WARNING

Clobazam is a medication primarily used to treat seizures, particularly in epilepsy. Like any medication, it comes with potential risks and side effects. Some of the risks of taking Clobazam include:

• Sedation and Drowsiness: Clobazam can cause significant drowsiness and sedation, impairing your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
• Cognitive Impairment: It may affect your cognitive function, causing confusion, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems.
• Physical Dependence and Withdrawal: Long-term use of Clobazam can lead to physical dependence, and sudden discontinuation may result in withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, or seizures.
• Psychological Effects: It can cause changes in mood or behavior, including aggression, agitation, or depression.
• Respiratory Depression: In high doses or when combined with other medications that suppress the central nervous system, Clobazam can lead to respiratory depression, which is a potentially serious side effect.
• Drug Interactions: Clobazam can interact with other medications, including alcohol, increasing the risk of side effects or reducing the effectiveness of either medication.
• Risk of Birth Defects: There may be an increased risk of birth defects if Clobazam is taken during pregnancy, so it is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

It’s crucial to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider before starting Clobazam and to follow their guidance closely during treatment to minimize potential complications.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Clobazam is primarily prescribed for the treatment of seizures associated with certain types of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This action helps to calm excessive electrical activity in the brain, reducing the frequency and severity of seizures

How should this medicine be used?

Here are some general guidelines:

• Dosage: The dosage of Clobazam varies depending on the patient’s age, medical condition, and response to treatment. It is typically started at a low dose and gradually increased as needed under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
• Administration: Clobazam is usually taken orally in the form of tablets or suspension (liquid). It can be taken with or without food.
• Frequency: It is generally taken 2 to 3 times daily, as prescribed by the healthcare provider. It’s important to follow the dosing schedule carefully to maintain a consistent level of the medication in the body.
• Duration: Treatment with Clobazam is often long-term, as it is used to manage ongoing seizure disorders. It should not be abruptly stopped without medical advice to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• Monitoring: Regular medical check-ups are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and to assess for any side effects or complications.
• Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol should be avoided while taking Clobazam, as it can increase the sedative effects of the medication and may lead to serious side effects.
• Special Populations: Dosage adjustments may be necessary for elderly patients or those with liver or kidney impairment, as they may metabolize the medication differently.

It’s crucial to strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage and instructions provided by your healthcare provider to maximize the benefits of Clobazam while minimizing the risk of side effects or complications. If there are any concerns or questions about the medication, discussing them with a healthcare professional is highly recommended.

Other uses for this medicine

• Anxiety Disorders: Clobazam may be prescribed off-label to manage anxiety disorders, particularly when other treatments have not been effective.
• Muscle Spasms: It can sometimes be used to alleviate muscle spasms, although this is less common compared to other medications specifically designed for this purpose.
• Insomnia: In some cases, clobazam may be used short-term to help with sleep initiation and maintenance, although due to its potential for dependence and tolerance, it’s not typically a first-line choice for insomnia.

What special precautions should I follow?

When taking Clobazam for any indication, including its off-label uses, it’s important to follow these special precautions:

• Drowsiness and Impaired Coordination: Clobazam can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impair your coordination and reaction times. Avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.
• Dependency and Withdrawal: Like all benzodiazepines, Clobazam can lead to physical and psychological dependence with prolonged use. Abruptly stopping the medication can cause withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, tremors, and anxiety. Your doctor may need to gradually taper your dose when discontinuing treatment.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially liver disease, kidney disease, respiratory disorders, or a history of substance abuse. These conditions may affect how Clobazam works in your body and require special monitoring or adjustments to your treatment plan.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Clobazam should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It may harm an unborn baby and pass into breast milk, potentially causing sedation or other effects in nursing infants.
• Interactions: Clobazam can interact with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions that could affect the effectiveness or safety of Clobazam.
• Alcohol and CNS Depressants: Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants (such as opioid pain medications or certain antidepressants) while taking Clobazam, as they can increase the sedative effects and risk of respiratory depression.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking Clobazam or any medication. If you have questions or concerns about its use or potential side effects, discuss them openly with your healthcare provider.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Clobazam. However, maintaining a healthy diet and regular meals can help support overall health and may indirectly contribute to the effectiveness of the medication.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• If you miss a dose of Clobazam, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
• Do not double the dose to catch up. Taking more than the prescribed amount can increase the risk of side effects.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Clobazam, a medication primarily used to treat seizures (particularly in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome), can potentially cause several side effects. Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness: This is one of the most common side effects of clobazam, affecting a significant number of people who take it.
• Sedation: Similar to drowsiness, sedation can occur, making it important to avoid activities that require alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
• Dizziness: Many people experience dizziness while taking clobazam.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or experiencing fatigue is another common side effect.
• Behavioral changes: Some individuals may experience changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability or agitation.
• Increased saliva production: This is more common in children.
• Constipation: This can occur in some people taking clobazam.
• Weight gain: Some individuals may notice weight gain while taking this medication.
• Nausea: Although less common, nausea can occur as a side effect.
• Confusion: This side effect is more common in elderly patients.
• Respiratory depression: In rare cases, clobazam can cause respiratory depression, especially when combined with other medications that depress the central nervous system.
• Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to clobazam are rare but possible. Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects, and the severity can vary from person to person. Always consult your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning side effects while taking clobazam.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Clobazam:

• Storage: Store clobazam tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Avoid storing in the bathroom. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired clobazam properly. Do not flush it down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless instructed to do so. You can check with your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Emergency: If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call emergency services (such as 911 in the US) immediately.
• Overdose symptoms: Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, slow/shallow breathing, staggering walk, or unconsciousness.

What other information should I know?

• Medical Alerts: Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have and provide a comprehensive medical history, including any history of substance use disorders.
• Driving and Activities: Clobazam can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and affect your ability to concentrate. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing activities that require alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Clobazam may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
• Alcohol and Other Substances: Avoid alcohol and consult your doctor before using other medications that may cause drowsiness or interact with clobazam.
• Regular Monitoring: Your doctor may periodically monitor you for side effects and adjust your dose as needed.
• Medical and Dental Procedures: Inform healthcare professionals about your use of clobazam before undergoing any medical or dental procedures.
• Follow Instructions: Take clobazam exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without consulting your doctor.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and ask any questions you have about clobazam to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.