Adjusting to Baclofen

[bigmark1954]

I think the baclofen may be a good thing for me. My doc was hesitant to put me on it, because of the side effects. She based the hesitation on the fact that I am still driving, and pushing my self to exercise and be active.
I am on 5mg three times a day, to be increased to 10mg after a few weeks. My spasticity, shaking and tremors are a bit better, it is helping a little with the hyper reflexes as well.
Could be the best thing I have taken since my diagnosis 11 months ago.
I am thinking that perhaps I could cut one of the antidepressants in my regimen. The baclofen seems to have a side effect of tranquility as well.
My balance is still bad, but I am not as bouncy when I walk, which in turn makes me a little more stable on my feet.
If anyone wants to chime in on adjusting to baclofen or side effects it would be interesting to me.

 

[Texas Quilter]

I'm taking 10mg at bedtime. I haven't noticed any real side effects, except a little nausea, which may be due to the rilutek

 

[bigmark1954]

I'm taking 10mg at bedtime. I haven't noticed any real side effects, except a little nausea, which may be due to the rilutek

Thanks for your input....am wondering why you take it at night in one dose, when you could scatter a smaller dose 3 times a day?

 

[dalvin]

When I first started taking it, I had really bad nausea. Was still sick in the morning from the day before. Lasted about two weeks then went away. That was the only side effect I noticed

 

[Clearwater AL]

Fortunately, it has been a miracle drug for me, no side effects. I've just been up'd to 30mgs three times a day. The cramps, Charlie horses and stiffness started creeping through 20mgs three times a day. Guess the pump may be next. But... I did struggle through common side effects when I first started taking it.

 

[GregK]

Edit: realized I was full of crap and deleted.

 

[Clearwater AL]

Edited. TMI. Need to know only info. GregK, hope you didn't take my post wrong.

 

[mpnatx]

I'm taking 10mg at bedtime. I haven't noticed any real side effects, except a little nausea, which may be due to the rilutek

My Dr has me taking at bedtime also. Then increase to noon and bedtime. Then 3 times a day up to 20mg.

I took it for two weeks, and couldn't tolerate it. I wish I could. Better than waking in the middle of the night and spending an hour stretching them out.
Marty

 

[Texas Quilter]

Thanks for your input....am wondering why you take it at night in one dose, when you could scatter a smaller dose 3 times a day?

Started just at night because that's when most of my muscle cramps/spasms were occuring. But I've been getting some during the day now - esp. in my calfs. Going to clinic this week & will ask about a change.

Also taking gabapentin for some nerve pain, but its not really working & will talk to them about that too. I feel like someone is stabbing a hot poker in my thighs and its getting pretty unbearable & waking me up at night.

 

[slopokahontas]

I take it at night as well. It knocks me on my butt! Guess that's why my doc didn't give it during the day! I literally slept through a fire alarm!