Baclofen, also known by the brand name Lioresal, is a medication prescribed for many people with muscle spasms. It's thought baclofen descreases the activity in the portion of the brain that causes muscles to contract and relax. Baclofen is available as a generic, 10 and 20 mg tablets as well as an injectible medication. When first starting baclofen, it made me sleepy within an hour of taking it. After a few days this side effect wore off, while the medication relieved the severe spasms I experienced in my legs and minor ones affecting my arms. I increased over time to taking baclofen 3 times a day for a total of 30 mg. Each time the dosage was increased I experienced some sleepiness, but it was less severe than before and resolved within a few days. I take it for a pain disorder known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), which can include minor to severe muscle spasms. I have been taking baclofen for about 6 years and it was and is my wonder drug. I haven't experienced any issues other than initial sleepiness from taking baclofen. I highly recommend baclofen for anyone with muscle spasms if your doctor prescribes them. It could bring you as much relief as it has for me.Since everyone's body works differently, don't engage in any physical activities or drive a car until you know how it will affect you and for how long.

KarenMB

Palm City, FL

**   Multiple Sclerosis** is a disease of the brain and spinal cord that can cause a variety of troubling symptoms. Since my diagnosis over a decade ago, muscle spasticity has become a primary challenge.  My legs are very weak, and I tend to have exaggerated reflexes, sudden painful cramps, and rapid muscle contractions in my calves.  It's kind of like a really bad, 24-hour case of restless legs syndrome. It sometimes feels as if my legs are being twisted and pulled like taffy. My neurologist prescribed **Baclofen (brand name: Lioresal)**, which is a muscle-relaxant and anti-spasticity drug commonly used in MS.  When I first tried taking it, I couldn't tolerate the excessive sleepiness and generalized "out-of-it" daze that it brought on.  As a result, my neurologist weaned me off of it, but of course, the awful spasticity returned with a vengeance.  Several months later,  I decided to try it again, but this time we started at a very low dose and worked up to 300mg/day.  This approach worked much better for me.  My body was more agreeable to the Baclofen since it'd had more time to get introduced, so to speak. My symptoms have decreased quite a bit, but I would need a higher dosage or a Baclofen pump (which has to be surgically implanted) to get more complete relief.  At this point, I feel like I'm at the perfect ratio of risk-to-benefit with this medication.  Unless the spasticity becomes unbearable I won't opt for anything more. Although it's not a complete solution, Baclofen has improved my painful spasticity significantly. I do highly recommend giving **Baclofen** a try if your neurologist suggests it would be beneficial.  You have to be weaned on--and off--of it to avoid risk of seizure, so be aware of that and follow your physician's instructions accordingly. 

LoveisJoy

Chicagoland, IL

Baclofen (brand name: Lioresal) is one of the better muscle relaxants available.  Compared to methocarbamol (brand name: Robaxin), cyclobenzaprine (brand name: Flexeril), and carisoprodal (brand name: Soma), baclofen is much more effective with muscle spasms, such as those produced by pinched nerves (e.g. caused by herniated discs).  Although all muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness, for me, baclofen causes negligible drowsiness or altered state of consciousness. Methocarbamol tastes the worst and provides no relief; cyclobenzaprine provides no relief as well, causes more drowsiness but upon waking the next day, it gives a groggy effect; and carisoprodal does the same.  Baclofen has the additional benefit of helping with neuropathic pain (better than gabapentin [Neurontin]) unlike the other three muscle relaxants.  It is almost as effective as narcotic opiod pain medications, without producing any sort of "high".

TimothyL

Alameda, CA

Baclofen is a muscle relaxer an antispastic agent. Baclofen is used to treat muscle symptons caused by multiple sclerosis, including spasm,pain, and stiffness. Bacolfen may also be used for other purposes,recently it has been know to be a great way to treat alcoholics, it sends a message to the brain to make a person not to crave alcohol. Baclofen can cause side affects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.  Do not use Baclofen at a time when muscle tone is needed to assure safe balance and movement for certain activities. In some situations, it may endanger your physical safety to be in a state of reduced muscle tone. Baclofen is available with a prescription under the brand name Lioresal. Other brand or generic fomulations may also be available.

coneal50

Louisville, KY