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 complete the full course of the skeletal muscle relaxant unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the muscle relaxant may not fully treat your muscle spasms.
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
Baclofen is FDA-approved to treat muscle spasms resulting from multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and other spinal diseases. Baclofen may also help treat muscle pain.
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:
Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak
Headache
Nausea and/or vomiting
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Muscle pain or muscle weakness
Severe dizziness
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.
How to take Baclofen
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your baclofen prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
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.
What to avoid while taking Baclofen
Baclofen has 360 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:
Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
Neurontin (gabapentin)
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
Lyrica (pregabalin)
Lasix (furosemide)
Ask your doctor about drinking alcohol while taking baclofen. Alcohol can increase nervous system side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Drinking alcohol with baclofen can also caused decreased alertness and impaired judgment.
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:
Muscle spasms
Baclofen prescription FAQs
How much does baclofen cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, baclofen tablets cost around $21 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:
Kidney disease
Mental illness, such as schizophrenia
If you're taking CNS depressants
Seizure disorder
Nervous system disorder
If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant
What are the major side effects of baclofen?
The major side effects of baclofen include muscle weakness, mood changes, severe dizziness, and renal impairment.
How many hours does baclofen last?
Baclofen has a short half-life, which ranges between two and six hours.
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

Step 1
Book a baclofen prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your baclofen prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3
Pick up your baclofen prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Baclofen prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your baclofen prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Baclofen prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Food and Drug Administration. Baclofen prescription label. Accessed on May 8, 2023. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/208193s000lbl.pdf
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.
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.