Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that, while not anti-inflammatory, can relieve muscle pain and improve movement, making it easier to perform daily tasks in cases of multiple sclerosis, myelitis, paraplegia or post-stroke, for example. In addition, by helping to relieve pain is much used before the physiotherapy sessions to reduce discomfort.
This remedy works by mimicking the function of a neurotransmitter known as GABA, which has the action of blocking the nerves that control the contraction of muscles. So by taking Baclofen, these nerves become less active and the muscles end up relaxing rather than contracting.
Price and where to buy
The price of Baclofen can vary between 5 and 30 reais for boxes with 10 mg tablets depending on the laboratory that produces it and the place of purchase.
This medicine can be purchased from conventional pharmacies with a prescription, in the form of a generic or with the trade names Baclofen, Baclon or Lioseral, for example.
How to take
The use of Baclofen should begin with low doses, which are increased throughout the treatment until it reaches the point where there is an effect reducing spasms and muscle contraction, but without causing side effects. In this way, each case must be constantly evaluated by a physician.
However, the medication regimen is usually initiated at a dose of 15 mg per day, divided into 3 or 4 times, which can be increased every 3 days by a further 15 mg daily, up to a maximum of 100 to 120 mg.
If after 6 or 8 weeks of treatment there is no improvement in symptoms, it is very important to stop the treatment and consult the doctor again.
Possible side effects
Side effects usually occur when the dose is not adequate and may include:
- Feeling of extreme happiness;
- Sadness;
- Tremors;
- Somnolence;
- Feeling of shortness of breath;
- Decreased blood pressure;
- Excessive tiredness;
- Headache and dizziness;
- Dry mouth;
- Diarrhea or constipation;
- Excess of urine.
Usually these effects are mild and disappear a few days after starting treatment.
Who should not take
Baclofen is only contraindicated for people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the formula. However, it should be used carefully and only with doctor's advice on pregnant women, breast-feeding women and patients with Parkinson's, epilepsy, stomach ulcer, kidney problems, liver disease or diabetes.
