baclofen-help - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

sandy222 · 01-05-2008, 04:31 AM

has anyone tried the drug baclofen or been weaned off oral baclofen. I have suffered horrendously and am suffering from drug withdrawal syndrome off baclofen for the last 5 months. My current symptoms are muscle spasms, itchy prickly skin nausea, gasto intestinal disturbance, muscle tone not gone back to normal, constant dreaming, clenching jaw and so much more. All this comes and goes but i still suffer at least 2symptoms per day..some all day and some wax and wane...will i eventually recover? I have been told that I have central nervous system malfunction and eventually should recover but no time facor is given. Its all guess work by a neurologist. i went to the doc with one problem and got all this back in return cos thedoc told me to cold turkey off it and despite a reinstatement of the drug and a gradual tapering Im still suffering. please help. Can these drug cause permanent damage?

MSNik · 01-05-2008, 08:04 AM

Hi sandy, ive never heard of them causing permenant damage, but I also had a horrible time on that drug. It took me about 8 weeks before I started feeling better, but even when I was on it, I didnt get any muscle spasm relief..all it did was knock me out, allowing me to sleep.
Talk to your neuro about this. You might have something else going on causing the problems, not the drug withdraw. They should be able to do a blood test to see if its still in your system.
Good luck and feel better soon.
Nikki

sandy222 · 01-05-2008, 08:08 AM

Hi Nikki, did you wean off the drug and if you did from how much did you come off? Did your original spasticity return. Did you get any other symptoms other than tiredness. I have had lots of tests and a brain scan. everything is clear. it is definately withdrawal from baclofen. Could you please tell me in what way you felt rough over the 8 weeks. What were your symptoms. many thanks for your reply.

Tasia W · 01-05-2008, 01:17 PM

Hi Sandy,
I took baclofen for a brief time and like Nikki got no relief from spasms, it did however give me a good nights sleep. I also noticed that I had mood swings, felt very down, and could cry at anything. My neuro advised me not to quit cold turkey but to wein myself off of it.

I am so sorry to hear what has been happening to you as a result. I am now taking a different med, clonezapam, still spasms have not gone away but have subsided and I don't have the mood swings.

Sandy, I hope you are feeling better soon!! Take Care
T

duttin · 01-05-2008, 07:34 PM

Sandy,

Baclofen Should Not Of Been Stopped Cold Turkey As It Can Cause Seizures Like Symptoms.

I Have Been On Baclofen For 2 Years Now And Peaked At Its Daily Recommened Doseage, But I Have Had Valuim And Zanaflex Added To Help With The Spasms.

Ya Might Wanna ****** The Side Effects Of Baclofen And Abruptly Stopping It,

5 Months Seems Like A Long Time To Suffer Neurological Disorders,i'd Recheck With Your Neuro And Ask Him To Investigate Other Possibilities.

I Hope You Can Get This Resolved Soon And Get Some Releif From These Symptoms.

T