Baclofen works by affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It targets a chemical in the body called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

GABA helps to calm nerve signals that cause muscles to tighten. Baclofen increases the effects of GABA, helping to relax the muscles and reduce painful spasms or cramps.

This action helps people move better, feel less pain, and improve their ability to do daily activities.

Baclofen works by affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It targets a chemical in the body called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

GABA helps to calm nerve signals that cause muscles to tighten. Baclofen increases the effects of GABA, helping to relax the muscles and reduce painful spasms or cramps.

This action helps people move better, feel less pain, and improve their ability to do daily activities.

Like all medicines, Baclofen can cause side effects. Most are mild, but some can be serious if not managed properly.

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness or sleepiness
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Weakness or tiredness
  
  
• Nausea
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Dry mouth
  
  
• Confusion (especially in older adults)
  
  

Serious Side Effects:

• Breathing problems (especially when mixed with alcohol or sedatives)
  
  
• Mental changes like hallucinations or depression
  
  
• Seizures (especially if stopped suddenly)
  
  
• Low blood pressure
  
  
• Allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing)
  
  

If you feel very unwell or notice serious symptoms, get medical help right away.

Before using Baclofen, tell your doctor if you:

• Have kidney disease
  
  
• Have mental health issues like depression
  
  
• Have a history of seizures
  
  
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  
  
• Are breastfeeding
  
  
• Drink alcohol regularly
  
  
• Take other medicines that make you sleepy
  
  

Important Warnings:

• Do not suddenly stop Baclofen — it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, high fever, or seizures.
  
  
• Be careful when driving or operating machines – Baclofen can cause drowsiness.
  
  
• Baclofen can make some mental health problems worse.
  
  
• Use with extra care in elderly patients – they are more sensitive to side effects.
  
  

Your doctor may want to monitor your kidney function during treatment, especially if you’re taking Baclofen long-term.

Baclofen can interact with other medicines, especially those that affect the nervous system. Tell your doctor if you take:

• Sleeping pills
  
  
• Pain relievers (especially opioids)
  
  
• Anti-anxiety medications
  
  
• Antidepressants
  
  
• Alcohol
  
  
• Other muscle relaxants
  
  

Mixing Baclofen with these can cause drowsiness, slow breathing, or dizziness.

Oral Baclofen:

• Adults: Start with 5 mg three times a day. Doctor may increase slowly.
  
  
• Maximum dose: Usually not more than 80 mg per day.
  
  

Intrathecal Baclofen (injection):

• Used only in severe cases like advanced MS or spinal cord injury.
  
  
• A test dose is given first to see if it helps.
  
  
• If successful, a pump is implanted to deliver medicine directly to the spinal fluid.
  
  
• Dose is carefully controlled by a specialist.
  
  

Important Guidelines:

• Do not skip doses.
  
  
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the next dose, skip the missed one.
  
  

Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Baclofen is a prescription-only medicine, which means:

• You need a doctor’s evaluation to get it.
  
  
• It is not available over-the-counter.
  
  
• It must be taken under medical supervision.
  
  
• For intrathecal Baclofen, only a specialist can give and manage the treatment.
  
  

Your doctor will prescribe Baclofen only if they believe it will help your condition. You may also need regular checkups to make sure it’s working well and not causing side effects.

• What is FIRST Baclofen used for?
  It is used to relieve muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injuries, or other neurological disorders.

• What is the brand name?
  FIRST Baclofen® (a pharmacy-compounded oral suspension brand made by CutisPharma).

• What is the active ingredient?
  Baclofen, a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant.

• How does FIRST Baclofen work?

  • Acts on GABA-B receptors in the spinal cord.

  • Inhibits transmission of nerve signals that cause muscle contractions.

  • Reduces spasticity, muscle tightness, and painful spasms.

• What type of medication is it?
  A centrally acting muscle relaxant (antispastic agent).

• How is FIRST Baclofen taken?

  • By mouth, as a ready-to-use oral suspension.

  • Shake well before each dose.

  • Measure with a dosing syringe or cup provided by the pharmacy.

  • Usually taken 3 times daily, exactly as prescribed.

• What are the available strengths and forms?

  • Oral suspension: 25 mg/5 mL (5 mg/mL) concentration.

  • Packaged as a ready-to-dispense bottle from the FIRST-Unit-Dose system.

• How long does it take to work?
  Improvement in spasticity may begin within a few days, with maximum benefit after 1–2 weeks of regular dosing.

• What are the common side effects?

  • Drowsiness or dizziness

  • Weakness or fatigue

  • Nausea

  • Headache

  • Constipation

• Are there serious side effects?
  Rare but possible:

  • Severe drowsiness or confusion

  • Low blood pressure

  • Breathing difficulty

  • Hallucinations or seizures (especially if stopped abruptly)

• Who should not take FIRST Baclofen?

  • People allergic to baclofen.

  • Use cautiously in those with kidney disease, seizure disorders, or psychiatric illness.

• Can I stop taking it suddenly?
  No — stopping suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms (hallucinations, seizures, high fever, or muscle rigidity).
  Always taper gradually under medical supervision.

• Can FIRST Baclofen be used in children?
  Yes — oral liquid formulations like FIRST Baclofen are often used in pediatric patients, with doses based on body weight.

• Can it be used during pregnancy?
  Only if clearly needed — use with caution; safety data are limited.

• Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
  Avoid alcohol — it increases drowsiness and dizziness.

• Does FIRST Baclofen interact with other medications?
  Yes — use caution with:

  • Opioids or sedatives (additive CNS depression)

  • Antihypertensives (may lower blood pressure further)

  • Other muscle relaxants (additive effects)

• How should I store FIRST Baclofen?

  • Store at room temperature (20 °C–25 °C / 68 °F–77 °F).

  • Do not freeze.

  • Discard any unused portion after 30 days.

• Is there a generic version available?

  • Baclofen tablets and liquid formulations are available generically.

  • FIRST Baclofen® is a brand-name compounded oral suspension product.

• Where can I get it?
  Available by prescription only; dispensed by pharmacies that provide FIRST-brand compounded liquids.