When hiccups won’t stop—days, even weeks—they’re not just annoying, they’re exhausting. baclofen, a muscle relaxant originally developed for spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. Also known as Gablofen, it’s not approved for hiccups, but doctors turn to it when other treatments fail. That’s because it works on the brain’s hiccup center, calming the spasms that keep your diaphragm jumping. It’s not a quick fix like holding your breath or swallowing sugar, but for chronic, stubborn hiccups, it’s one of the few options with real evidence behind it.
People who’ve tried everything—antacids, benzodiazepines, even acupuncture—often land on baclofen after their doctor rules out neurological issues or GERD. It’s especially common in patients with brain injuries, strokes, or multiple sclerosis, where nerve signals go haywire. But it’s also used in otherwise healthy people with intractable hiccups, hiccups lasting more than 48 hours that don’t respond to standard care. The dose is low, usually 5 to 10 mg three times a day, and most people feel relief within a day or two. Still, it’s not without risks: drowsiness, dizziness, and weakness are common. If you’re already on other muscle relaxants, sedatives, or alcohol, mixing them with baclofen can be dangerous.
What’s missing from most online searches is the real-world experience: how long it takes to work, what happens when you stop, and whether it’s worth the side effects. Some patients report hiccups coming back as soon as they skip a dose. Others find it so effective they stay on it for months. That’s why talking to your doctor isn’t just a formality—it’s critical. You need to know if your hiccups are neurological, if your liver can handle it, and whether there’s a safer alternative like gabapentin or chlorpromazine.
The posts below dive into exactly these kinds of real-life medication decisions. You’ll find how to push back when your doctor pushes generics, what to ask when a drug works but feels risky, and how other patients manage long-term treatments for stubborn conditions. Whether you’re considering baclofen or just trying to understand why it’s even an option, these stories give you the context you won’t find on a drug label.
Baclofen, a muscle relaxant typically used for spasticity, has emerged as a powerful off-label treatment for persistent hiccups. Studies show it can stop hiccups lasting weeks or years by calming overactive nerve signals in the brainstem.
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