Lioresal
Lioresal is a potent pharmaceutical medication that relaxes skeletal muscles and relieves spasms. The medicine can be administered by a pump implanted beneath the skin or by a direct spinal injection. Doctors prescribe the oral formulation of this medicine for back pain.
The recommended dosing schedule is to take the medication in three equally-spaced doses throughout the day. Lioresal will gradually accumulate in your body and reach therapeutic levels. It may take several weeks for the medication to relieve your back pain. One benefit of Lioresal is that you won’t develop a tolerance to its effects. It will continue to provide relief for many years.
What Does Lioresal Treat?
Lioresal is frequently prescribed to reduce muscle spasms associated with medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord disorders. MS damages the spinal cord and brain, interfering with the information transmitted between the brain and the rest of the body. Doctors also prescribe the medication to relax muscles and relieve back pain in patients who do not have MS.
Common Side Effects of Lioresal
As with any medication, Lioresal may cause unwanted side effects in some individuals. Most of these issues are minor and non-threatening. They will usually gradually fade away after you take Lioresal for an extended period. The side effects include confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle weakness, upset stomach or nausea. Notify your doctor if any of these symptoms persist for longer than two weeks. One potential side effect is drowsiness. You should avoid driving automobiles and operating other hazardous equipment until you are certain that Lioresal doesn’t impair your alertness. Drinking alcohol while on Lioresal is not recommended because it can worsen any drowsiness caused by the medication. Some of the rare and serious side effects include difficulty breathing and seizures. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience either of these problems.
It is essential that your doctor has a complete list of all your prescription medications, nutritional supplements and over-the-counter medicines. This will prevent interactions between Lioresal and other products. The doctor also needs to know whether you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to another medication. This information will help the doctor determine whether Lioresal could cause a similar problem. If you experience an allergic reaction while taking Lioresal, notify your physician right away.
There are certain patients who should exercise special precautions prior to starting the medication. The doctor needs to know your full medical history. It is important to include other health issues, such as impaired kidney function. Before taking Lioresal, inform your doctor if you are nursing an infant, expecting a child or are trying to become pregnant. If you should become pregnant after starting the medication, inform your physician as soon as possible.
Deciding Whether Lioresal is Appropriate for You
Contact your doctor if you want to determine whether Lioresal is appropriate for your symptoms or for additional information. Your doctor will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and current overall health before recommending a medication to treat your back pain.