hi all
Saw neuro the other day and my main complaint was my left leg its so heavy feeling .Can lift if briefly of floor but not for long , got baclofen script from neuro but unsure whither to start as my brother in law took a heart attack coming off it (not ms ).Does anyone else take this and what do u think about it ?
thanks
Hi Anon,
I have got on great with it.
Has your BiL’s heart attack been directly connected to his withdrawal from Baclofen, or is there a possibility it was complete coincidence?
I know you are not supposed to stop suddenly, especially from higher doses, as it can cause hallucinations, or possibly even convulsions - although I have not previously read of heart-attack as being a likely risk.
Did your BiL withdraw properly, by weaning off, or just suddenly stop? You would also have to take into account whether he had existing risk factors for a heart attack. If he was a high-risk candidate anyway, the Baclofen withdrawal might not have had anything to do with it.
I would have thought the risk of heart attack from a sensible, controlled withdrawal from Baclofen would be really very low indeed.
I think the biggest reason people don’t get on with it is that some find it causes tiredness and muscular weakness, and can contribute to falls. I have never found this, personally. My walking is much, much better with Baclofen than without, and pain is reduced too. I think I’d be in a very sorry state if I was ever forced to stop.
Most people start on a very low dose, so withdrawal should not be a problem, if you don’t get on with it. The risk of withdrawal complications increases with the dose you were on, so not usually an issue for beginners on the lowest starting dose. Withdrawal can still be managed by weaning, even if you later progressed to a high dose, but for some reason needed to stop.
I wouldn’t let your BiL’s experience put you off having a try. It may have been a very, very rare complication, or even unconnected.
All drugs - even over-the-counter ones - have a few reports of rare but serious side-effects. If you reject the Baclofen, you will probably still need to consider an alternative at some stage, and that too will have a small number of serious incidents associated with it. No drug is guaranteed 100% safe in all circumstances, but most risks are very small, and have to be weighed against the benefits.
Tina
Hi Anon, Baclofen is a good muscle relaxant and helps with stiffness. I was started on a low dose 18 months ago and have upped the dose (with supervision) slowly since then. I did suffer withdrawal about 8 months ago because I ran out and had to go 48 hours before I could get any more (my own stupidity for running out). My withdrawal comprised of extreme double vision, couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn’t, and the stiffness in my right leg returned making it unable for me to move. I telephoned my doctor and was told that withdrawal from the particular drug is immediate and like Tina says you have to be weaned off it. After 18 months on it now it doesn’t seem to be doing the job and I am going to have to look for another alternative, I noiw suffer from extreme rigidity. Everyone is different though. You should try it and see how it goes. Linda x
I used it for ages with no side effects but am now on Tizanidine I suf\fered from kidney stones whilst on it maybe coincedental but I stopped using it and last year when in hospital they tried me again and it cause upset tummy problems and then tried tizanidine which work ok but last night I did say to wife I may try increasing them as my movements are getting worse. Good Luck with them. . Don.