Baclofen

    
      Re: Baclofen
    


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Posted by CCF neurology M.D. on February 20, 1998 at 19:52:47:

In Reply to: Baclofen posted by cindy on February 13, 1998 at 20:41:24:

: I am no longer able to get up from a stooped position. Is this stiffness or is this considered weakness or is this spasticity.
  I have been given a rx for baclofen but have declined using it as it affects my bladder and tiredness.
  Will baclofen help me to be able to get up from a stooped position again? I thought baclofen was for the spasticity (clonus)and Charlie Horse type spasms but if it might help me again use my legs better I might be willing to try it again.
  I am now experiencing trouble getting my left leg into the car. This is caused by stiffness, and if stiffness is spasticity, then I will take the baclofen.
  I guess my real question is, exactly what will taking baclofen help with?  I can live with the clonus and the Charlie Horses but the stiffness is sometimes so debilitating that I want to stop trying to keep on moving.  
  Are there other drugs to help treat this whole body stiffness?  
  My stuff is caused by cervical myelopathy that has been surgically treated as much as possible.
  Thanks!
  cindy
=Dear Cindy, the side effects of tiredness and increase urinary frequency are seen with some patients and ma be somewhat dose dependent.  Furthermore, the peak effect does not occur for 7-14 days after you begin the medication, therefore you may be seeing all of the side effects but none of the benefits if you stop it too soon.  Baclofen is used for spasticity, in your case the "stiffnes" of the extremities you describe and not clonus, which is the rhythymic flexing of the foot at the ankle following a stimulus to the foot (from a touch to a strong upward jerk of the foot).  However, both spasms and clonus are a result of your underlying condition, the cervical myelopathy.  I would recommend that you re-try the baclofen for at least 10 days to see if there is any improvement. You may also wish to discuss with your doctor the usage of other antispasmodic agents (e.g.tizanidine).  "This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options."