gabazam (CLOBAZAM)
What is Gabazam?
Gabazam is a medication commonly used to treat seizures, particularly in conditions like epilepsy, and it is also used to manage anxiety disorders. It works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to calm abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This action helps to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures and promotes relaxation in the nervous system.
What is the usual dose of Gabazam?
The usual daily dose of Gabazam for adults is 10 mg initially, increasing to a maximum of 40 mg per day. For children aged 2 years and older, those over 30 kg may start at 10 mg (max 40 mg), while those 30 kg or less may start at 5 mg (max 20 mg).
How do I take Gabazam?
Gabazam can be taken with or without food, depending on personal preference. There are no specific food restrictions associated with this medicine. However, it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the dosage and timing. If you experience any stomach discomfort, taking it with food may help reduce irritation. Always take Gabazam as prescribed.
For how long do I take Gabazam?
Gabazam is a medicine that can be addictive if used for a long time or at high doses. To avoid addiction and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, it's important to gradually reduce the dosage when stopping the medication.
What disease or symptom is Gabazam used for?
Gabazam is commonly used to treat seizure disorders, particularly Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children and adults. It is also prescribed for anxiety disorders or short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety in some cases. Additionally, it can be used as part of the treatment for epilepsy to help control certain types of seizures.
How long does it take for Gabazam to start working?
Gabazam typically starts to work within 1 to 2 hours after taking it. However, it may take a few days to weeks for its full effects to be felt, especially for conditions like epilepsy or anxiety. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you don't notice immediate effects.
Is Gabazam effective?
Gabazam has been shown to be effective in treating seizures in various clinical trials, particularly in patients with epilepsy. Studies demonstrate that it significantly reduces the frequency of seizures and improves overall quality of life in individuals with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and other seizure disorders. Clinical evidence supports its use as an add-on therapy for drug-resistant seizures, showing its ability to lower seizure rates compared to placebo.
How do I know if Gabazam is working?
The benefit of Gabazam is typically evaluated through clinical assessments of seizure frequency, intensity, and duration in patients with epilepsy or seizure disorders. Regular monitoring includes keeping track of seizure diaries, patient-reported outcomes, and possibly EEG tests to assess brain activity. Additionally, improvements in overall quality of life and cognitive function are considered to evaluate its therapeutic effectiveness.
How does Gabazam work?
Gabazam works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain that inhibits nerve activity. This action helps to calm overactive neurons, reducing the likelihood of seizures. Gabazam binds to GABA-A receptors and increases the receptor's sensitivity to GABA, which in turn relaxes the brain's nervous system and provides anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant effects.
Who should avoid taking Gabazam?
Gabazam has warnings for causing sedation, respiratory depression, and dependence with long-term use. It is contraindicated in individuals with severe liver impairment, hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, or a history of substance abuse. Caution is advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women and those operating heavy machinery due to its sedative effects. Always use under medical supervision.
Can I take Gabazam with other prescription drugs?
Mixing Gabazam with opioids, alcohol, or sedatives (like sleeping pills or anti-anxiety meds) is dangerous. It can make you extremely sleepy, slow your breathing, and even cause you to pass out or die. It's important to avoid these combinations and to always follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking Gabazam.
Can Gabazam be taken safely while pregnant?
Gabazam use during pregnancy is generally not recommended due to potential risks to the fetus, including withdrawal symptoms, sedation, or breathing issues after birth. It may also increase the risk of congenital malformations, especially if used in the first trimester. Pregnant individuals should consult their doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of using Gabazam.
Can Gabazam be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Gabazam is excreted into breast milk, and its use during breastfeeding is not generally recommended. It may cause sedation, poor feeding, or difficulty breathing in the nursing infant. If Gabazam must be used, close monitoring of the baby for side effects is essential. Consult a healthcare provider before using this medication while breastfeeding.
Is Gabazam safe for the elderly?
For older adults, start with a low dose of 5 mg each day. Gradually increase the dose to 10-20 mg per day, as tolerated. The highest dose that should be taken is 40 mg daily. Older adults may need a lower dose because their bodies take longer to remove the medication.
How should I store Gabazam?
Keep Gabazam at regular room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), in a dry place. Make sure to store Gabazam and all other medications out of reach of children.
Does Gabazam make people tired or drowsy?
Yes, drowsiness and fatigue are common with Gabazam, affecting more than 10% of users. If you feel excessively tired, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Contact your doctor if drowsiness impacts your daily activities or does not improve over time.
Does Gabazam cause stomach upset?
Gabazam can occasionally cause nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. These side effects are not very common, but taking it with food might help reduce discomfort. Notify your doctor if stomach upset persists or worsens.
Does Gabazam affect sleep?
Gabazam is often used to promote relaxation and may help with sleep issues related to anxiety. However, it can also lead to excessive sedation in some cases. If sleep disturbances occur, discuss dose adjustments with your doctor.
Does Gabazam make it hard to think or concentrate?
Cognitive side effects like difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or slowed thinking can occur, particularly at higher doses. If Gabazam interferes with your focus or memory, inform your doctor for guidance on managing the dosage or timing of the medication.
Does Gabazam affect mood?
Mood swings, including irritability or agitation, can occur in some users of Gabazam. If these symptoms affect daily life, contact your doctor. Severe mood changes may require adjusting the medication or exploring alternatives.
Does Gabazam interfere with sexual function?
Gabazam rarely causes sexual dysfunction like decreased libido or difficulties with arousal. If you notice sexual side effects that affect your well-being, consult your doctor to discuss adjustments to your treatment.
Does Gabazam affect appetite?
Gabazam can sometimes lead to decreased appetite, although it is not a frequent side effect. If appetite changes become significant or persist, notify your healthcare provider.
Does Gabazam cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of Gabazam, but changes in appetite or decreased activity from sedation may contribute indirectly. Talk to your doctor if you notice significant weight changes.
Does Gabazam cause headaches?
Headaches may occur as a rare side effect of Gabazam. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but if headaches become persistent or severe, consult your doctor for advice.
Does Gabazam limit driving?
Yes, Gabazam can impair driving due to drowsiness, slowed reflexes, or dizziness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medicine affects you.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Gabazam?
It is unsafe to drink alcohol while taking Gabazam. Alcohol can increase side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and the risk of breathing problems. Avoid drinking entirely during treatment for your safety.
Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Gabazam?
Drinking coffee or tea is generally safe with Gabazam. However, caffeine might reduce the calming effects of the medicine, so monitor how your body reacts to combining the two and moderate intake if needed.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Gabazam?
Exercise is safe while taking Gabazam, but avoid strenuous activities if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or lack of coordination. Start with light exercises and increase intensity gradually as tolerated. Stay hydrated and stop if you feel unwell.
What are the most common side effects of Gabazam?
A side effect is an unwanted or unexpected symptom caused by a medicine. For this medicine, common side effects may include nausea, which is feeling sick to your stomach, dizziness, which is feeling lightheaded or unsteady, headache, which is pain in the head, fatigue, which is feeling very tired, and dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. The frequency of these side effects can vary, but they are generally considered common. It's important to note that when starting a new medicine, people might experience new symptoms that could be coincidental, unrelated, or temporary. These symptoms might also be due to another health issue. Always talk to a healthcare provider before stopping any medicine, as they can provide guidance on managing side effects and ensure your treatment is safe and effective.
Does Gabazam have adverse effects?
Adverse effects, which are unwanted or harmful reactions to a medicine, can occur when taking any medication. For this medicine, common adverse effects might include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. These effects can vary in frequency, with some people experiencing them more often than others. Rare but serious adverse effects could include severe allergic reactions, which might cause difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat, and require immediate medical attention. It's crucial to report any new or worsening symptoms to a healthcare provider. Never stop taking a medicine without consulting a healthcare professional, as they can provide guidance on managing side effects or adjusting treatment if necessary.
Is Gabazam addictive?
This medicine does not have any known potential for dependence or addiction. It is considered safe in terms of habit-forming properties. Therefore, there is no need to worry about developing a physical or psychological dependence on this medication. However, it is always important to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use. If you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms while taking this medicine, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
Does Gabazam have any safety warnings?
This medicine does have safety warnings. One key warning is the risk of allergic reactions, which can occur if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Allergic reactions can lead to symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Another warning is about potential liver damage, which can happen if the medicine is taken in high doses or for a long time. Signs of liver damage include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe stomach pain. It's important to monitor for these symptoms and consult a doctor if they appear. Lastly, this medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you experience these symptoms, avoid such activities and talk to your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to stop Gabazam?
To determine if it's safe to stop a medicine, first consider its purpose. If it's for managing a chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes, stopping it suddenly can lead to serious health risks, such as uncontrolled blood pressure or blood sugar levels. For medicines providing symptomatic relief or treating temporary conditions, stopping might lead to the return of symptoms or incomplete treatment of the condition. Some medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms or rebound effects, where symptoms return worse than before. Abruptly stopping certain medicines can be life-threatening, especially those affecting the heart or brain. Always consult a doctor before stopping any medicine to ensure it's done safely and appropriately.
How do I dispose of Gabazam?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.
What are Gabazam possible harms and risks?
Common side effects of Gabazam include drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Significant adverse effects may include respiratory depression, severe allergic reactions, mood changes, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms. Always consult a doctor if severe reactions occur.
Available in 2 variations
Gabazam 5mg Tablet
Gabazam 5mg Tablet
Clobazam (5mg)
strip of 10 tablets
Gabazam 10mg Tablet
Gabazam 10mg Tablet
Clobazam (10mg)
strip of 10 tablets
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