What is Baclofen Used For?
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispasticity (muscle tightening) medication used to treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and other diseases of the central nervous system. It is also used to treat the muscle contractions that cause muscle spasticity. This article will discuss the uses and potential side effects of baclofen therapy.
Uses of Baclofen:
Baclofen is primarily used to treat chronic spasticity and pain associated with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord or other diseases of the central nervous system. It can also be used to treat muscle contractions caused by spasticity and pain.
Baclofen can also be used to treat symptoms such as tremors and weakness caused by neurological disorders. In addition, it can be used to treat withdrawal symptoms caused by alcohol addiction.
Baclofen is also used to treat a variety of non-neurological conditions, including Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), gonorrhea, asthma, and migraine headaches.
Side Effects of Baclofen:
Although baclofen is generally well-tolerated, it can cause a variety of side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and balance problems. Other side effects may include urinary retention, skin rash, itching, and abdominal pain.
In rare cases, baclofen can cause serious side effects such as seizures, hypersensitivity reaction (allergic reaction), and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these or other serious side effects while taking baclofen, contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion:
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispasticity medication used to treat chronic spasticity and pain associated with neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. It can also be used to treat non-neurological conditions. While baclofen is generally well-tolerated, it can cause a variety of side effects including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion and balance problems. Serious side effects, such as seizures and difficulty breathing, are rare but should be reported to a doctor immediately if they occur.