Drug Database - Lioresal

Generic Name: baclofen (BAK-loe-fen)

Brand Names: Lioresal®

Classification: Muscle Relaxant

Issue Date: 1978

Lioresal is a muscle relaxant and an antispastic agent. The exact way that Lioresal works is unknown. Lioresal is used to relieve the muscle spasms, pain, and muscular rigidity associated with multiple sclerosis. Lioresal may also be used for purposes such as FM, CFS/ME.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lioresal may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Lioresal. Do not stop taking Lioresal suddenly. Stopping suddenly may cause seizures or hallucinations. Your doctor will want to gradually reduce you dose.

Take Lioresal exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• You can take Lioresal with or without food.
• Do not stop taking Lioresal suddenly. Stopping suddenly could cause seizures or hallucinations.
• Talk to your doctor first if you need to stop taking this medication.
• Store Lioresal at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• Kidney disease
• Epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

You may not be able to take Lioresal, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether Lioresal will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Lioresal without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether Lioresal passes into breast milk. Do not take Lioresal without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Seek emergency medical treatment. Symptoms of a Lioresal overdose include:

• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Slow breathing
• Seizures
• Unusual pupil size
• Coma

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lioresal may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Lioresal.

Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Lioresal and seek emergency medical attention:

• An allergic reaction:
• difficulty breathing
• closing of your throat
• swelling of your lips, tongue, or face
• hives
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat

Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take Lioresal and talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Unusual Fatigue
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Stuffy Nose
• Blurred Vision
• A Rash
• Frequent Urination

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Many drugs can increase the effects of Lioresal, which can lead to heavy sedation. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• brompheniramine (Dimetane®, Bromfed®, others)
• chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®, Teldrin®, others)
• azatadine (Optimine®)
• clemastine (Tavist®), and many others
• meperidine (Demerol®)
• morphine (MS Contin®, MSIR®, others)
• propoxyphene (Darvon®, Darvocet®)
• hydrocodone (Lorcet®, Vicodin®)
• oxycodone (Percocet®, Percodan®)
• fentanyl (Duragesic®)
• codeine (Fiorinal®, Fioricet®, Tylenol #3®, others)
• phenobarbital (Solfoton®, Luminal®)
• amobarbital (Amytal®)
• secobarbital (Seconal®)
• chlorpromazine (Thorazine®)
• fluphenazine (Prolixin®)
• mesoridazine (Serentil®)
• perphenazine (Trilafon®)
• prochlorperazine (Compazine®)
• thioridazine (Mellaril®)
• trifluoperazine (Stelazine®)
• doxepin (Sinequan®)
• imipramine (Tofranil®)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor®)
• fluoxetine (Prozac®)
• paroxetine (Paxil®)
• sertraline (Zoloft®)
• phenelzine (Nardil®)
• tranylcypromine (Parnate®)

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Lioresal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.