For those who have tried Baclofen - Cure Parkinson's

Cure Parkinson's

26,582 members27,897 posts

For those who have tried Baclofen

Shelly1209 profile image
10 Replies

Hi, new to the diagnosis and group. I tried Baclofen for the first time last night. Slept for more than 3 hours for the first time in more than a year or two. The pain in my arm from clonus and tremors is gone for now. Awesome.

The only issue is the dizziness. Does it go away? I can't stay dizzy like this. I fal way to easily to have my head spinning. Not sure if it builds up in your system....I thought I was supposed to just take it like a muscle relaxer, when my arm is tight from the movements. Is this a maintenance drug?

Written by
Shelly1209 profile image
Shelly1209
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
10 Replies
beauxreflets profile image
beauxreflets

I thought Baclofen was not a recommended medication for those with PD but could be wrong - My understanding is that it depresses the CentralNervousSystem

Shelly1209 profile image
Shelly1209 in reply tobeauxreflets

IDK the neurologist who diagnosed my and has me on Amantadine is the doc who prescribed it. I only take 10-20mg at bed time.

beauxreflets profile image
beauxreflets in reply toShelly1209

Advice on link here says unsuitable for Parkinsons Disease patient.info/medicine/baclo...

Shelly1209 profile image
Shelly1209 in reply tobeauxreflets

Oh wow thankyou, hmm maybe I'll call Monday and double check with the nurse. 

Beckey profile image
Beckey

Hmm ... it's one of the drugs I tried before they knew what was causing my tremor. I did find it a good sleep aid but it didn't affect the tremor, then my neuro told me to stop taking it. She said it can cause memory problems. That's all I needed to hear!

BUZZ1397 profile image
BUZZ1397

That is a mscle relaxer. I know very well because my wife has MS. My wife faces the same  paradox, it eases muscle cramping and it increases risk of falling. Best to choose wisely with the benefit of not having head injury foremost in your mind.

nedster profile image
nedster

Baclofen is a form of GABA,  (gamma aminobutyric acid). GABA is a neurotransmitter that relates to muscle relaxation and has a calming effect. GABA is not suppose to cross the blood-brain barrier according to the scientific community, but there are many who claim to benefit from taking it,(I do, It works for me). Baclofen is a slightly altered molecular form of GABA that does cross the blood brain barrier. The receptors for GABA are powerful. They are the ones the notorious "Roofies" or "Date Rape" drug affect. GABA is much more subtle. My experience with taking a large amount of GABA is after about 10 minutes having a short spell of shortness of breath, about a minute. Then a short flushing of skin, like taking niacin. Then a relaxed calmness that seems to also clear my thinking. It is the most powerful over the counter nutrient I have taken. I have been told by a neurologist chiropractor that I must have a leaky blood brain barrier. I have been told by my MD. that it is placebo. I have seen the exact symptoms described by others on the web. This has been my experience, for what it's worth.

BUZZ1397 profile image
BUZZ1397 in reply tonedster

Actually baclofen works different from GABA, GABA is just chemically related to baclofen. GABA is antagonist to the receptor that baclofen would bind to, I think. I hope I summarized that correctly I am not a pharmacist I just know Baclofen and GABA have different mechanism. I take GABA w/o increased ataxia/dizziness. 

Coblrman profile image
Coblrman

my doctor prescribed it for dystonia.  haven't gotten it from the pharmacy yet though

Shelly1209 profile image
Shelly1209

It has helped me. I only take 10 mg at bedtime. And I have a more restful sleep. The dizziness only happened real bad the first night. If I get up to use the restroom, I'm extra careful though. I don't have the pain in my leg and arm when I get up in the AM like I did before. 

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

WOULD LIKE TO HAVE INFORMATION FROM THOSE WHO HAVE HAD DBS

I am considering DBS and would like to hear from those who have experienced it themselves or with a...
susieque profile image

A REQUEST to those who post a question.....

As a retired, but still registered, pharmacist (who has had PD for over 8 years) in Australia, I am...
ozepook47 profile image

Amantadine for tremor?

I've needed to write a long post (or a few separate posts) for weeks now, but I'm just too busy....

DBS for Non-Tremor PD?

Has anyone here with non-tremor dominant PD undergone Deep Brain Stimulation? Did it help w/...
Motal profile image

Does anyone have tried Vibration Plates?

I'm considering get a vibration plate to help me improve balance and to strengthen my core and...
marnegro profile image