Baclofen
 

Although I do not have MS, I have a neurological movement disorder (Cervical Dystonia/Spasmodic Torticollis) that sometimes includes Baclofen as part of the treatment regiment. I know that a lot of people with MS are familiar with it and I had a couple of questions, so here goes:

My neurologist has told me in the past that I can safely go up to 40 mg before I needed to discuss further changes. He has prescribed me, both recently and in the past, a dose of 1 10mg tab twice a day. I have increased to 30mg total, but am wondering what others more familiar with it might think would work best--15 mg in the morning and 15 at night) or 10 in the am, 10 in the afternoon, and 10 at night?

Also-what side effects have you experienced? Is it common to feel tired and "out of it" after increasing the dosage?
Edit/Delete Message

Hi, Tom!

I was on Baclafen for a number of years but switched to Zanaflex. The main side effect I noticed from it was a weakening feeling in my legs. For someone with MS, that is extremely disturbing and genuinely effects daily life.

It leaves the system between doses, so keeping your schedule with it will ensure the most consistent results for you. I took it three times per day at 10mg per.

It didn't cause me a marked sense of drowsiness, but remember, MSrs struggle with fatigue all the time anyway, but I can't say that mine was worse during the Baclafen years. I was at 30mg per day at my max.

I hope this helps a little, and that it works for you!:)

Hi Tom:

According to my MS neuro Baclofen should be taken three times a day to be effective.

40 mgs. is not a high dose, apparently you can take up to 80 safely, but obviously your doctor wants to monitor your progress carefully, which is a good thing.

The pharmacist told me that on a bad day it is safe to add another 5 mg. once in a while to take the edge off.

Torticollis is a nasty and painful condition. :(

Hope you find some relief. If you can, take naps if you feel sleepy from the drug. Usually you will wake up refreshed (if the pain doesn't keep you awake).

Best wishes...

Thanks for the input and good luck.