When hiccups won’t stop—lasting hours, days, or even weeks—it’s not just annoying, it can wreck sleep, eating, and daily life. That’s where a muscle relaxant for hiccups, a medication that reduces involuntary diaphragm spasms. Also known as antispasmodic therapy, it’s not the first thing most people think of, but it’s one of the few proven options for persistent cases. Most hiccups go away on their own, but if they stick around longer than 48 hours, doctors may turn to drugs that calm the nerves and muscles controlling the diaphragm.
The most common baclofen, a GABA-B agonist used to treat muscle spasticity is often the go-to. Studies show it works by reducing nerve signals that trigger the hiccup reflex. It’s not a cure-all, but for people with hiccups caused by neurological issues, MS, or after surgery, it’s been a game-changer. Another option is chlorpromazine, an antipsychotic that also blocks dopamine receptors involved in the hiccup pathway. It’s older and has more side effects, but it’s been used since the 1950s and still shows up in guidelines for intractable hiccups. These aren’t OTC fixes—they’re prescribed because they affect the brain and nervous system, not just the diaphragm.
Other muscle relaxants like tizanidine or gabapentin show up in case reports too, but they’re less studied. What ties them all together? They target the same neural loop: the phrenic nerve, vagus nerve, and brainstem centers that get stuck in a loop. That’s why home remedies—holding your breath, drinking water upside down—often fail when the problem is neurological, not just a twitch. If you’ve tried everything and your hiccups won’t quit, it’s not you. It’s likely a signal your body needs a different kind of intervention.
What you won’t find in most online guides is how these drugs fit into real treatment paths. Many patients get stuck in a cycle of trying random remedies while doctors delay prescribing anything stronger. But if you’re dealing with hiccups that last more than a few days, especially with other symptoms like weight loss, nausea, or pain, it’s not just a quirk—it’s a sign to dig deeper. The posts below cover everything from how baclofen compares to other options, to what side effects to watch for, to why some people respond while others don’t. You’ll also find real-world stories and medical insights on when to ask for help, how to talk to your doctor about these meds, and what alternatives exist if these drugs don’t work for you.
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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