A client with multiple sclerosis who has a new baclofen prescription asks what information to include in teaching. Which statement is correct?

• A. It should help with symptoms of muscle spasms.
• B. It cures multiple sclerosis.
• C. It prevents fatigue.
• D. It causes fast weight loss.

Answer: (A)

Baclofen works to reduce muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis by acting on the spinal cord to dampen overactive muscle contractions. The teaching point you want to convey is that this medication is for relief of spasm and stiffness, helping with movement and comfort, rather than curing the disease itself. It’s not a treatment that prevents fatigue, and it isn’t a weight-loss drug, so those statements aren’t correct. In practical teaching, also highlight that baclofen can cause drowsiness or dizziness, so safety measures like avoiding driving until you know how it affects you are important, and that it should be taken as prescribed with attention to avoiding abrupt discontinuation, which can worsen spasticity.