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Lioresal (baclofen) is an antispastic medication and muscle relaxer, used to alleviate pain and spasticity in spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. The medication should not be used to treat stroke or Parkinson's disease.

This product works on the central nervous system (CNS) to relax muscles and reduce spams, pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. Lioresal, unlike many other medications that produce similar effects, does not produce euphoria and is considered non-addictive. It can produce withdrawal effects, however; treatment should be gradually tapered down when it ends.

This product can be used in all ages, but young and elderly patients may need modified dosing.

Using Lioresal

Lioresal comes as an injection or tablets; injections are reserved for medical settings, while tablets can be taken anywhere. Tablets are typically taken three times per day, with or without food according to personal preference. To get the most benefit from Lioresal it will need to be taken regularly over the long term.

Treatment nearly always starts at lower doses, gradually increased until an effective dose is found. Typical treatment is as follows:

• Days 1 to 3: Take 5 mg three times per day.
• Days 4 to 6: Take 10 mg three times per day.
• Days 7 to 9: Take 15 mg three times per day.
• And so on; increase dosage by 5 mg every three days until an effective dose is found.
• Do not exceed 80 mg total per day.

Doctor instructions may vary to some degree; doctor instructions should be followed closely.

Once an effective dose is found, patients report decreased muscle stiffness, less pain, fewer spasms, and improved muscle control. These are obviously beneficial to patients, and with Lioresal, they don't come at the expense of addiction. Lioresal does not produce euphoria or other positive feelings associated with similar medications, significantly reducing the desire to use the medication recreationally.

Unfortunately, though, if Lioresal is used for more than a couple of consecutive months, withdrawal effects are likely if treatment ends abruptly. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe; auditory, tactile, or visual hallucinations, seizures, delusions, and so forth, among many less-severe complications. These withdrawal symptoms are prevented by gradually tapering down dosage, similar to how treatment begins.

Warnings & Side Effects

Some patients are at increased risk of serious side effects; namely those with a history of:

• Kidney disease
• Stroke
• Seizures
• Mental disorders

Patients with the above will need to discuss use of Lioresal with a doctor; the medication may or may not be suitable.

Most side effects from Lioresal are mild and transient, only cause for concern if severe and/or persistant:

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Sleeping changes
• Increased urination
• Constipation
• Weakness
• Nausea

Rarely more serious side effects develop, usually involving mental or mood changes. These include depression, severe confusion, hallucinations, and so forth. Elderly patients are at increased risk of mental/mood changes, though they can happen to anyone. If these occur, seek medical attention.

Taking other medications that slow breathing or cause drowsiness can cause serious---even deadly---side effects. Avoid sleeping medications, narcotics, other muscle relaxers, or other medications meant to address mental/mood disorders (such as for depression) without explicit doctor approval.

Other drugs may interact with Lioresal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications.

In animal studies Lioresal produced low birth weight. Effects on human babies have not been studied, but the medication is likely to have some effect. However, keep in mind that Lioresal should not be stopped abruptly. If you become pregnant while taking Lioresal, speak with a doctor about the best course of action.