Baclofen treatment has an onset of action of 6 to 8 weeks.
Baclofen is primarily used to treat severe, reversible muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis. It is less effective in muscle spasms caused by cerebrovascular disease.
If the effect is still not apparent after 6 to 8 weeks of treatment, it is necessary to reconsider whether to continue baclofen treatment. The process of stopping the drug also needs to be tapered gradually over a period of 1 to 2 weeks until it is stopped. Sudden taper may cause anxiety, hallucinations, seizures, and trance.
Patients should be closely monitored for adverse drug reactions during the initial phase of drug therapy, such as muscle weakness, decreased muscle tone, trance, and anxiety. If they occur, the drug dose should be adjusted promptly.
Avoid using the drug in patients who are allergic to baclofen. Patients with psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease should use the drug with caution.