Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that, although not anti-inflammatory, allows to relieve muscle pain and improve movement, facilitating the performance of daily tasks in cases of multiple sclerosis, myelitis, paraplegia or post-stroke, for example. In addition, for helping to relieve pain, it is widely used before physical therapy 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 muscle contraction. Thus, when taking Baclofen, these nerves become less active and the muscles end up relaxing instead of contracting.
Price and where to buy
The price of Baclofen can vary between 5 and 30 reais for boxes of 10 mg tablets, depending on the laboratory that produces it and the place of purchase.
This medicine can be purchased in conventional pharmacies with a prescription, in the form of a generic or with the trade names of Baclofen, Baclon or Lioresal, for example.
How to take
The use of Baclofen should start with low doses, which will be increased throughout the treatment until reaching the point where an effect appears, reducing spasms and muscle contraction, but without causing side effects. Thus, each case must be constantly evaluated by a doctor.
However, the medication regimen is usually started with a dose of 15 mg per day, divided into 3 or 4 times, which can be increased every 3 days by an additional 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 arise when the dose is not adequate and can include:
- Feeling of extreme happiness; Sadness; Tremors; Drowsiness; Feeling of shortness of breath; Decreased blood pressure; Excessive tiredness; Headache and dizziness; Dry mouth; Diarrhea or constipation; Excessive urination.
These effects are usually mild and disappear within a few days of starting treatment.
Who should not take
Baclofen is only contraindicated for people with allergies to any of the components of the formula. However, it should be used with care and only with doctor's guidance in pregnant women, breastfeeding women and patients with Parkinson's, epilepsy, stomach ulcer, kidney problems, liver disease or diabetes.
