Medication allergy and MS symptoms

[sonic7173]

OK I have found out Baclofen and I don't get along.  I started out after only 2 doses, 5mg at bed time two nights in a row and by the next morning I was having breathing difficultiefs.  Well I continued to take it not knowing that was the problem.  My neuro said after a couple days I could also take one in the Morn.  I did and breathing got worse.  Went to pcp and he did the hand held breathing test and gave me asthma meds.   Continued the Baclofen only to have breathing worse.  But It would get better after about 8 hours.  Assumed something in the air.  (never had seasonal allergies Figured I did now)  OK so as my breathing got worse sso did my usual "MS" symptoms (not dx'd yet) My walking, and extreme muscle jerking was terrible.  Extreme weakness in my right arm.  Muscle toning was bad.  Both feet would turn on the sides, making walking even with my cane impossible and sever jerking in both legs and left arm.  I have these symptoms normally but not to this extreme.  I always have a good right leg. (Unless my left is so tired) I am also a toe walker when I don't have shoes on.  All the foot issues I know come from muscle toning, anyway I could go on and on.  My question is did the reaction to the baclofen cause these issues to be worse because of the medicatin itself as in side effects or did the reaction make my "normal" symptoms worse.  I know allergies as well as infections can make symptoms worse.  When your body is trying to fight one and leaves the other to go haywire.  I am seeing my own Neuro tomarrow, and I no longer take the Baclofen. Just wondering thanks.  (sorry so Long)

[vterry]

My Hubby had a baclofen pump installed over 2 years ago and swears that he is having a reaction as well. His health began to decline once the pump was installed and has continuously gotten worse over the past 2 years. The doctors have tried to explain this away with tests for every condition known to man to no avail. At this point we are considering having the pump removed once he can safely titrate off the medication in the pump. I am sorry we ever went down this road.

[sonic7173]

I am so  sorry your husband has had his problems with bacloffen also.  I hate when Drs try to explain things away when we ourselfs know our bodys better then anyone else.  I went down hill fast was only on the small dose (oral) for a week and I did quit cold turkey.  I was to the point of the ER due to breathing issues.  I seriously could not get in enough air.  PCP explained it as possible asthma because when I saw him it wasn't at it's worst.  Never said it could be the baclofen although thats when everything got worse.  I have walking issues already and I had them even more severe and effecting both legs rather then one.  Increased Muscle toning actually in my ankles to where BOTH feet would turn on their sides.  Rather then just the left one.  I hope your husband can get his pump squared away.  I think that some of us just don't like what ever is in The Baclofen let him know he is not alone on things worsening because of the medication.   Thank you so much for your info it makes me feel better that I am not alone.... Amy

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Baclofen is a medicine used frequently in multiple sclerosis patients as a muscle relaxant. One “side effect” to this medication is decreased muscle tone that may make you feel weak and tired. These are the usual dose limiting factors for baclofen.  Other side effects include dizziness, difficulties with sleeping, slurring of speech, and difficulties with coordination of muscle movements (i.e., ataxia). The symptoms you describe of right arm weakness and jerking of legs could all be related to the medication.

I am not sure what you mean by breathing difficulties. Were you wheezing? If so, you may have an allergy to baclofen and should discuss this with your provider to wean off of the medication. (Did you already stop the baclofen cold?) Also, overdosing on baclofen is associated with respiratory depression.

I agree you should follow up with your neurologist. Other oral medications are available for spasticity. These include tizanidine, diazepam, and cyclobenzaprine to name a few.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck with the medication and also with finding your “diagnosis”.