Baclofen (Lioresal®)

Baclofen acts on the central nervous system to relax muscles. It also decreases stretch reflexes, the rate of muscle spasms and clonus, pain, and tightness and improves range of motion. It can either be taken by mouth as a tablet or delivered via a catheter into the space surrounding the spinal cord (the intrathecal space—please see the later section on ITB Therapy). Side effects may include sedation, drowsiness, weakness, decreased muscle tone, confusion, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and more difficulty in controlling seizures in people with epilepsy. Baclofen may also increase the blood pressure-lowering effects of other medications. Suddenly stopping baclofen may cause seizures, hallucinations, and rebound spasticity. Baclofen should not be taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. It may either worsen or improve bladder problems. Its use has been shown to increase bronchospasm and decrease the cough reflex.

	Benzodiazepines (Valium® and Klonopin®)