You may need to avoid certain medications, foods, and beverages while taking baclofen. For example, taking baclofen with some pain medications may lead to serious side effects.

Baclofen is a generic drug prescribed for muscle spasms and spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a condition that can affect your brain and spinal cord. It can cause several symptoms, including involuntary movements of your arms or legs.

Baclofen is available as an oral tablet, oral solution, oral suspension, and a spinal injection.

Baclofen may interact with some foods, beverages, or medications you may be taking. An interaction can occur because one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected. Interactions can also occur if you have certain health conditions.

This article discusses foods you should avoid when taking baclofen. It also discusses which pain reliever is safe to take with baclofen and which medications may interact with the drug.

kitchen fridge cookingShare on Pinterest
zoranm/Getty Images

There are no reports of any foods that you should avoid when taking baclofen.

However, side effects of the drug may include nausea and vomiting. You can help reduce these side effects by avoiding spicy foods.

Baclofen can also cause drowsiness. Alcohol may also increase this side effect of baclofen. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much, if any, alcohol is safe to drink while taking baclofen.

Baclofen and coffee

There are no reports of needing to avoid coffee when taking baclofen.

However, insomnia is a possible side effect of baclofen. To manage this side effect, try relaxing before sleeping. Avoiding coffee or alcohol (if applicable) before going to sleep can also help.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about baclofen and coffee.

Baclofen may be safe to take with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that is used to relieve minor aches and pains, such as headaches or muscle aches.

Some pain relievers may interact with baclofen and cause serious side effects.

For example, one 2019 study found taking baclofen and ibuprofen (Advil) at the same time may result in side effects, such as:

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • nausea
  • headache
  • double vision, also called diplopia
  • muscle spasms

Taking opioids, such as oxycodone (Roxicodone), together with baclofen may increase your risk of serious side effects. This can include problems breathing.

Talk with your doctor about which pain medication is best for you to take with baclofen.

Before you start taking baclofen, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter, or other drugs you take. Sharing this information with them may help prevent possible interactions.

Some examples of medications that may interact with baclofen include:

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Baclofen is a generic drug prescribed for muscle spasms and spasticity related to MS.

It appears to be safe to drink coffee while taking baclofen. Also, you don’t need to avoid any specific foods while taking the drug.

Baclofen may interact with certain medications and pain relievers. This can raise your risk of serious side effects or complications. It’s important to tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking, as well as any supplements or nonprescription medications.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about what to avoid while taking baclofen.