Clobazam
About Clobazam
Clobazam is a prescription medicine used alongside other treatments to manage severe seizures, particularly those associated with a rare form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It belongs to a group of medicines that help calm excessive electrical activity in the brain to prevent sudden seizure episodes.
To ensure this medicine works effectively, you must take it consistently at the same times every day as directed by your healthcare professional. You can take Clobazam with or without food, but keeping your routine consistent is essential. Making practical adjustments, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding sensory seizure triggers, can also help support your overall seizure management.
While taking Clobazam, some individuals may experience mild side effects like drowsiness or dizziness. If you notice any serious side effects, such as breathing difficulties, extreme sleepiness, or unusual changes in your mood, you must contact your doctor immediately.
Do not take this if you have a known allergy to similar medications or severe liver problems. It is crucial to talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have a history of depression, kidney issues, muscle weakness, or breathing difficulties.
This medicine can interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, as well as alcohol, which can significantly increase the risk of severe breathing issues. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, planning a pregnancy, or if you are an older adult, as special precautions may be needed.
Uses of Clobazam
• Seizure Control: Clobazam is commonly prescribed to manage seizures in epilepsy patients, offering an effective anticonvulsant benefit.
• Anxiety Disorders: Clobazam acts as an anxiolytic, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with various anxiety disorders.
• Muscle Relaxation: Clobazam provides muscle relaxation, making it suitable for treating muscle spasms and reducing associated discomfort.
• Sleep Disorder Management: Clobazam is used for short-term relief of sleep disturbances, improving sleep quality by reducing anxiety and tension.
• Adjuvant Therapy: Clobazam can serve as an adjunct treatment alongside other medications for complex seizure disorders, enhancing the overall therapeutic effect.
Medicinal Benefits
When taken as prescribed, Clobazam offers several important benefits, including::
- Helps reduce seizure frequency: As an add-on treatment, Clobazam helps improve seizure control in people with severe epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
- Supports safer daily activities: Better seizure control may reduce disruptions caused by sudden seizure episodes and improve confidence during everyday activities.
- Provides calming effects in specific situations: When prescribed for severe anxiety, Clobazam may help reduce overwhelming feelings of fear, tension, and restlessness under careful medical supervision.
- Improves overall quality of life: By helping manage seizures or severe anxiety symptoms, this medicine may support better daily functioning and emotional well-being.
Directions for Use
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has instructed. Follow these general guidelines for taking this medicine by mouth:
- If you are taking tablets, swallow them whole with a glass of water. If your doctor has approved it, some tablets may be crushed and mixed with a small amount of applesauce, but always check with your pharmacist first.
- If you are using the liquid form, shake the bottle thoroughly before each dose. Always use the special dose-measuring device or syringe provided with the medicine to measure your dose accurately; do not use a regular household spoon.
- You may take this medicine with or without food, but try to take it the same way each time.
Your doctor will determine the right schedule for you. Never change your dose or stop taking this medication without consulting your healthcare provider first.
Storage
Side Effects of Clobazam
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Feeling very sleepy or tired
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Difficulty with coordination or balance
- Drooling or increased saliva
- Cough or cold-like symptoms
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
- Extreme drowsiness where it is difficult to wake up
- New or worsening depression, anxiety, or thoughts of hurting yourself
- Severe allergic reactions, such as skin rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe skin reactions, including peeling, blistering, or painful sores
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Drug Warnings
- Check the oral suspension: If you are using the liquid form, inspect the bottle before use. Ensure it is well-shaken, has no unusual particles, and use only the oral syringe provided for measuring.
- Avoid driving and operating machinery: This medicine can make you feel sleepy and slow your reaction times. Do not drive, ride a bicycle, or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Watch for mood changes: Pay close attention to any sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience new or worsening feelings of sadness, anxiety, or self-harm.
- Plan your refills early: Because stopping this medication suddenly can trigger severe, continuous seizures, make sure you never run out of your medicine. Request your refills well in advance.
- Carry medical identification: It is highly recommended to wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card stating that you are taking this medicine for seizure management.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions:
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact with Clobazam:
- Opioid pain or cough medicines: May increase the risk of severe sleepiness, slow breathing, coma, or life-threatening breathing problems.
- Other medicines that cause drowsiness: Sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and other anxiety medicines may increase sedation and affect coordination.
- Certain medicines that affect liver processing: Some medicines that slow the breakdown of Clobazam may increase its levels in the body and raise the risk of side effects.
Drug-Food Interactions:
- Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking Clobazam, as it can greatly increase drowsiness, poor coordination, and breathing problems.
Drug-Disease Interactions:
Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before taking Clobazam:
- Severe breathing problems: Conditions such as sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may increase the risk of breathing difficulties.
- Liver or kidney problems: These conditions may affect how your body processes the medicine and may require careful dose adjustment.
- Myasthenia gravis: Clobazam may worsen muscle weakness in people with this condition.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Clobazam as it may increase the risk of drowsiness and other adverse effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeClobazam is a Category C pregnancy drug. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters as it may cause harm to the unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Clobazam as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby.
Driving
unsafeClobazam may cause dizziness, double vision or drowsiness in some people. It is an offence to drive if Clobazam affects you. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy, dizzy or experience any vision problems after taking Clobazam.
Liver
cautionTake Clobazam with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Clobazam with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionClobazam is not recommended for children below 6 years. However, Clobazam may be used in children above 6 years in dose and duration as prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid alcohol completely: Alcohol interacts dangerously with this medication, increasing the risk of extreme drowsiness, severe breathing difficulties, and loss of consciousness.
- Prioritise consistent sleep: Lack of sleep is a well-known trigger for seizures. Aim for a regular sleeping schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily.
- Keep a detailed seizure log: Track when your seizures occur, how long they last, and any potential triggers. Share this information with your healthcare team to assess how well the medicine is working.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly: Stopping this medication abruptly can cause your seizures to return or become worse. Always follow your doctor’s plan for gradually decreasing the dose when stopping.
Special Advise
Do not take Clobazam for a prolonged time as it may lead to mental or physical dependence on Clobazam.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Epilepsy (fits): A neurological disorder in which there is a sudden, uncontrolled disturbance in the electrical activity of nerve cells in the brain causing periods of unusual sensations, behavior, abnormal activity of the brain, and loss of awareness at times. Epilepsy can be treated by using anti-epileptic drugs, a special ketogenic diet, small electrical devices, or surgery.
Anxiety disorder: It is a mental health disorder associated with fear, worry, and excessive nervousness. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects the ability of a person to feel, think and behave clearly.
FAQs
Clobazam is used to treat epilepsy (fits) and severe anxiety over a short period. It works by increasing the release of GABA (a chemical messenger that acts as a nerve-calming agent) in the brain and calming nerve cells.
No, you are not recommended to take Clobazam with opioids as co-administration of these medicines may cause breathing problems, drowsiness, coma and even death. However, before using Clobazam with any other medicines, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dosage may be adjusted accordingly to use safely.
No, Clobazam does not cure epilepsy. Clobazam only helps in controlling seizures (fits). There is no cure for epilepsy but treatment at an early stage can make a huge difference as prolonged or uncontrolled fits may result in brain damage.
No. You should never stop taking Clobazam suddenly or without consulting your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, confusion, insomnia, depression, and, in some cases, worsening or recurrent seizures. If treatment needs to be stopped, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose to minimize withdrawal effects.
Yes, drowsiness and sleepiness are common side effects of this medication, especially when you first start taking it or when your dose is increased. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Talk to your doctor if sleepiness becomes severe.
No, you must avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can cause dangerous interactions, leading to extreme sleepiness, coordination issues, and life-threatening breathing difficulties. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Clobazam is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless your doctor determines that the benefits outweigh the risks. It may affect the unborn baby, especially when used during the later stages of pregnancy. However, uncontrolled seizures can also be dangerous for both the mother and baby. Consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing treatment during pregnancy.
Yes. Clobazam may be habit-forming and can lead to physical or psychological dependence, especially when used for long periods or at higher doses. Always take it exactly as prescribed and do not increase or stop the dose without medical advice.
Yes, you can take this medication with or without food. The most important thing is to be consistent with how you take it each day. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
In certain cases, healthcare providers may prescribe this medicine for short-term relief of severe, disabling anxiety, although its primary clinical use is for specific seizure disorders.
