I took a 10mg Baclofen last night before going to bed because my right hand was hurting so much. It felt like deep joint pain in my thumb and index finger area.

About an hour later I noticed that I was having a hard time getting a deep breath.

This has happened before and I just attributed it to the "hug" but now I think it's the Baclofen. I was taking 30 mg a day for a while (10mg X 3) and was having problems catching my breath. When I stopped the Baclofen the breathing problems stopped.

Has anyone else had this problem while taking Baclofen and, if so, what alternative med have you found that helps?

Shortness of breath is one of the listed side effects of Baclofen Kitty, but I'm not so sure about the joint pain. I know muscle pain is a rare possibility, but I've not heard of it spreading to joints. That doesn't mean it can't of course, but it really concerns me that you had breathing problems. I'd not take any more of the tablets until you check with your doctor, because the next reaction could be far worse.

I hope that helps a bit, and if you want more information, why don't you ask mrsD over in the Medication forum?

Oh, that had to be a disturbing thing.

Here is a link that discusses baclofen:
http://doublecheckmd.com/EffectsDeta...2619&show=more

I also have heard that baclofen is hard to discontinue.

I didn't see it much at the long term care place I worked. And it was not used in retail much here either.

I guess Zanaflex has taken its place for the most part.

I've been taking flexeril for back pain. (had a car accident 10yrs ago that hurt my back some) It doesnt seem to bother me as much as baclofen does. The baclofen just makes me feel a little weird sometimes.

Kelly - I too have heard that is a side effect. I have only tried it for a week, 5 mg at night. It knocked me out so much and left me groggy and hungover the next day (including a hangover headache) that I won't take it anymore.

Is there something else that your dr can prescribe? I just discovered from I think mrsD on another thread, Salonpas. I had slept wrong one night and was having regular spasms in my neck and shoulder. I put one of those on and it worked great. I have not tried it on any spasms as I am only have tightness and slight pulling right now.