MUSCLE RELAXANT
Ozobax DS (baclofen) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating spasticity (muscle stiffness and spasms) resulting from multiple sclerosis (MS).
These insights are based on 1,507 comments about Ozobax DS from MyMSTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Ozobax DS is a muscle relaxant. Its exact way of working is not fully known. It may work like GABA, a natural chemical in the body that helps control nerve signals. In people with multiple sclerosis, Ozobax DS can help relieve spasticity, including muscle spasms and related pain.
Doctors prescribe Ozobax DS for spasticity from multiple sclerosis, including flexor spasms and pain, clonus, and muscle rigidity.
Ozobax DS is a liquid medicine taken by mouth. It is taken in multiple doses during the day. Treatment usually starts with a low dose, which is then slowly increased over time.
The recommended starting dose of Ozobax DS for multiple sclerosis is 2.5 milliliters (5 milligrams) three times a day for three days.
For people who respond to treatment, the recommended maintenance dose is increased gradually to 10 milliliters (20 milligrams) three times a day for three days, with additional increases if needed up to a maximum of 80 milligrams daily (20 milligrams four times a day).
Doctors may increase the dose slowly based on how the person responds and how well they tolerate it. They will also reduce the dose slowly when stopping treatment rather than stopping it suddenly.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
Members who use Ozobax DS often say it can help with stiffness, spasms, and walking, but they also describe needing to pay close attention to side effects and how the medication affects daily function. Across the community, people most often mention working with their doctor on dose changes, staying consistent with routines, and combining medication with physical therapy, stretching, or exercise.
Talk to your doctor about starting low and adjusting slowly.
“If I were to advise myself: Increase dosage gradually, monitor closely the effects, and when you feel you’re at a point where you are seeing significant benefit, stop there for a while.”
Keep track of drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness.
“I was on baclofen three times a day for leg spasms at night, and I found it impossible to work or even function. Took my dosage down to one dose before bed.”
Tell your doctor if it affects walking or balance.
“One month ago, I quit taking 60 milligrams of baclofen per day for spasticity because I felt that it was actually turning my leg and lower back muscles to jelly. Within one day of stopping the baclofen, my balance and mobility improved dramatically.”
Don’t stop suddenly, and keep up with refills.
“Make sure you don’t run out at all. You may be sorry like I was.”
Pair medication with stretching, therapy, or exercise.
“My low-tech solution was strength training and physical therapy with people who specialized in MS.”
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In clinical studies of baclofen, the most common side effect was drowsiness, which occurred in 63 percent of people. Other common side effects that occurred in about 15 percent of people were:
Ozobax DS can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
At this time, there does not appear to be a specific savings program available for Ozobax DS.
You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether there are lower-cost options, manufacturer resources, or insurance coverage details that may help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to baclofen or any ingredients in Ozobax DS. Do not take Ozobax DS if you have had a serious allergic reaction to baclofen or any of its ingredients.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Ozobax DS can cause drowsiness. This effect can be stronger if it is taken with alcohol or other medicines that slow down the brain, such as certain sedatives.
Do not discontinue Ozobax DS without consulting your healthcare provider. Sudden withdrawal of Ozobax DS can result in serious reactions, including death.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking your dose of Ozobax DS until you know how it affects you.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Ozobax DS, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Withdrawal symptoms in babies whose mothers were treated with oral baclofen throughout pregnancy have been reported.
Baclofen is present in human breast milk. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfed babies when mothers stop taking Ozobax DS or when breastfeeding is stopped. You and your healthcare provider will decide if you should take Ozobax DS while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ozobax DS may also be of some value for people with spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How long does Ozobax DS take to work for spasticity in multiple sclerosis?
It is not known exactly how long Ozobax DS takes to work.
The dose is usually started low and increased slowly over time. This means it may take time to see the full effect. Some people may notice improvement as the dose is adjusted based on their response.
Can Ozobax DS cause drowsiness or dizziness in people with multiple sclerosis?
Yes. Drowsiness is the most common side effect of Ozobax DS. In one study, 63 percent of people taking it felt drowsy, compared with 36 percent taking a placebo (an inactive treatment).
Dizziness is also common and may affect about 5 percent to 15 percent of people. People should avoid driving or doing risky activities when starting Ozobax DS or after a dose increase until they know how it affects them.
What tests or monitoring are needed with Ozobax DS?
Ozobax DS does not usually require regular lab tests. Doctors monitor how well it works and watch for side effects, checking for symptoms like sleepiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness. The dose may be adjusted based on how the person responds.
When stopping the medicine, the dose should be lowered slowly while being monitored.
On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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