Baclofen is FDA-approved to help treat the pain from muscle spasms resulting from multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and other spinal diseases. Baclofen may also help relieve muscle pain. It is important to note that it does not cure these conditions but it may allow other treatments, such as physical therapy, to be more helpful in improving your condition
Lioresal (baclofen) prescription available online
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About Lioresal (baclofen)
Baclofen is considered a skeletal muscle relaxant, which functions by relaxing the muscles. Like other muscle relaxer medications, baclofen tablets are used to reduce and relieve excessive tension in the muscles.
Baclofen is used to treat muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury, and other spinal cord diseases. Baclofen is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including Lioresal.
Baclofen may be prescribed as a tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you are prescribed baclofen, be sure to follow the directions that were provided by your health care professional on how to take your muscle relaxant.
Baclofen uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for baclofen, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your health care provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Muscle spasms
What are the pros and cons?
Cons
- One
- Two
Baclofen side effects
The side effects associated with taking baclofen are typically mild. Most baclofen side effects are associated with drowsiness. Baclofen has some common side effects. They may include:
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Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak
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Headache
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Nausea and/or vomiting
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Confusion
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Constipation
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Low blood pressure
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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Muscle pain or muscle weakness
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Severe dizziness
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Problems with urinary retention
Ask your doctor for medical advice you notice any adverse effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Baclofen can be taken in tablet or liquid form by children over the age of one month old. The use of baclofen in pediatric populations is usually managed by a specialist. At this time, PlushCare does not have specialists that manage these pediatric conditions.
How to take Baclofen
Baclofen can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. Baclofen dosage can range from 5 mg to 20 mg, taken between once and three times daily. It is important to note that for patients with long term baclofen use, it should not be stopped abruptly as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Please follow your doctor’s instructions when discontinuing this medication.
What to avoid while taking Baclofen
Baclofen has many drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Possible drug interactions with baclofen include:
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Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
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Neurontin (gabapentin)
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Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
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Lyrica (pregabalin)
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Lasix (furosemide)
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Opiates
Ask your doctor about drinking alcohol while taking baclofen. It is generally not advisable to consume alcohol during treatment with baclofen. Alcohol can increase nervous system side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Drinking alcohol with baclofen can also cause decreased alertness and impaired judgment.
What to avoid
Medication alternatives to baclofen
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another muscle relaxant or spasticity medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Baclofen prescription FAQs
How much does baclofen cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, baclofen tablets cost around $20-$50 for a supply of thirty 10 mg tablets without insurance. Baclofen is a generic brand, and brand-name medications may cost more. Price also varies with insurance coverage. Our prescription discount card helps members save up to 80% on prescriptions.
How can I refill my baclofen prescription?
To refill your baclofen prescription, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After a qualifying evaluation, your prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup.
Who should not take baclofen?
Before taking baclofen, tell your doctor if you have:
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If you're taking CNS depressant medications
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Kidney disease
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Mental illness, such as schizophrenia
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Seizure disorder
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Nervous system disorder
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If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant
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A history of stroke
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Parkinson’s disease
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Rheumatologic conditions
What are the major side effects of baclofen?
The major side effects of baclofen include muscle weakness, mood changes, severe dizziness.
How many hours does baclofen last?
Baclofen has a short half-life, which ranges between two and six hours. That means it takes about 2-6 hours for half of the medication to be removed from the body in an average healthy person.
Should I avoid certain foods while taking baclofen?
Baclofen is not known to interact with food.
What happens if I miss a dose of baclofen?
If you miss a dose of baclofen, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I take too much baclofen?
If you've taken too much baclofen, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center. Overdose symptoms may include muscle weakness, shallow breathing, seizure, or loss of consciousness.
3 simple steps to request your baclofen prescription today
Book a baclofen prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your baclofen prescription.
Pick up your baclofen prescription.
Baclofen prescription pricing details
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Baclofen prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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Food and Drug Administration. Baclofen prescription label. Accessed on May 8, 2023. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/208193s000lbl.pdf
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MedlinePlus. Baclofen. Accessed on May 8, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682530.html#:~:text=Baclofen%20is%20in%20a%20class,pain%20and%20improves%20muscle%20movement.
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PubMed. Food does not affect the bioavailability of baclofen. Accessed on May 8, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4010592/#:~:text=It%20is%20recommended%20that%20baclofen,minimize%20its%20gastrointestinal%20side%2Deffects.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.