Clobazam

Clobazam is a prescription medication used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Clobazam belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

This medication comes in tablet and oral (by mouth) suspension form. It is taken once or twice a day, with or without food.

Common side effects of clobazam include sleepiness, drooling, and constipation.

CYP2C19 is an enzyme in the blood that is responsible for breaking down clobazam and other drugs in the body. Some patients have less of this protein in their bodies, affecting how much of the drug gets eliminated. Levels of CYP2C19 can vary greatly between individuals, and those having less of this protein are known as "poor metabolizers." 

CYP2C19 testing is done to determine whether you are a poor metabolizer. If you are a poor metabolizer, the levels of clobazam in your blood can become too high. As a result you may be at an increased risk of having more side effects from clobazam. 

Your doctor may adjust your dose of clobazam if you are a poor metabolizer.

Clobazam is a prescription medicine used along with other medicines to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in people 2 years of age or older. Lennox-Gasaut is a type of epilepsy that starts in childhood and causes several types of seizures, developmental delays, and behavioral changes.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Clobazam may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Onfi

• Sympazan

Serious side effects have been reported. See "Drug Precautions" section.

The most common side effects of clobazam include:

• sleepiness 
• drooling 
• constipation 
• cough 
• pain with urination 
• fever 
• acting aggressive, being angry, or violent 
• difficulty sleeping 
• slurred speech 
• tiredness 
• problems with breathing


These are not all the possible side effects of clobazam. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

• birth control medicines (pills, patches, rings, implants, injections, and IUDs)
• fluconazole (Diflucan)
• antianxiety medicines
• pain medicines
• other seizure medicines

This is not a complete list of possible interactions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how clobazam affects you. 
• Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines that may make you sleepy or dizzy while taking clobazam until you talk to your healthcare provider. When taken with alcohol or medicines that cause sleepiness or dizziness, clobazam may make your sleepiness or dizziness much worse.

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of clobazam there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving clobazam.

Before you take clobazam, tell your doctor if you:

• have liver or kidney problems 
• have lung problems (respiratory disease) 
• have or have had depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior 
• have any other medical conditions
• take other medicines 
• use birth control medicine. Clobazam may cause your birth control medicine to be less effective. Talk to your doctor about the best birth control method to use. 
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Clobazam may harm your unborn baby. 

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

This medication falls into category C. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. No well-controlled studies have been done in humans. Therefore, this medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Clobazam is excreted in human breast milk. It is unknown if clobazam will harm your nursing baby.

• Clobazam can be taken whole, or crushed and mixed in applesauce. 
• Take clobazam exactly as your doctor tells you to take it. 
• Your doctor will tell you how much clobazam to take and when to take it. Your doctor may change your dose if needed. Do not change your dose of clobazam without talking to your doctor. 
• Do not stop taking clobazam without first talking to your doctor. 
• Stopping clobazam suddenly can cause serious problems. If you take too much clobazam, call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Take clobazam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you. Dosing is individualized based on weight, response to the medicine, and how it is tolerated.

The recommended daily dosing ranges are:

Starting dose: 5 mg to 10 mg

Starting day 7: 10 mg to 20 mg

Starting day 14: 20 mg to 40 mg

If you take too much clobazam call your local Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention right away.

• Store clobazam between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep clobazam and all medicines out of the reach of children.