Clobazam
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Benzodiazepine
Controlled Drug Substance
YES
Clobazam
Summary
Clobazam is primarily used to treat seizure disorders, especially epilepsy and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in both adults and children. It can also be used for managing anxiety disorders and providing short-term relief from anxiety symptoms.
Clobazam enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This helps to calm abnormal electrical activity in the brain, reducing the frequency and severity of seizures and promoting relaxation in the nervous system.
Clobazam is taken orally, with or without food. For epilepsy, it's typically started at 10-20 mg per day, with a maximum dose of 30 mg per day. For anxiety, it starts at 10 mg per day, up to 30 mg daily. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
Common side effects of Clobazam include drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and impaired coordination. More serious effects may include respiratory depression, severe allergic reactions, mood changes, and dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
Clobazam can cause sedation, respiratory depression, and dependence with long-term use. It's not recommended for those with severe liver impairment, hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, or a history of substance abuse. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those operating heavy machinery should use it with caution.
Indications and Purpose
How does Clobazam work?
Clobazam 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. Clobazam 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.
Is Clobazam effective?
Clobazam 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.
What is Clobazam?
Clobazam 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.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Clobazam?
Clobazam 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.
How do I dispose of Clobazam?
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.
How do I take Clobazam?
Clobazam 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 Clobazam as prescribed.
How long does it take for Clobazam to start working?
Clobazam 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.
How should I store Clobazam?
Keep clobazam at regular room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), in a dry place. Make sure to store clobazam and all other medications out of reach of children.
What is the usual dose of Clobazam?
The usual daily dose of clobazam 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).
Warnings and Precautions
Can Clobazam be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Clobazam 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 Clobazam must be used, close monitoring of the baby for side effects is essential. Consult a healthcare provider before using this medication while breastfeeding.
Can Clobazam be taken safely while pregnant?
Clobazam 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 Clobazam.
Can I take Clobazam with other prescription drugs?
Mixing clobazam 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 clobazam.
Does Clobazam 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.
Does Clobazam 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 Clobazam 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.
Is Clobazam 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.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Clobazam?
It is unsafe to drink alcohol while taking Clobazam. 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 exercise while taking Clobazam?
Exercise is safe while taking Clobazam, 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.
Is it safe to stop Clobazam?
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.
What are the most common side effects of Clobazam?
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.
Who should avoid taking Clobazam?
Clobazam 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.
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