Hi - I need advice regarding baclofen. I have RSD which is a pain syndrome and I am getting severe stiffness in my back as well as muscle spasms. I have tried to take baclofen but when I get past 5mg I start to get weird head feelings. I end up just giving up on it though I think It would help. I talked to my pm doc about the pump and he said I would get the same symptoms with the pump..is that true?? He was really against it but in the end he said he could do a 5 day trial -in patient- where they put a catheter in my spine. I dont know what to do because with RSD surgery can be very risky so my questions are
1-do you get the same side effects with the pump
2- How often are there complications with the pump

Any advice would be appreciated!!

TY
Debbie for the RSD group.

Hi Debbie, I don't have the pump (yet) but my neuro told me that with the direct dosing the pump affords, the amount administered is miniscule compared to the pills.

I would vote NO on a five-day inpatient anything!

Have you tried Zanaflex? It works twice as well as Baclafen for me, I alternate the two throughout the day.

Sorry you're in pain, Debbie. I had/have RSD and I know the pain, though I've been in remission 30 years. Seems miraculous to me.

I also have MS, with muscle spasms. I currently take Baclofen, but it totally messes with my head! I only take one 5mg at night. Doesn't always do much, but I need my brain! If I'm having bad back spasms, I'll take the baclofen and know that I am not going to get much work done, or I'll even stay home.

Aftermynap has suggested Zanaflex, and I've seen it mentioned many times here. People seem to prefer it and I'm going to ask my neuro about changing next time I go in.

Catch,
Thanks for telling me this- I felt like I was the only one who was having head troubles with baclofen. The zanaflex upset my stomach but maybe I will try again. I am really thinking of the pain pump trial with baclofen and maybe a little pain med

Hi. 1989 I had 99% complete C7 spinal inury and took 20mg 3x/day till 2006.
2006 MS and upped it to 20mg 6x/day. I still get bad spasms. I passed on the pump but docs all told me its small, in your back, and works without going to head. Botox i looked into but it lasts 3 months and many bottles required = 20% copay too much. Baclofen's $2.50/month with my ins.
Wish you luck.