What Is Baclofen?

Baclofen seems to have been first marketed as a medication for epilepsy. This muscle relaxant may be taken orally the most often. However, patients appear to be able to have an injection into their spine. Doctors suggest starting with a dose of fifteen daily milligrams for three days. They seem to increase this dose gradually. Patients may be able to take a maximum dose of eight milligrams daily. Lower doses may be available through an intrathecal pump. In either case, doctors seem to monitor their patients on this medication closely.

Many patients seem to take this medication for multiple sclerosis treatment. It may also assist in muscle spasm pain relief. Multiple sclerosis patients may take baclofen as a common mediation for stiff muscles. However, patients may need more information to understand this medication as a treatment for multiple sclerosis and other conditions.

How It Should Work

This medication seems to be a GABA-B agonist. Thus, baclofen appears to activate these receptors. As a result, it should relax the patient's muscles. Some professionals say that this may be why it can be considered similar to pregabalin. This medication may also block the brain from releasing certain neurotransmitters. It also appears to reduce certain reflexes.

Patients seem to be able to expect their body to absorb this medication fast. It may only have a half-life of two to four hours. This looks as if it is why patients may need several doses daily to manage their symptoms. The kidneys seem to get rid of this medication. This process suggests that it may be suitable for liver disease patients whose condition is linked to alcohol use.

Continue to learn about potential uses for this medication next.

Potential Uses

This medication looks to be useful for reducing the severity of muscle spasms. It may also be able to improve muscle pain. Patients appear to experience relief from stiff muscles as well.

Individuals with multiple sclerosis seem to take this medication fairly often. It appears as if this medication helps relieve flexor spasms in these patients. Baclofen may also help restore some function in patients dealing with reversible spasticity. Some doctors suggest this medication to Huntington's disease patients. It may help treat spinal cord injuries too. However, it does not seem to be suitable for some other conditions. The conditions that it may not work for can include strokes, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral palsy.

Sometimes doctors can suggest this medication for 'off-label' uses. It may be a decent acid reflux treatment. This medication may also help patients with alcohol use disorders. However, patients may need to talk to their doctor about this medication's risks and benefits first.

Discover the possible side effects next.