Side Effects on Low Dose Baclofen

[nymomma]

OK, I started on 10 mg tid. I couldn't stay awake or focus. Also felt like vomiting off and on. After two days went to 5 mg tid. Still really tired. Well, at least I am too tired to think about drinking. Is this within the realm of normal? I see the doses people take on here and don't see ever getting there. Any advice? Thanks!

[kronkcarr]

Hi,

I started at 30 mgs and had the symptoms you describe. The nausea took a long while to stop. I only had to go to 80 mgs to switch so try not to concern yourself with the high doses. Maybe stay at 5 mgs for 4 days and try 10 after that. I had lots of side effects for months but it was worth it. Welcome.

[TooCurious]

Hey nymomma,

Congrats on starting baclofen! I definitely felt the way you described at the beginning of my baclofen journey. Make sure that you spread out your doses. For example, I started at 15 mg, and took 5mg around 9am, 5mg around 3pm, and 5mg again at 9pm. You must allow your body to develop a tolerance to baclofen, and I assure you it will. Also, try taking your dose with a meal until you get used to it. That usually helps. Just go at a pace that you feel comfortable with, and once you get up to a higher dose you should even consider spreading the dosage to four times per day as many do, including myself. My current schedule is 8am/1pm/6pm/11pm, but obviously there is wiggle room. Good luck, and just continue to take it and those side effects will abate. Just give it time!

[nymomma]

Thanks! Maybe I should try 2.5 mg four times daily. What is the lowest mg dose anyone switches at? It would be easier to switch at a low dose.

[dundrinkn]

Someone on here switched at 40 or 50. I always had side effects for a bit after going up or down on dosage. My SEs when I was higher were not that much worse than when I was lower. But, I took my dosage up pretty slowly because it was the change that triggered the SEs -- every 5 days or more.

[nymomma]

My goal is to cut way back. Prefer to stop all together. My current usage has dropped from about one bottle of wine per day to about one or two glasses 3 or 4 days each week over the past year. Sometimes much less. I do have occassional binge that i want to avoid about every tthree months - one night where I go over one bottle and usually black out.
I don't understand what you were trying to say about Bac influence on you. Please explain more if you don't mind sharing. Thanks!

[nymomma]

Here I am. Now on 12.5 mg a day. I am going to go up to 15 mg a aday today. I am not falling asleep at the wheel so that is good. I swear interest in alcohol is reduced. Placebo at such a low dose? I will keep you posted.