Baclofen
NHS information about the medicine baclofen, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What baclofen is for
Baclofen is used to ease muscle spasms, cramps or tightness caused by conditions that affect your nerves and brain (nervous system).
It can help with conditions such as:
- cerebral palsy
- motor neurone disease (MND)
- multiple sclerosis
How to take baclofen
Baclofen usually comes as tablets or a liquid (oral solution) that you swallow. You usually take it 3 times a day.
How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it.
Your doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it after a few days depending on how well your symptoms improve. This reduces the chance of side effects.
Sometimes a hospital doctor (specialist) may prescribe baclofen as an injection or in a pump.
When taking baclofen tablets or liquid:
- try to take it at the same time each day
- it's best to take it with food or a glass of milk, particularly if it makes you feel sick
- swallow the tablets whole
- use the syringe or spoon that comes with the liquid medicine to help you measure the right dose
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Side effects of baclofen
Like all medicines, baclofen can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of baclofen include:
- headaches
- dry mouth
- feeling tired or weak
- feeling dizzy or faint
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- problems with your eyesight
- mood changes
- muscle weakness or muscle pain
If you feel dizzy, tired or have problems with your eyesight after taking baclofen, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of baclofen.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take baclofen
Most adults and children aged 1 month or over can take baclofen.
But baclofen is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from baclofen
- you have a liver or kidney condition
- you have epilepsy, diabetes or Parkinson's disease
- you've had a stroke
- you have a mental health condition
- you have problems with alcohol or drug dependence
Before taking baclofen, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and baclofen
You may be able to take baclofen while breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first. They may want to recommend a different muscle relaxant.
If you take baclofen when breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and baclofen
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant. You may be able to take baclofen during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Your baby may need to be closely monitored after you've given birth, to check for possible withdrawal symptoms.
Taking baclofen with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with baclofen.
This includes:
- other muscle relaxants, such as tizanidine
- medicines for mental health conditions, such as lithium or amitriptyline
- medicines for high blood pressure, such as diltiazem
- medicines for Parkinson's disease, such as co-beneldopa or co-careldopa
- drowsy or sedating antihistamines, such as promethazine, or sedatives, such as temazepam
- opioid painkillers, such as morphine or buprenorphine
Before taking baclofen, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with baclofen
You can eat and drink as normal while taking baclofen, but it's best not to drink alcohol.
Drinking alcohol while taking baclofen increases the risk of side effects such as feeling very tired or sleepy.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice
