Baclofen for chronic muscle spasm

About baclofen

Long-term (chronic) muscle stiffness can occur in sclerosi multipla and in conditions where there has been damage to nerves that supply muscles. In these conditions, the muscles shorten (contract) tightly, and can then become stiff and harder to use. This is called muscle spasticity.

Baclofen works by relaxing the muscles, which reduces pain and discomfort.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking baclofen it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• Se sei incinta, stai cercando di avere un bambino o stai allattando.

• Se hai mai avuto un'ulcera allo stomaco.

• If you have kidney or liver problems, or an 'overactive' bladder.

• If you have ever had a ictus, or if the blood vessels to your brain are narrowed by cerebrovascular disease.

• Se hai high blood pressure (hypertension).

• Se hai epilessia, Malattia di Parkinson o diabete.

• If you have any mental health problems.

• If you have problems with your breathing.

• If you have ever had problems with drug or alcohol misuse.

• Se stai assumendo o utilizzando altri medicinali. Questo include qualsiasi medicinale che stai assumendo e che è disponibile per l'acquisto senza prescrizione, così come i medicinali a base di erbe e complementari.

• Se hai mai avuto una reazione allergica a un medicinale.

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about baclofen and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• When starting this treatment, your doctor will give you a small dose (usually half a tablet three times daily) and then gradually increase your dose every three days or so. This allows your doctor to make sure that you have the dose that helps your condition and avoids any unwanted symptoms.

• Take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your dose will be on the label of the pack to remind you.

• When baclofen is prescribed for a child, it is likely that a liquid medicine will be supplied. Check the directions on the label carefully, as the dose will depend upon their body weight.

• Take baclofen with a snack or just after eating a meal.

• Try to take your doses at the same times of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take them. If you do forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose but remember to take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  

• Cerca di mantenere i tuoi appuntamenti regolari con il tuo medico. Questo è per permettere al tuo medico di controllare i tuoi progressi.

• Baclofen may cause drowsiness and eyesight problems. If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines until you feel better.

• If your muscle spasms increase or if you have difficulty doing things because you feel your muscles have become weak, let your doctor know about this, as your dose may need adjusting.

• It is recommended that you do not drink alcohol while you are on baclofen. This is because it increases the chance that you will experience side-effects such as feeling sleepy or dizzy.

• Treatment with baclofen is usually long-term, so keep taking these tablets unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Suddenly stopping treatment can cause problems, so your doctor is likely to want you to reduce your dose gradually if this is necessary.

• Se devi sottoporti a un'operazione o a un trattamento dentistico, informa la persona che esegue il trattamento sui medicinali che stai assumendo.

• Se acquisti dei medicinali, verifica con un farmacista che siano sicuri da assumere insieme agli altri tuoi medicinali.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with baclofen. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Se si verificano altri sintomi che ritieni possano essere dovuti a questo medicinale, parla con il tuo medico o farmacista.

• Tenere tutti i medicinali fuori dalla portata e dalla vista dei bambini.

• Conservare in un luogo fresco e asciutto, lontano da fonti di calore e luce diretta.