Baclofen

[teenyturner]

Hi,  my GP has just given me a prescription for Baclofen.

I was told to take one 10 mg tablet at night but could increase it to 3 times a day if it was needed.

Is there anything I need to know about effects/side effects?  I rarely take medication of any type.

Regards

[jensequitur]

Teeny, I take 60 mg of Baclofen.  I've tried to cut back, but no can do - I end up with spasms.  So far I haven't noticed any side effects, except I have no tolerance for alcohol any more.

[Lulu54]

teenyturner, you can have all the empathy for this kindly man, but don't let it affect your health.  I left the care of my GP of over 15 years when I realized he could not separate my symptoms from that of his teenage son who died of a brain tumor.  He wasn't interested in looking at my problems since I didn't have a headache like his son.  That was a clue that he could no longer be a n effective doctor for me.  He had lost his objectivity.

Please consider moving on - he will find a way to deal with his loss eventually

As for the baclofen, it stays in our system for about 4 hours, so keep that in mind as you try to figure out what your body needs.  I take 20mg at a pop and have been told I can take 4 a day.  I usually only take three - morning, before bed and sometime mid-day.  That seems to help a lot.
  
Lulu

[teenyturner]

Thank you all.  My GP had a daughter who died recently aged 26. She was born with a chromosomal problem which caused severe intellectual and physical disability.  She died very unexpectedly in her sleep about a year ago.  My GP went in in the morning to wake her up and get her ready for her daycare and she had passed away.  He hasn't been the same since then.  He never jokes or smiles any more and I feel bad whenever I have to see him about neuro issues because I feel as if I'm compounding his grief.

He has been my GP for 17 years and I don't want to change but on the other hand my compassion for him prevents me from mentioning some of the issues that are worrying me.

This is a difficult situation.  I want my old happy, smiley GP back but then again, I suppose he does too.

Regards

[Jacksmom516]

Hi

I am the same as Shell and Mick.  I worked up to 40 mg a day and tired feeling subsided and it helps with the tightness and spasms greatly!  Especially since  I sit at a desk for my job - after an hour the pains were horrible.   Now it is so much easier!

Let us know how you do!
Tracy

[sllowe]

Hi there,

When I started, I titrated up to 30 mgs daily, and found I was a bit slow moving in the a.m. A side affect I was willing to live with considering it did knock down painful spasms. After a few months, that lethargy, slowness subsided in the mornings thank god.

After a few years, I dropped my dosing to 10 mgs @ night, and did very well. No overwhelming return of spasms. So, you may be fine w/that dose - time will tell. If not, you'll know it for sure.

Hope this helps,
-Shell

[bairdy]

i take baclofen and started with 10mg at night for a few weeks before adding another dose in the day.
its best to start slowly and titrate up the dose till your at a dose that works for you as everyone is different.
the only side effect i had was it made me a little sleepy so it helped me sleep better. i never miss that dose now!!
but i can take up to four 10mg a day but dont allways take four a day it depends how stiff i am or if my spasms are bad.
hope this helps
regards mick