Baclofen and Sleepy: What Users Say

• c b...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 18, 2024

For Muscle Spasm "I began having severe muscle spasms in each side of my lower back around 8 years ago because of SI joint dysfunction. I was given Flexeril, which did nothing to help. The doctor prescribed Baclofen 20 mg, and boy, what a difference it's made with my muscle spasms. I take 3 a day, and they help me so much. If I didn't have these, I would be in so much more pain or unable to ambulate. They will make you extremely sleepy until you become accustomed to them. If you're being prescribed 10 mg or any larger strength, please remain home. Don't plan on driving or working after you've taken them until your body becomes accustomed to them. I've taken them for years now, and I don't have sleepy side effects, but I guarantee you, you will. They're a very potent muscle relaxer. I had a friend that took a half dose of what her doctor prescribed, and she had hallucinations on them. My father slept for 3 days on a 10 mg. So believe me when I tell you Baclofen is nothing to mess with."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 28, 2020

Baclofen for Spinal Spasticity "This medication, Lioresal, has been a lifesaver for me and my fibromyalgia and DDD. I have had a great experience with the medication, with only one slight side effect: it makes me a bit sleepy. Small price to pay for the fabulous benefits."

• DJD...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 12, 2017

For Muscle Spasm "I was diagnosed with a muscular neurological disorder of unknown origin - SPS - with both my legs becoming stiff and my feet cramping a lot, with no control over lower bodily functions. I was given an Rx of 20 mg two times daily and was told to watch for gastrointestinal side effects. I didn't really have any problems there, but the Rx worked at getting me ambulatory again. I tried to up it to 40 mg two times daily, but it made me sleepy and the neuro told me it was better to take the 20 mg three or four times a day rather than 40 mg all at once. As with all diagnoses and prescriptions, some collaboration with the doctor and experimentation by the patient is required to find the right Rx dosage for the symptoms. I am able to ride a bike, walk and drive, get around, but no quick reflex activity."

• Bey...
• February 18, 2018

For Dystonia "Was prescribed Baclofen for muscle spasms/chronic pain from my Charcot-Marie-Tooth (MD) (a hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy). During a 2-day experience with this med, I became weak in my legs and noticed spastic movement. I fell numerous times. Also had a host of side effects that were obvious to family members as well as myself. I had slurred speech, trouble getting my words out. I had uncontrollable laughing spells to the point that I had my grandchildren scared and crying. I was so hyper and felt very out of control. Trouble staying awake and nightmares when I slept. One of the worst side effects was uncontrollable jerking. I would jerk at times and actually threw a cup of tea onto the floor! I had a horrible 3 days of side effects using this med. After stopping, I still dealt with some effects for 2 more days. God continue to bless those that are having good results, but please bless those that are dealing with side effects. Awful!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2013

For Chronic Spasticity "Couldn't figure out the dosage. Made me so sleepy at work, so only took it at night, but it didn't matter. It did help the cramping in my legs (have Multiple Sclerosis), but I gave up on Baclofen. Now I have to wait for 4 more months to talk to my neurologist to see if I can try something else."

• jon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2016

For Muscle Spasm "I had a spinal fusion in July 2015 and have had extreme nerve issues since then and numbness on my left side. I have been on everything with no relief. Tried Baclofen 10 mL 3x a day. Had some pain relief the 1st day, since then, nothing but very sleepy. Why would it work on the 1st day and then nothing?"

• Auz...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 17, 2022

For Neuralgia "My neurologist prescribed it for the prickling sensation (feels like ant bites) that comes with my peripheral neuropathy. That was in 2014. I take 10 mg at night only, as it makes me slightly sleepy. It has really helped me deal with the effects of a discouraging disease."

• CJa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 4, 2018

For Cervical Dystonia "I take 10 mg baclofen before sleep when I need to unclench jaw muscles before sleep - it makes me sleepy also, and usually I worry less about loss of muscle control. Any more than 10 mg turns me into a forget-everything, nodding-off zombie, but thank heavens there's something that relaxes my face, if only for a little while."

• Toa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 30, 2021

For Cerebral Spasticity "Been using baclofen for 25 years. It works, yes, but don’t underestimate the side effects if the dose is too high. For example, I take 20 mg three times a day. When increasing the dose, I dropped things, couldn’t think straight. Would fall asleep anywhere. I found I started to dribble, and when drifting off, I would miss breaths. Just be careful and have someone with you until you get used to it."

• jea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2018

For Spinal Spasticity "I have taken baclofen for 4 days. I have seen good results so far. My muscle spasms have almost gone away. The only side effect I notice is it makes me very sleepy, and I have long disturbing nightmares."

• Anonymous
• February 7, 2011

For Muscle Spasm "Prescribed this by a pain management doctor, along with Roxy 15 mg. Made very sleepy-seeing no improvement with back pain/leg pain over just taking the Roxy. Side effects are just too many for the slight relief it may have given."

• Jer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2021

For Spasticity "I have cerebral palsy. I've been taking it as prescribed. Started with half a tablet, now I'm on 1 tablet 3 times/day. The only thing I noticed is that I get sleepy driving home (60 miles). Other than that, my spasms are the same."

• CIP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2021

For Muscle Spasm "Nothing else prescribed has worked for tight cramping muscles. Really hoping to be able to replace the very expensive medical cannabis oil with my free prescription for baclofen so I can sleep and not be locked up with spasms and cramps. CIPN and muscle spasms post-chemo are exhausting. Will follow up later. Dose 1 and sleepy two hours in… fighting to stay awake. Yay!"

• Jaz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2025

"At the moment, I have had to increase my meds from 10 mg 3 x daily to 15 mg 3 x daily. Think I will end up on 20 mg 4 x daily, which is the maximum. The increase at the moment is making a difference to the pain level, which I would say has been at a 10 for some time. Now it’s about an 8 but getting better as my body reacts to the larger dose. Taking oral tablets, this could change to a pump if required later, hopefully not. Did feel really sleepy to start with, but part of my condition is not being able to sleep and still struggle. Do think the tablets give me a much deeper sleep than normal. Dry mouth is a problem, as others have mentioned. I also found my taste buds have changed… my vision is really poor in the morning. Find it hard to read properly and double vision most of the morning and early afternoon. Does seem to get better later in the day/early evening."

• Anonymous
• July 6, 2009

For Chronic Spasticity "It definitely helps, but it makes me very sleepy. I always take it before bed. Sometimes during the day if it's okay to get sleepy."