Baclofen 5Mg

[Jeza]

Mic takes the above 3 times per day. IMO this is not enough. He holds things like the bed rail, or a cup etc and he can't let go. His grip is very tight to the point of bruising me on several occasions. I have to prise his fingers away. I want to speak to his GP about this but he is not an easy man to get along with. Is there a better drug or even an increased dose. Mic knows he's doing this but still can't let go. Opinions please from you medics out there. Especially Sqad.

[ferlew]

Not a clue, but huge hug from me xxxx

[Mamyalynne]

That sounds like the low starting dose, so there should be some scope for an increase, do try to speak to GP if you can.

[Buenchico]

It appears that 10mg is a more usual dose. Further, an age of 65 years or over is a contra-indication when prescribing Baclofen, so perhaps the GP should be considering an alternative drug anyway?
http://www.nhs.uk/medicine-guides/pages/MedicineOverview.aspx?condition=Muscle%20spasm&medicine=Baclofen&;preparation=Baclofen%2010mg%20tablets

(I also note that the NHS link I've provided says "Over time it is possible that Baclofen can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Baclofen has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately". So you would appear to have every justification for hassling the GP).

[237SJ]

I`m not an expert but there are other medications mentioned under Oral Medications http://www.webmd.com/stroke/features/after-a-stroke-medications-to-reduce-arm-spasticity but most of them seem to be suitable for the short term so maybe asking about dosage of the Baclofen is the way to go.

[Jeza]

Thanks for all input. Mics GP is not an easy person to talk to. In the past when I have questioned his decisions he has threatened to call the police on me for neglect. Maybe I should be the one to call the police.

[237SJ]

Are you in contact with pain control community nurses? Social Services can put you in touch with them and they can review/issue drugs.

[Jeza]

237 It is not pain that's the problem.

I have read the links provided and will ring the surgery tomorrow.

[EcclesCake]

Jeza your have been fearlessly defensive of your husband, trying desperately to avoid him going hospital. Perhaps your GP was concerned that his reputation would be tarnished by one of his patients being 'seemingly' neglected and not admitted to hospital in a timely fashion.

Your GP may also be wanting the best outcome too but approaching the situation from a different view point to your own.

[Jeza]

Eccles, before Mic went in to hospital in September neither of us had ever seen him. He took over our practice sometime in the summer. His reputation is not good. All the carers who tend to Mic tell me that their clients refuse to deal with him and want one of the other doctors in the practice. I do understand what you're saying but I have only Mic's health and welfare at heart.

[anneasquith]

why not change gp ?

[Jeza]

Two reasons Anne. We live in a small town and better the devil you know.

[Ann]

//better the devil you know//
Surely not Jeza - why suffer even more misery by having a difficult doctor, that is awful for you. Why not speak to the receptionist and ask who is the kindest doctor in the practice and who they recommend. Everyone is entitled to change GPs now with absolutely no questions asked. Maybe a change of doctor would be good for Mic too. Re: the Baclofen, why not ask the pharmacist where you get Mic's prescription made up, they are often as helpful or sometimes more so than the GP.

[campbellking]

This isn't really my field, and I don't know whether he would be suitable, but has he ever been considered for Botox? Can be useful to reduce spasticity in some cases, has he got a physio or neurologist that you can consult?

[Sqad]

jeza, I have just seen your post and cannot add more to the above contributions.

Clearly if 5mgms three times a day is not effective, then this must be increased but the decision is a clinical one made by a medically qualified person.

[anneasquith]

do you only have one gp in your area ?