Can you buy baclofen over the counter?

In this article:

• Can you buy baclofen over the counter?
• Why can't you get baclofen over the counter?
• Can you buy any muscle relaxers over the counter?
• Other OTC baclofen substitutes

In this article

• Can you buy baclofen over the counter?
• Why can't you get baclofen over the counter?
• Can you buy any muscle relaxers over the counter?
• Other OTC baclofen substitutes

Baclofen is a medication that helps relax muscles and reduce spasms, cramping, and tightness caused by various medical conditions. Although it’s approved for muscle spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries, it’s sometimes used off-label for other problems like nerve pain and cerebral palsy. It works by blocking nerve impulses in the muscles, which helps them relax.

Can you buy baclofen over the counter?

Baclofen is a relatively accessible drug, but you can’t just buy baclofen over the counter (OTC) at the pharmacy. To obtain baclofen, you need to get a prescription from a healthcare provider first. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved baclofen only as a prescription medication. It was first approved by the FDA in 1977 for medical use in the U.S.

Baclofen should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It can be purchased as oral tablets, granules, and liquid solutions or suspensions, with the dosage depending on the condition being treated and how a person responds to the medicine. However, it’s typically started at a low dosage and gradually increased over time to a maximum dosage of 80 mg daily (20 mg four times daily).

Baclofen is not classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). However, this doesn’t mean it’s safe to use without medical supervision. Trying to buy baclofen without a prescription is both illegal and potentially dangerous.

If you’re experiencing muscle spasms, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional. They can determine if baclofen is right for you or suggest OTC alternatives to help with your symptoms.

Why can’t you get baclofen over the counter?

Baclofen is only available with a healthcare provider’s prescription for several important reasons. First, a healthcare provider needs to check your overall health to determine the right dosage for you. They also have to regularly monitor how well the medication is working and watch for any side effects after you start taking it.

Unlike common pain relievers, baclofen tablets aren’t something that most people can safely take on their own. Baclofen can cause side effects and comes with specific warnings and precautions. It also has drug interactions, which is a concern to consider if you’re taking other medications. Because of these risks, it’s important to get medical advice from a healthcare provider before using baclofen.

Baclofen side effects

Baclofen can lead to various side effects, mainly due to its ability to slow down the central nervous system (CNS). This often leads to CNS depressant effects. The most common side effects of baclofen include:

• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Insomnia

The severity of these reactions can vary from person to person, with some experiencing only minor symptoms while others may feel more affected. For example, when people start taking baclofen, they may notice some mild side effects. However, these side effects often get better as the body adjusts to the medication.

Serious side effects are also possible while taking baclofen and may require immediate medical attention. These include:

• Severe drowsiness 
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Mood changes or depression
• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)

Abruptly stopping treatment with baclofen may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, such as high fever, muscle rigidity, hallucinations, and seizures. Therefore, you need to slowly decrease your dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Interactions with other medications

Baclofen can interact with several other medications, which may increase the risk of possible side effects. For example, if you take baclofen along with other medicines that cause drowsiness or dizziness, those effects could be intensified. Possible baclofen interactions include:

• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) 
• Allergy, cold, and cough medicines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine) 
• Opioids like OxyContin (oxycodone) and Vicodin (hydrocodone)
• Sleep aids such as Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), and Sonata (zaleplon)
• Blood pressure medications such as Zestril (lisinopril), Cozaar (losartan), and Norvasc (amlodipine)
• Other muscle relaxants such as Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) and Soma (carisoprodol)

It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription drugs, OTC medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

Other warnings and precautions

Because baclofen can cause drowsiness and sedation, it’s important to avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other dangerous activities until you know how the medication affects you. If you have a history of mental health issues like psychosis, schizophrenia, or confusion, baclofen may make these conditions worse. In addition, baclofen can cause or worsen autonomic dysreflexia, a dangerous rise in blood pressure, and may increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy.

Pregnant women should also use caution before using baclofen. Animal studies suggest that baclofen may cause harm to an unborn baby, so it should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. 

People with kidney problems may need a lower dose of baclofen because the kidneys remove the drug from the body. If you have impaired kidney function, your healthcare provider will adjust your baclofen dosage accordingly.

Can you buy any muscle relaxers over the counter?

No true muscle relaxers are available over the counter in the United States. Prescription muscle relaxers like Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), Robaxin (methocarbamol), Zanaflex (tizanidine), Soma (carisoprodol), and Skelaxin (metaxalone) all require a healthcare provider’s prescription.

Muscle relaxers work by affecting the CNS and can cause various side effects, which is why they require a prescription. If you’re experiencing muscle pain or spasms, it’s worth talking to a healthcare provider, especially if you’ve tried OTC pain relievers without success. A healthcare provider can recommend a prescription muscle relaxant or recommend other treatments.

Other OTC baclofen substitutes

Some people confuse certain OTC medications with muscle relaxers because they can help with muscle pain. These aren’t classified as skeletal muscle relaxants, though. While muscle relaxers generally require a prescription, OTC options may be available to help with pain, inflammation, and discomfort associated with muscle spasms. 

Common OTC options may include:

• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen)

These medications might reduce inflammation and pain but don’t relax muscles directly like baclofen does.

Some people might find relief with topical treatments such as menthol-containing creams, patches, or gels. These create a cooling sensation that may temporarily distract from muscle discomfort.

Some believe certain supplements help with muscle function, but evidence varies. For example, magnesium specifically plays a role in muscle contraction and relaxation, with some studies suggesting that magnesium deficiency may be related to muscle spasms. Other supplements that might be recommended include:

• Vitamin D3
• Vitamin B9
• Vitamin B12 
• Vitamin A
• Omega-3 fatty acids 

Always use OTC medications according to the directions on the package. You should also talk to a healthcare provider before trying alternatives, especially if you have other health conditions or take other medications. These alternatives generally don’t work the same way as prescription muscle relaxants.