thanks doc. Ive been taking oral baclofen for nearly two years now. I have had issues with my pharmacy resulting in a few days of withdrawl. its no joke. I'm used to taking 20mg 4 x daily. and the cold turkey idea is nothing to play with. cold sweats, no appetite, headaches, not to mention severe muscle spasticity in my lower extremities. I hope this helps anyone and everyone.
I'm with chronic hiccups I seemed I started from the hosp. ER...it's hard to describe but has spasmatc for hours. My PM doc says try it but I'm not sure and one reason my BP was 91/57 yesterday at his office. 🤫 thnx, only your video even mentioned hiccup issues, and take OTC antihistamines etc together sleep in. God knows I'm not eager to take Baclofen since doc said it's psychotropiç I think. And Thanks Commentors!🙏
Once again, outstanding work. Due to personal reasons, life has lead to me the world of pharmaceuticals. This information is clear, precise, and to the point. Learning firsthand that chemistry is REALLY hard, it's my kryptonite, so to speak. These videos are put into simple terms that can be understood. Thank you again for your work, it doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated!!!
@@AskCurtis I was taking courses and generally interested in pharmacology... Organic chemistry had me second guessing myself. Thank you for my renewed interest in pharmacological studies. I cannot express enough the thankless work that you do. Truly inspired sir!
@@dianefresca6896 found out the hard way that high dose baclofen and my daily tramadol... Lead to my seizures. Everytime the dosage of baclofen was upped, seizures would happen. Took two years to finally see neurology. I'm glad baclofen works for you but I have a few contraindications
I had been prescribed 20mg 3x a day for almost a year. Suffered from the paradoxical effect where it created muscle spasms and spasticity. I had thought it was my spine causing the spasms and pain. When I realized I went through a 12 day taper. Been off for 15 days and still suffering from brutal constant spasms & pain. I wish I knew how long this nightmare will last.
@@AskCurtis I’m lucky I figured this out as none of the doctors or specialists I saw ever suspected baclofen. So far my anxiety has improved, I feel more like myself mentally, with tremors and spasticity not as extreme.
@@AskCurtis I’ve had some improvements but still suffering from constant 24/7 contraction/spasms 3+ months out. Looks like protracted withdrawal of GABA_B to me just like what happens with benzodiazepines of GABA_A. I’ve asked ChatGPT a lot of questions about this and I have no doubt this is what I’m experiencing. My Neurologist is calling is general or focal dystonia. Trigger point injections didn’t help. It seems I’m stuck like this unless my GABA_B receptors recover.
@@AskCurtis Still suffering from constant contractions/spasms 3+ months out. I believe I’m experiencing protracted withdrawal. My Neurologist is calling it general or focal dystonia. Asking questions to ChatGPT shows me my GABA_B receptors are likely damaged like what happens to GABA_A receptors in protracted withdrawal. Looks like I’m stuck this way unless my GABA_B receptors recover.
I have had pain in my piriformis muscle from extended cycling and sitting. I was prescribed Baclofen 10mg 3x per day, but I have not started taking it, fearing the side effects. I'm glad to hear I should begin at night with 5mg. I stopped cycling for 2 weeks, and the pain went down by about 20%, but it continues if I sit for more than around 1 hour. I do have a sensitive stomach and have been on pantoprazole for a long time, but I was able to wean myself off. I absolutely want to be able to continue to exercise and have enough strength for my health. I was never told to take it for a few days. Crazy. - I receive all my health care at the Veteran's Hospital. Thank you for your video.
I've been prescribed baclofen as an adult to help with rumination syndrome. I'm very nervous about starting to take it though as I'm a powerlifter and I'm worried about the weak muscles side effect.
Thank you for the information in your video. I took 10 mg tablet I was fine on it but about six hours later I developed the most horrendous migraine are migraines linked to it not just headaches. Worried about taking it again
I hear ya! My calf muscles hurt like heck. Feels like they are rippin apart when I walk. With baclofen it stops the painful cramping n jammin up of the muscle.
I stopped taking it 2 weeks ago and I still have severe aches all over everytime I move. I am also short of breath, more tired without it and feel confused. I feel like I have the flu and if I take it I feel normal. I was only taking 5 mg at night. I will go to the doctor but they probably won't have a clue.
I was prescribed baclofen for chronic pain for just 2-3 weeks when I was in hospital, and then the doctor abruptly stopped it. I knew nothing about baclofen, so did not expect any issues. But within 12 hours i started to experience a wide range of distressing withdrawal symptoms (headaches, agitation / extreme anxiety, increased pain, chronic diarrhoea, insomnia)...I had also been on a low dose of dihydrocodeine, so i initially presumed I was withdrawing from that, but the drs stated it wasnt possible for me to be in withdrawal. Once i got home and did some research on baclofen and found that it could cause withdrawal. It lasted approx 10 days, and it was horrific. The hospital refuse to admit to any negligence, but in my medical notes they claim to have tapered me off baclofen!!! I am trying to find legal representation as I know they were clinically negligent and put me through hell. I will never touch the stuff again in my life!
Within 2 days my son has severe pain while peeing. The doctor didn't Inform me of this. I had to research it myself. I'm so upset right now. I asked her to give me all cautions about it n she said it's mild he can stop taking it anytime on my own.
I took 5 mg Baclofen twice a day, a little dizziness but my worst side effect was not able to walk properly , I’m using a rollator to walk after an hour taking Baclofen I couldn’t bring myself to walk, is this normal ?
Absolutely hydrocodone is safe with positive effective treatment for a handful of issues I've dealt with. Taken as prescribed it's safe and very helpful. It completely takes away my pain and my anxiety is totally relieved and my high blood pressure goes to normal it also helps me concentrate on getting daily things done with no stress. These drugs like baclofen cause problems that can be dangerous. Because of opiate abuse and death caused by misuse brought on drugs like Suboxone that can be a very harmful drug if taken too early causing precipitated withdrawals where a person is contemplating suicide because of the intense withdrawals lasting hour's😢. Kids drugs are extremely harmful so please stay safe by staying away from drugs of any kind because addiction is real and it will destroy your life and your families life!
Came across your video. I've been taking 20mg 3 times a day for several years due to spine issues. I decided to cut back due to pharmacy having stock issues as well as I'm simply wanting to not be on it anymore. I believe I cut back too harshly as I cut each dose by half and today is day 2. Feel like I have the flu and my body temperature is hot or cold constantly changing. In realizing I might of cut back too much I took the other half and hoping to cut back a little slower. This is no joke and I desperately want off this med!
I have had 5 seizures in the past. They really don’t know why. Had a lot of test. I told them it’s when I smoke really good weed 😊 but I’m so scared to take it. I really feel I need too.
@@AskCurtis I'm told not to ask questions or 'challenge' my primary care. I'm on several contraindicated medications and told don't ask questions... Pharmacist refers me back to PCP... Cascading pharmaceuticals isn't what I would refer to a fun time. 17 meds and doc can't figure out what is a side effect, an interaction, and what is an actual symptom. Been difficult past few years
@@AskCurtis I got 99 problems... And medications are 18 of them... Other than a pharmacist, what type of specialist understands medication interactions that are complicated?
In my experience - no one. Some docs are decent but usually only if they are specialists. Outside of that pharmacists are really your best option by far
I have disputed a doctor, prescribing 10 mg to someone over 80yr with kidney, heart, blood pressure, stroke and epilepsy, but the doctor is not listening. Im real concerned. She's deap sleeping, low appetite, looks druged up,now has a chest infection
How long did you take it and how many milligrams, please? Take it for anxiety. Works beautifully for me, but concerned about withdrawals if my doctor takes me off of it. Thank you...🕊💕
I take it daily bid 10 mg for a couple years now, so far no symptoms but I was a bit sleepy for a week or two. I find it helps my muscles marginally with spasticity which reduces pain.
I liked taking it a little too much and wish I could still take it but I'm not taking anything that made me have seizures and hallucinate. I threw mine in the trash and didn't have any withdrawals and I was on it for a long time.
Hi thank you for this video... I'm in much need of some advice... I take Baclofen... I'm an alcoholic and when I got treatment to come off of alcohol over 2 years ago they then prescribed me baclofen to help with anxiety ect... problem is at the time I had no idea what the drug was or that I could have withdrawal from it... had I known I would have never taken it... I have now been taking baclofen every day for 2 years 20mg to be exact and I really want to stop taking it... any advice would be very much appreciated
My neurologist gave me back, living in place of the awful drug gabapentin, which has the buildup in your blood system, I thought back when was a godsend because I had spasticity from the stroke. I took it I think four days and unfortunately I got swollen ankles, I like the fact that was to be taken as needed. I didn’t have to build up in your blood system. At least that’s what I was told, so now I’m back to square one with spasticity. I thought it was gonna be a great thing, but it turned out not so Thank you though for your knowledge
I am prescribed 30mg po TID. I do not see any change in my spasticity…only get really sleepy. My neurologist is setting me up for a pump trial. In your practice, how much baclofen is too much before a pump is considered?
i know that it is much less than without this pump. The maximum dosage of baclofen is about 3x 25mG oral and up to 100-125Mg is possible in extreme cases. With this pump you will need not more than 10 Mg maximum, if you take 30 Mg oral now, which would work better with much less side effects.but i am no doctor I am internationally banned.
I have been taking 10mg tablets at a rate of 1 tablet 2 times a day for seven years, related to severe sciatia, three years before a laminectomy and three years after the proceedure. I have heart failure and I think that Baclofen and 1200mg of Gabapentin are making me weaker than otherwise without the medicines.
@Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D. ive been taking baclofen since march 2023 i honestly would not recommend it i take 20 mg 3 times a day for esophageal dysmotilty and am barely starting the process of detox it has been a hard road.
I take baclofen 10 mg Twice a day. But I have had ulcers in my stomach in the past and now I’m starting to bleed just little drops during the night out of my mouth. Someone told me that baclofen could Cause an ulcer to flare up. Is this possible. I have been on the backend for years.
Ive been on 10mg baclofen for a few years. But i really want to come off it now as im already on medication for my lower back. From 2 days ago I've just been breaking the tablet in half. How long would you recommend i do this for before completely stopping it ?
How long did you end up taking the half dose? I've been on 10 mg a night for 8 months and I want to get off of it? Did you have any withdrawal? Can you share exactly how you tapered off?
Took a single 20 mg dose(bad idea) and just stopped.Had hypotension,slow breathing,drowsiness restlessness almost phychosis,crying insomnia my face burning stomach pain,diarrhea and almost feverish cold.Bad drug lock all of it in a nuclear waste container down the bottom of the ocean!
thanks doc. Ive been taking oral baclofen for nearly two years now. I have had issues with my pharmacy resulting in a few days of withdrawl. its no joke. I'm used to taking 20mg 4 x daily. and the cold turkey idea is nothing to play with. cold sweats, no appetite, headaches, not to mention severe muscle spasticity in my lower extremities. I hope this helps anyone and everyone.
Thanks for sharing your experience Brian
I'm with chronic hiccups I seemed I started from the hosp. ER...it's hard to describe but has spasmatc for hours. My PM doc says try it but I'm not sure and one reason my BP was 91/57 yesterday at his office. 🤫 thnx, only your video even mentioned hiccup issues, and take OTC antihistamines etc together sleep in. God knows I'm not eager to take Baclofen since doc said it's psychotropiç I think.
And Thanks Commentors!🙏
Once again, outstanding work. Due to personal reasons, life has lead to me the world of pharmaceuticals. This information is clear, precise, and to the point. Learning firsthand that chemistry is REALLY hard, it's my kryptonite, so to speak. These videos are put into simple terms that can be understood. Thank you again for your work, it doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated!!!
Thank you. Glad you found it helpful
@@AskCurtis I was taking courses and generally interested in pharmacology... Organic chemistry had me second guessing myself. Thank you for my renewed interest in pharmacological studies. I cannot express enough the thankless work that you do. Truly inspired sir!
I have MS. diagnosed at age 67,now 1yr.later. Baclofen helps
On a high dose total is 70mg.
@@dianefresca6896 found out the hard way that high dose baclofen and my daily tramadol... Lead to my seizures. Everytime the dosage of baclofen was upped, seizures would happen. Took two years to finally see neurology. I'm glad baclofen works for you but I have a few contraindications
I had been prescribed 20mg 3x a day for almost a year. Suffered from the paradoxical effect where it created muscle spasms and spasticity. I had thought it was my spine causing the spasms and pain. When I realized I went through a 12 day taper. Been off for 15 days and still suffering from brutal constant spasms & pain. I wish I knew how long this nightmare will last.
Sorry Wendy. Everyone responds differently. Keep me posted on how things are going
@@AskCurtis I’m lucky I figured this out as none of the doctors or specialists I saw ever suspected baclofen. So far my anxiety has improved, I feel more like myself mentally, with tremors and spasticity not as extreme.
@@AskCurtis I’ve had some improvements but still suffering from constant 24/7 contraction/spasms 3+ months out. Looks like protracted withdrawal of GABA_B to me just like what happens with benzodiazepines of GABA_A. I’ve asked ChatGPT a lot of questions about this and I have no doubt this is what I’m experiencing. My Neurologist is calling is general or focal dystonia. Trigger point injections didn’t help. It seems I’m stuck like this unless my GABA_B receptors recover.
@@AskCurtis Still suffering from constant contractions/spasms 3+ months out. I believe I’m experiencing protracted withdrawal. My Neurologist is calling it general or focal dystonia. Asking questions to ChatGPT shows me my GABA_B receptors are likely damaged like what happens to GABA_A receptors in protracted withdrawal. Looks like I’m stuck this way unless my GABA_B receptors recover.
@@wendy834. The doctors never tell you. Always read the insert or talk to the pharmacist. I did. I tried it and it made me worse.
I have had pain in my piriformis muscle from extended cycling and sitting. I was prescribed Baclofen 10mg 3x per day, but I have not started taking it, fearing the side effects. I'm glad to hear I should begin at night with 5mg. I stopped cycling for 2 weeks, and the pain went down by about 20%, but it continues if I sit for more than around 1 hour.
I do have a sensitive stomach and have been on pantoprazole for a long time, but I was able to wean myself off. I absolutely want to be able to continue to exercise and have enough strength for my health. I was never told to take it for a few days. Crazy. - I receive all my health care at the Veteran's Hospital.
Thank you for your video.
I've been prescribed baclofen as an adult to help with rumination syndrome. I'm very nervous about starting to take it though as I'm a powerlifter and I'm worried about the weak muscles side effect.
Thank you for the information in your video. I took 10 mg tablet I was fine on it but about six hours later I developed the most horrendous migraine are migraines linked to it not just headaches.
Worried about taking it again
I'm on 60mg for general Dystonia and with clonazapam and cannabis..
I'm hallucinating alot and very very paranoid but if i stop it im a statue 😢
Aww God love you 🙏❤️🌹
I hear ya! My calf muscles hurt like heck. Feels like they are rippin apart when I walk. With baclofen it stops the painful cramping n jammin up of the muscle.
I stopped taking it 2 weeks ago and I still have severe aches all over everytime I move. I am also short of breath, more tired without it and feel confused. I feel like I have the flu and if I take it I feel normal. I was only taking 5 mg at night. I will go to the doctor but they probably won't have a clue.
thanks for sharing Annie 👍
I was prescribed baclofen for chronic pain for just 2-3 weeks when I was in hospital, and then the doctor abruptly stopped it. I knew nothing about baclofen, so did not expect any issues. But within 12 hours i started to experience a wide range of distressing withdrawal symptoms (headaches, agitation / extreme anxiety, increased pain, chronic diarrhoea, insomnia)...I had also been on a low dose of dihydrocodeine, so i initially presumed I was withdrawing from that, but the drs stated it wasnt possible for me to be in withdrawal. Once i got home and did some research on baclofen and found that it could cause withdrawal. It lasted approx 10 days, and it was horrific. The hospital refuse to admit to any negligence, but in my medical notes they claim to have tapered me off baclofen!!! I am trying to find legal representation as I know they were clinically negligent and put me through hell. I will never touch the stuff again in my life!
Withdrawal from baclofen was brutal.
That's something I've heard from a fair number of people. Thanks for sharing 👍
Within 2 days my son has severe pain while peeing. The doctor didn't Inform me of this. I had to research it myself. I'm so upset right now. I asked her to give me all cautions about it n she said it's mild he can stop taking it anytime on my own.
Sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing your story
I took 5 mg Baclofen twice a day, a little dizziness but my worst side effect was not able to walk properly , I’m using a rollator to walk after an hour taking Baclofen I couldn’t bring myself to walk, is this normal ?
The central nervous system side effects can be pretty sever in some people
They need to worry about Baclofen instead of hydrocodone, that ain't nothing compared to Baclofen.
This is a great example of how benzo wd , gaba drugs, is worse than opiates and cold turkey is a life threatening situation
Absolutely hydrocodone is safe with positive effective treatment for a handful of issues I've dealt with. Taken as prescribed it's safe and very helpful. It completely takes away my pain and my anxiety is totally relieved and my high blood pressure goes to normal it also helps me concentrate on getting daily things done with no stress. These drugs like baclofen cause problems that can be dangerous. Because of opiate abuse and death caused by misuse brought on drugs like Suboxone that can be a very harmful drug if taken too early causing precipitated withdrawals where a person is contemplating suicide because of the intense withdrawals lasting hour's😢. Kids drugs are extremely harmful so please stay safe by staying away from drugs of any kind because addiction is real and it will destroy your life and your families life!
Came across your video. I've been taking 20mg 3 times a day for several years due to spine issues. I decided to cut back due to pharmacy having stock issues as well as I'm simply wanting to not be on it anymore. I believe I cut back too harshly as I cut each dose by half and today is day 2. Feel like I have the flu and my body temperature is hot or cold constantly changing. In realizing I might of cut back too much I took the other half and hoping to cut back a little slower. This is no joke and I desperately want off this med!
I have had 5 seizures in the past. They really don’t know why. Had a lot of test. I told them it’s when I smoke really good weed 😊 but I’m so scared to take it. I really feel I need too.
Learned firsthand the hard way that baclofen can't be taken with seizure disorder, been on 20mg three times daily for year and half roughly
Thanks for the feedback. So many things to be careful of with seizure disorders
@@AskCurtis I'm told not to ask questions or 'challenge' my primary care. I'm on several contraindicated medications and told don't ask questions... Pharmacist refers me back to PCP... Cascading pharmaceuticals isn't what I would refer to a fun time. 17 meds and doc can't figure out what is a side effect, an interaction, and what is an actual symptom. Been difficult past few years
Sorry to hear that. More meds … more problems usually
@@AskCurtis I got 99 problems... And medications are 18 of them... Other than a pharmacist, what type of specialist understands medication interactions that are complicated?
In my experience - no one. Some docs are decent but usually only if they are specialists. Outside of that pharmacists are really your best option by far
I have a spinal cord injury, just got a week supply, should I expect any withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing 10 doses of 10 mg?
I have disputed a doctor, prescribing 10 mg to someone over 80yr with kidney, heart, blood pressure, stroke and epilepsy, but the doctor is not listening. Im real concerned. She's deap sleeping, low appetite, looks druged up,now has a chest infection
Drug interactions would be good to discuss. I know there are some important ones.
Thanks for the suggestion
I had to STOP taking this medicine because totally horrible Muscle Pain and stiffness, dizziness and nausea!!!!!
Thanks for sharing your experience
How long did you take it and how many milligrams, please? Take it for anxiety. Works beautifully for me, but concerned about withdrawals if my doctor takes me off of it. Thank you...🕊💕
It did the same to me. No thanks.
I take it daily bid 10 mg for a couple years now, so far no symptoms but I was a bit sleepy for a week or two. I find it helps my muscles marginally with spasticity which reduces pain.
Thanks for the feedback Elijah
I liked taking it a little too much and wish I could still take it but I'm not taking anything that made me have seizures and hallucinate. I threw mine in the trash and didn't have any withdrawals and I was on it for a long time.
Hi thank you for this video... I'm in much need of some advice... I take Baclofen... I'm an alcoholic and when I got treatment to come off of alcohol over 2 years ago they then prescribed me baclofen to help with anxiety ect... problem is at the time I had no idea what the drug was or that I could have withdrawal from it... had I known I would have never taken it... I have now been taking baclofen every day for 2 years 20mg to be exact and I really want to stop taking it... any advice would be very much appreciated
Made me tired at the start.
All good now.
8 years later.
I take a lock per day it’s for Fredericks ataxia I’ve been taking it for 14 years the withdrawal this terrible when I miss
Will you withdrawl if you cold turkey from 10 mg daily for 8 months?
I’ve been on 60 mg for four years, started at 20, now I’m at 60, I am terrified
My neurologist gave me back, living in place of the awful drug gabapentin, which has the buildup in your blood system, I thought back when was a godsend because I had spasticity from the stroke. I took it I think four days and unfortunately I got swollen ankles, I like the fact that was to be taken as needed. I didn’t have to build up in your blood system. At least that’s what I was told, so now I’m back to square one with spasticity. I thought it was gonna be a great thing, but it turned out not so
Thank you though for your knowledge
So, don't take it with food if you want rapid relief?
It's kinda good for reducing alcohol intake - I just lose interest.
I am prescribed 30mg po TID. I do not see any change in my spasticity…only get really sleepy. My neurologist is setting me up for a pump trial. In your practice, how much baclofen is too much before a pump is considered?
Thanks for the feedback Lori. The max we see for spasticity is usually 80 mg per day so you are just beyond that. Sorry no experience with the pump
i know that it is much less than without this pump. The maximum dosage of baclofen is about 3x 25mG oral and up to 100-125Mg is possible in extreme cases. With this pump you will need not more than 10 Mg maximum, if you take 30 Mg oral now, which would work better with much less side effects.but i am no doctor I am internationally banned.
I have been taking 10mg tablets at a rate of 1 tablet 2 times a day for seven years, related to severe sciatia, three years before a laminectomy and three years after the proceedure. I have heart failure and I think that Baclofen and 1200mg of Gabapentin are making me weaker than otherwise without the medicines.
Man, no wonder you can read handwritten doctor's prescriptions - you all write the same way.
Do they teach that as some sort of code?
@Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D. ive been taking baclofen since march 2023 i honestly would not recommend it i take 20 mg 3 times a day for esophageal dysmotilty and am barely starting the process of detox it has been a hard road.
Thanks Michael for sharing your experience
I take baclofen 10 mg Twice a day. But I have had ulcers in my stomach in the past and now I’m starting to bleed just little drops during the night out of my mouth. Someone told me that baclofen could Cause an ulcer to flare up. Is this possible. I have been on the backend for years.
Ive been on 10mg baclofen for a few years. But i really want to come off it now as im already on medication for my lower back. From 2 days ago I've just been breaking the tablet in half. How long would you recommend i do this for before completely stopping it ?
How long did you end up taking the half dose? I've been on 10 mg a night for 8 months and I want to get off of it? Did you have any withdrawal? Can you share exactly how you tapered off?
Im on 70mg a day for stroke iv not had eny withdrewl from them i dont think i bin on it for years
Thank for the information
Can baclofen be taken PRN?
Yes
Hello Doctor I have been taking baclofen and ligaba for 8 years now and I want to know the side effects please let me know my status now thanks
Took a single 20 mg dose(bad idea) and just stopped.Had hypotension,slow breathing,drowsiness restlessness almost phychosis,crying insomnia my face burning stomach pain,diarrhea and almost feverish cold.Bad drug lock all of it in a nuclear waste container down the bottom of the ocean!
after taking 20Mg one time? this isn´t possible. this wasn´t because of the baclofen .
@@8iosatlost209agreed
20MG IS A LOT-i TAKE 5 MG OCCASIONALLY AND IT REALLY MAKES ME COMFORTABLE
Terrible withdrawal for days. Omg
6days still rough at night 40mg everyday for 7yrs
Thanks for sharing 👍
I feel like this backlophine is killing me at 20mg 3x A day