MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
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Jean Administrator
Member # 08-29-2001 10:36 PM Brand
Names In the U.S.-- Lioresal Lioresal Category Description Baclofen acts on the
central nervous system (CNS) to produce its muscle relaxant effects. Its actions
on the CNS may also cause some of the medicine's side effects. Baclofen may also
be used to relieve other conditions as determined by your doctor. This medicine is available
only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Before Using This
Medicine In deciding to use a
medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it
will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For baclofen, the
following should be considered: Allergies--Tell
your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to baclofen.
Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other
substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes. Pregnancy--Studies
on birth defects with baclofen have not been done in humans. However, studies in
animals have shown that baclofen, when given in doses several times the human
dose, increases the chance of hernias and incomplete or slow development of
bones in the fetus, and of lower birth weight. Breast-feeding--Baclofen
passes into the breast milk. However, this medicine has not been reported to
cause problems in nursing babies. Children--Studies
on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific
information comparing use of baclofen in children with use in other age groups. Older adults--Side
effects such as hallucinations, confusion or mental depression, other mood or
mental changes, and severe drowsiness may be especially likely to occur in
elderly patients, who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the
effects of baclofen. Other medicines--Although
certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two
different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In
these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may
be necessary. When you are taking baclofen, it is especially important that your
health care professional know if you are taking any of the following: Antidepressants, tricyclic
(amitriptyline [e.g., Elavil]), amoxapine [e.g., Asendin], clomipramine [e.g.,
Anafranil], desipramine [e.g., Pertofrane], doxepin [e.g., Sinequan], imipramine
[e.g., Tofranil], nortriptyline [e.g., Aventyl], protriptyline [e.g., Vivactil],
trimipramine [e.g., Surmontil]) or Diabetes mellitus (sugar
diabetes)--Baclofen may raise blood sugar levels
For oral dosage form
(tablets): Storage--To store this
medicine: Keep out of the reach of
children.
This medicine will add to
the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the
nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants
are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds;
sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or
narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; other muscle relaxants; or
anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before
taking any of the above while you are using baclofen . This medicine may cause
drowsiness, dizziness, vision problems, or clumsiness or unsteadiness in some
people. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use
machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert,
well-coordinated, and able to see well . For diabetic patients :
This medicine may cause
your blood sugar levels to rise. If you notice a change in the results of your
blood or urine sugar test or if you have any questions about this, check with
your doctor. Side Effects of This
Medicine Check with your doctor as
soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: Less common or rare Bloody or dark urine;
chest pain; fainting; hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not
there); mental depression or other mood changes; ringing or buzzing in the ears;
skin rash or itching Symptoms of overdose Blurred or double vision;
convulsions (seizures); muscle weakness (severe); shortness of breath or
unusually slow or troubled breathing; vomiting Other side effects may
occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away
during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your
doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome: More common Confusion; dizziness or
lightheadedness; drowsiness; nausea; unusual weakness, especially muscle
weakness Less common or rare Abdominal or stomach pain
or discomfort; clumsiness, unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with
muscle control; constipation; diarrhea; difficult or painful urination or
decrease in amount of urine; false sense of well-being; frequent urge to urinate
or uncontrolled urination; headache; loss of appetite; low blood pressure;
muscle or joint pain; numbness or tingling in hands or feet; pounding heartbeat;
sexual problems in males; slurred speech or other speech problems; stuffy nose;
swelling of ankles; trouble in sleeping; unexplained muscle stiffness; unusual
excitement; unusual tiredness; weight gain Some side effects may
occur after you have stopped taking this medicine, especially if you stop taking
it suddenly. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following effects
occur: Convulsions (seizures);
hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there); increase in muscle
spasm, cramping, or tightness; mood or mental changes; unusual nervousness or
restlessness Other side effects not
listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects,
check with your doctor. Additional Information There is no additional information relating to proper use, precautions, or side effects for this use of baclofen. |