Lobac (baclofen) is a muscle relaxer and antispastic medication, useful in treating multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and some similar conditions. This medication should not be used to treat patients who have had a stroke, who have had a brain injury, or who have Parkinson's disease.

Lobac can be used in patients of all ages, but be aware that young or elderly patients will likely require modified dosing.

Lobac Basics

Lobac is most commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis, but it does provide benefit in treating spastic movement disorders associated with some other conditions. It is important a doctor be consulted prior to starting treatment to ensure the medication is suitable.

Lobac helps alleviate:

• Pain
• Spasms
• Stiffness
• Impaired coordination
• Overactive reflexes
• Muscle paralysis
• Similar symptoms

The alleviation of these symptoms provides obvious benefit for patients. Unlike other medications which provide similar benefit, Lobac does not produce euphoria or other positive feelings and is considered non-addictive.

Note, however, that if the medication has been taken for more than a few weeks treatment should not end abruptly; withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur. 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. A doctor can help develop a discontinuation plan.

Dosage & Administration

Lobac comes in tablets, typically taken three times per day over the long term. Food is optional with each dose, and may alleviate gastrointestinal side effects if experienced. A glass of fluid is recommended with each dose.

Treatment ideally starts at low doses, increased gradually until an effective dose is found, assuming no adverse effects develop at lower doses. In other words:

• On days 1 to 3: Take 5 mg three times per day.
• On days 4 to 6: Take 10 mg three times per day.
• On 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.

Many patients notice improvements starting 2 to 3 days after an effective dose is reached, but some individuals will need up to 7 days before noticeable effects. Other medications are often given along with Lobac, which can improve its effectiveness as well as further help with the condition being treated.

Before Starting Treatment

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

• Kidney disease
• Stroke
• Epilepsy
• Mental disorders
• Diabetes mellitus

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

Side Effects

Most side effects from Lobac 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, speak to a doctor.

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 Lobac, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing other medications with Lobac.

Effects of Lobac on unborn babies have not been studied, and the medication is generally avoided during pregnancy. However, keep in mind that Lobac should not be stopped abruptly. Patients who become pregnant while taking Lobac should speak with a doctor about the best course of action.