Baclofen

htlcy
htlcy Community member Posts: 127 Empowering
in Cerebral Palsy Network
Hi there! I've recently started using baclofen to control the pain associated with my CP (spastic right-sided hemi) but I am gradually increasing my dose. I have been noticing it messes with my stomach a little bit so I'm slightly apprehensive about increasing the dose (It reminds me of a mild stomach bug). Has anyone got any tips or experiences they'd be willing to share?

Comments

  • Nadz
    Nadz Community member Posts: 2 Listener
    I would talk gp but maybe trying taking it with meals however there are medication that pretect ur tummy from medication I use it to protect agains pain killers it might not work for this but gp should be able help
  • htlcy
    htlcy Community member Posts: 127 Empowering
    many thanks for you comment Nadine! I think I might. I hope you're okay :)
  • niceboots
    niceboots Scope Member Posts: 198 Empowering
    Hi, I've been taking Baclofen for nearly 3 years and must say it has never upset my stomach that I have noticed... Do you take it with or straight after food?? It does say in the leaflet in the box to take with or after food or milk. I take my morning dose with breakfast, my day time dose (if I need one) with a snack or late lunch, then my night dose with a hot chocolate or glass of milk....
    Hope this helps
    chris
  • Nadz
    Nadz Community member Posts: 2 Listener
    Your welcome I'm well thanks hope u are to
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,690 Cerebral Palsy Network
    Excuse my ignorance, what does Baclofen do?
  • Noah
    Noah Community member Posts: 420 Empowering
    I'm not completely sure either, but I think some people find it helpful at reducing muscle spasms and pain in cp. Most drugs though have side effects which can sometimes be worse than the problem you are trying to get relief from. For my muscle spasms I have found supplementing magnesium to be helpful, and also regular baths or saunas. Epsom salts can also help. It maybe worth doing some research online to see what natural alternatives there are to baclofen, which may have less side effects.

    All the very best, please let us know how you get to.

    Noah
  • Stayce
    Stayce Community member, CP Network Posts: 839 Empowering
    I have also found epsom salts (in bath) and magnesium spray is helpful for muscle spasms. Peppermint oil tablets or Peppermint tea are good for upset stomachs may help.
  • htlcy
    htlcy Community member Posts: 127 Empowering
    Hi there! Sorry I've been away, it's been hectic this end. Baclofen helps to relieve the muscle tightness/spasms associated with spastic CP in particular. I've found it very useful in lessening the pain in my affected side (which is usually very intense and wide spread deep burning and cramps). I ended up staying on a low dose after asking my neurologist and I've found I've adjusted to it and it's working amazingly well which is fantastic! Thanks for those suggestion,s I've never tried magnesium supplements so maybe I need to. Peppermint tea is fabulous isn't it! I have IBS as well and it's so soothing. Thanks for checking in everyone :)
  • Noah
    Noah Community member Posts: 420 Empowering
    edited November 2015
    Peppermint tea is fabulous, I agree, it is a natural calmer - I drink it, every day!

    Glad you have found a lower dose to be helpful. No worries about being away, that's the beauty of the community, you can dip in and out whenever you want.

    Noah
  • niceboots
    niceboots Scope Member Posts: 198 Empowering
    I love peppermint tea, I swear by it for all sorts.... it's great for easing the effects of a cold. I also drink a lot of spearmint tea, which is a great tasting alternative. I buy lots of different types of tea from a local importer/ blender... I don't drink alcohol so put the tea in tea total!!!
  • Noah
    Noah Community member Posts: 420 Empowering
    I find it most interesting that all of us with cp on here, seem to have discovered similar things that help manage our condition. Now it maybe a coincidence that we all like peppermint tea and hot baths! But I don't think so, peppermint tea is also a source of magnesium which helps relax the muscles and control spasms. For anyone that hasn't tried it, I would recommend a few Epsom salts in their bath. Magnesium spray sounds interesting to, I will look into that further.

    A very interesting discussion guys, thank you for all your comments, please keep them coming, it's about sharing.what we have found to work. If it's helps just one person have a better quality of life, it's worth it.

    Noah
  • Stayce
    Stayce Community member, CP Network Posts: 839 Empowering
    edited November 2015
    Hi Noah - Just to let you know you can buy the magnesium spray in Holland & Barrett. The beauty of it is you can spray it on the area you need it most. Hope that helps
  • Noah
    Noah Community member Posts: 420 Empowering
    edited November 2015
    That's great thank you - yes I like treatments that allow you can target the areas that need it most. I was looking on eBay today at Epsom salts, if you buy a sack of 10kg or 25kg you can get it loads cheaper. From now on that's what I'm going to do and just refill my 1kg tub I keep by the bath!

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