Baclofen Dosage: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been prescribed baclofen for muscle spasticity or chronic pain, the first question is usually “how much should I take?” The answer depends on your condition, age, kidney function and how your body reacts. Below you’ll find a quick rundown of typical adult doses, how doctors usually increase the amount, and practical tips to keep side effects low.
Starting dose and titration
Most adults begin with 5 mg taken three times a day (total 15 mg). After 3‑4 days you can add another 5 mg to each dose if you don’t feel enough relief and you’re not getting strong side effects. The goal is to reach the lowest amount that works for you, so many people end up around 20‑30 mg a day split into three doses.
For severe spasticity some doctors allow up to 80 mg per day, but they do it slowly – usually increasing by 5 mg each dose every week. Never jump more than 10 mg in a single step because sudden jumps raise the chance of dizziness or nausea.
Special situations & safety tips
If you have kidney problems, your doctor will likely start lower, often 2.5 mg three times daily, and watch blood levels closely. Kids under 12 are not usually given baclofen unless a specialist says it’s safe; doses for children are calculated by weight (about 0.5‑1 mg per kilogram per day).
Take baclofen with food if you notice stomach upset. Splitting tablets evenly helps keep steady blood levels – try to take them at the same times each day, like breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Avoid stopping abruptly. If you need to quit, ask your doctor for a taper plan that reduces the dose by 5‑10 mg every few days. Going cold turkey can cause seizures or severe muscle cramps.
Common side effects include drowsiness, weakness, dry mouth and mild constipation. If these get worse or you feel confused, call your pharmacist – sometimes a tiny dose change fixes it.
Keep a simple log: note the time you take each pill, how strong your symptoms are, and any side effects. Bring this log to every appointment; it gives your doctor concrete info to fine‑tune the dosage.
In short, start low, increase slowly, watch how you feel, and never adjust on your own without checking a professional. Following these steps helps you get the muscle‑relaxing benefits of baclofen while staying safe.
