Lioresal

Lioresal (baclofen) is a muscle relaxer and an antispastic agent. Baclofen is used to treat muscle symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis, including spasm, pain, and stiffness.

Baclofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

You should not use Lioresal if you are allergic to baclofen.

To make sure Lioresal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• a head injury or brain tumor;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• stomach or intestinal problems (especially colitis);
• diabetes; or
• a history of alcoholism or drug addiction.

Do not stop using baclofen suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take baclofen. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use Lioresal if you are allergic to baclofen.

To make sure baclofen is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• a head injury or brain tumor;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• stomach or intestinal problems (especially colitis);
• diabetes; or
• a history of alcoholism or drug addiction.

Do not stop using baclofen suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take baclofen. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

How should I take baclofen?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Baclofen is usually taken 3 times per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not take more baclofen than prescribed. An overdose can be fatal.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be checked. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take baclofen. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

If I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of baclofen can be fatal.

What should I avoid while taking baclofen?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of baclofen and may cause seizures.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Baclofen can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Baclofen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• weak or shallow breathing;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• seizure (convulsions);
• confusion, hallucinations;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• little or no urinating;
• swelling in your ankles or feet;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
• new or worsening muscle weakness (especially in your legs and feet), or fainting.

Common baclofen side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;
• headache, tired feeling;
• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
• mild skin rash; or
• muscle weakness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect baclofen?

Taking baclofen with other drugs that make you drowsy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects.

Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine