did it start to work? I realize everyone is different, I just wanted to have some idea of what I MIGHT be able to expect if it does work for me. I took my first 10mg dose this evening and am titrating up over the next couple of weeks.

Thanks,
Melissa

[madmelissa]

Thanks everyone, for all of your comments! They have been really informative and helpful, and spot on with what I experienced with my first dose.

I took 10 mg, and then read to my daughter for about 45 minutes before my bedtime. By the time I was done reading to her, I was already feeling some relief in my legs!!! YAY!!! My "hug" was lessened to some degree, though not completely, but I will take anything I can get :-)

And, as an added benefit, the pain and stiffness I have in my shoulders and arms had lessened significantly also. I was not sure if the baclofen would do anything for them, as I have old softball injuries to both shoulders, and my drs and I have been unable to decide whether or not it was that or spasticity causing that pain.

Overall, I would say I had the best 5 hours of sleep I have had in months. I woke up about 2 am when it wore off, so I am thinking I will definitely need 20 mg at bedtime.

I was definitely trying to be cautiously optimistic, as I know baclofen does not work for everyone. I honestly don't think I could be more pleased with the results. I really did not expect it to work so well. The worst part was feeling the relief and then having all the pain and spasms come back at 2am, but I figure that will be solved by figuring out how much to take when.

Thank you all so much!
Melissa

[COBOB]

Baclofen doesn't need to "get up to a level" to work.  I take it at bedtime and as needed.  20mg at bedtime and 10-20 mg throughout the day as needed.  It has a serum half-life of about 6 hours.

Bob

[Lulu54]

So glad to read you are titrating the dosage - and remember absolutely do not stop it abruptly.

You should feel an effect pretty quick.  This drug works through the central nervous system and you are training your CNS to respond, but it is a quick learner.

FWIW - I am on 20mg x 4 daily, with no real side effects.  I play with the dosage a bit - but consistently take at least 60 mg a day.  

[anon07072023]

I think when I started taking it, it started working pretty quickly. Like Bairdy, I'm taking 10mg x 3 a day.  I've also tried Tizanidine but it's side effects of feeling majorly fatigued and just sick made me stop taking it.  So far, after about 1 1/2 yrs on Baclofen, I really have no complaints.

I hope it brings you some relief soon.

[bairdy]

hi dont think iv met before
iv been given baclofen for stiffness and muscle spasms,
10mg x 3 a day but at the mo i just take one at bed time to relax me and i get a good nights sleep ! or better than without it lol
i suppose about a couple of doses and things started to ease i do take one during the day as required it kicks in after about 45 mins or so.
you will find what dose works cos it can make you alittle weak if you take 3x a day
you are right to start slowly and work up the dose as my gp stated.
but on the whole im very happy with baclofen it does what it says on the tin !! lol
regards bairdy