Lioresal
Description
Lioresal (generic name: Baclofen) is used for treating severe muscle spasms due to a variety of causes, including multiple sclerosis or brain or spinal cord injuries.
Lioresal is a muscle relaxant and antispastic agent. It reduces the frequency and severity of muscle spasms that occur as a result of neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
Lioresal is an oral medication that relaxes skeletal muscles, the muscles that move the skeleton (also called striated muscle). Chemically, baclofen is related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter in the brain.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another. GABA released by some nerves causes the activity of other nerves to decrease. It is believed that baclofen, acting like GABA, blocks the activity of nerves within the part of the brain that controls the contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscle. Lioresal is used for treating spasm of skeletal muscles that cause muscle clonus, rigidity, and pain due to multiple sclerosis.
Recommendations
The usual starting dose of baclofen for adults is 5 mg given three times daily. Based on the response, the dose can be increased gradually every three days to a maximum of 80 mg/day in several doses.
Precautions
Do not suddenly stop taking Lioresal . Sudden withdrawal may cause serious and possibly life-threatening side effects, including high fever, confusion, changes in mental status, muscle stiffness and spasms, multiple organ failure, and death.
Ingredients
Active ingredient: baclofen.
