Lioresal (Generic name: Baclofen)

What is the most important information I should know about Lioresal?

• 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.

What is Lioresal?

• 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 other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lioresal?

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
  • kidney disease or
  • 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.
• Lioresal is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that 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.

How should I take Lioresal?

• 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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical treatment.
• Symptoms of a Lioresal overdose include vomiting, weakness, drowsiness, slow breathing, seizures, unusual pupil size, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking Lioresal?

• 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.

What are the possible side effects of Lioresal?

• 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; or hives);
  • seizures; or
  • an 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:
  • drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, or unusual fatigue;
  • a headache;
  • constipation;
  • stuffy nose;
  • blurred vision;
  • a rash; or
  • 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.

What other drugs will affect Lioresal?

• 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:
  • antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine), clemastine (Tavist), and many others;
  • narcotics (pain killers) such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others);
  • sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), and secobarbital (Seconal);
  • phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine); or
  • antidepressants such as doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Lioresal. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.