Evaluation of baclofen (Lioresal) for spasticity in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Summary The effect of baclofen on spasticity and muscle spasms was assessed in thirty-five patients with multiple sclerosis. Benefit from reduction of spasticity was obtained in sixteen patients. A higher proportion of patients confined to a wheelchair was helped than ambulant patients, but overall functional improvement was limited. Twenty-one of the thirty-five patients had troublesome spasms and thirteen of them had significant relief on baclofen. Substituting identical dummy tablets confirmed that benefit was attributable to the pharmacological effects of baclofen in ten of the sixteen patients whose spasticity was reduced and in eight of the thirteen whose muscle spasms were relieved. In two of the remainder, benefit appeared to be due to placebo effect, and the others maintained their improvement after stopping the drug. The drug had to be withdrawn in nine patients because of increased weakness and in ten other patients who had intolerable side effects. The optimum dose of baclofen tolerated ranged from 15 mg to 80 mg daily. The importance of adjusting the dose regime to the requirement of each individual and starting with small doses in multiple sclerosis is emphasized.

In Silico Methods for the Discovery of Orthosteric GABAB Receptor Compounds

“…The GABA B -R is linked to a variety of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders including memory and learning deficits, addiction, epilepsy, anxiety and depression, and is an interesting target for drug intervention [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. However, at present, the agonist baclofen (β-(4-chloro-phenyl)GABA) is the only marketed drug targeting the GABA B -R. Baclofen is used as a muscle relaxant and antispastic agent to treat muscle spasticity and other muscle symptoms caused by e.g., multiple sclerosis [ 19 , 20 ]. A major drawback with baclofen is the side effects which include dizziness, nausea, insomnia, and hallucinations caused by abrupt withdrawal [ 21 ].…”

Estado de coma y patrón electroencefalográfico de brote-supresión por sobredosis de Baclofeno.

“…El baclofeno (ácido 4-amino-3-[4-clorofenil]butanoico) es un análogo estructural del GABA de acción inhibitoria que es usado como relajante del músculo esquelético (1, 2). Sus principales indicaciones son para el tratamiento de las distonías y de la espasticidad (3)(4)(5). Otras indicaciones incluyen el tratamiento del reflujo gastroesofágico, rumiación, hipo recurrente, disfunción vesical, neuralgia del trigémino y dependencia alcohólica (6)(7)(8)(9)(10).…”

C0-contraction and stretch reflexes in spasticity during treatment with baclofen.

“…After present study shows that co-contraction may be t that they unaffected even in patients whose passive stretch h response, responses have been halved by treatment. As in the tuld not be studies of Hedley et al (1975) and Duncan et al state. The (1976), the patients who derived most benefit from he rate of baclofen were those whose voluntary movement was vity in the impeded by spasms.…”