I take Neurontin for nerve pain from Transverse Myelitis. It helps, but doesn't take all the pain away. Doctor put me on Baclofen. Everything I read said it's not good to take this long-term, and I've been warned by others on the drug that it's AWFUL when you try to get off of it. Any thoughts? It's helping a little, too, but I still live with quite a bit of pain in my lower body/legs/feet.
Long term Baclofen?
Question posted by Shaklee on 4 Jan 2013
Last updated on 12 May 2022 by HelenaGreco73
7 Answers
HelenaGreco73
12 May 2022
I love Baclofen.I originally had begun taking it for back spasms related to spinal stenosis and scoliosis and also RLS. It worked wonders for that. Very little to no side effects. I have been taking small doses of it for three years now.
I also have substance use disorder that I've been sober for five years. It has the extra benefit of reducing all drug and alcohol cravings. Then I read about it being used off label for anxiety and alcohol addiction. I have depression and anxiety which is co occurring mental illness with my addictions. The first week taking it, i felt happy for the first time in years. Not euphoric, but a calm sense of well being and my personality changed in a good way. I was responding much better to my therapy. It has truly helped getting me off daily use of Klonopin and works better than my SNRI medication. I believe it works on GABA calming receptors and dopamine receptors that help with addictions.
My doctor doesn't tell me there is a need to stop, as i take it as needed. Why fix the wheel if it's not broken?
Debbieb89
11 Jan 2020
I have been on 30 mg of baclofen every 4 hours for years now my doctor decreased my dose by more than half based on old facts it causes me worse spasms I am paralyzed from the waist down it was the only relief I. get now she wants me to take only 2 10 mg tablet 3 times a day it is causing worse spasms
Bad fee years
26 Oct 2018
I was on backlophen for almost 3 years. I had had an extremely bad M.S. attack. I spent 1 year in the hospital. After which my neuro kept upping my dose of backlophen. I had terrible side effects: tiredness, mental confusion, I couldn’t carry a thought, memory problems and my mobility just wasn’t improving. I was using a walker and going to a physio once a weak. Finally I just stopped taking baclofen after realizing how these bad side effects increased after I would take it. I feal so much better now,the side effects are gone and my walking has improved so much I am only using a cane when needed.
Anneadams
23 Nov 2017
I started taking baclofen Feb 2017 and Its now Nov 2017 I would get these spirts of extreme nausea sick all day long like morning sickness one morning I woke up and forgot to take it I had been sick for a week straight I all of a sudden felt so much better it was due to not taking the baclofen I know I have some difficult times ahead of me because stopping so suddenly I rather go through withdrawal than feel one more day of the way I felt taking them
spjamieson
27 March 2013
I was on Baclofen for 9 months after the onset of TM. I stopped taking it without any adverse reaction because my eyesight was going blurry. My neurologist wanted to insert a pump, but I really did not like the thought of medication being inside me and refused. I have since learnt from a recently published book on Neurorehabilitation that Baclofen impedes muscle recovery and development in the longterm and I am relieved I stopped taking it. I went from being in a wheelchair to walking with a frame and 2 sticks and
do an exercise regime, water pilates really helps to make my muscels less spastic and acupressure is good too. However, I would like to be able to take somehthing for the nerve pain which is ongoing like you from just above the waist downwards. My feet are the worst affected and buzz constantly making it hard to sleep and walk, although I do drive. I would not stop the medication without consulting your DR fist, although, quite honestly, I think I know more than my neurologist and GP. My problem is I am so allergic to many medications and the ones I have tried don't give much relief and the side effects are worse. I also tried B supplements which made no impression. Its an ongoing search, I live in hope.
butterflylynn
4 Jan 2013
I have been on Baclofen for about 7 years & I have not had any kind of problems.
I have also been on the same dosage the entire time.
But your decision to stay on this drug our not you would need to address your concerns with your doctor.
But with most medications if you decide you want of a medication you need to speak to your Dr..before you stop taking the medication. Kathy
kaismama
4 Jan 2013
Don't judge whether or not you take a medication by what others tell you. If you try to stop it abruptly you can have withdrawal symptoms, however it shouldn't be stopped that way. Many medications are like that. It might be your road to less pain.
Debbieb89
11 Jan 2020
I know what works for me don't let anyone tell you what you need if your doctor prescribed it
Related topics
neurontin, pain, neuralgia, baclofen, transverse myelitis
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