USED FOR:
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Tonic clonic seizures |
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Partial seizures |
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Lennox-Gastaut syndrome |
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Catamenial (menstrual cycle) seizures |
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Typically used in combination with other anti-epileptic medications |
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Some patients may develop tolerance to clobazam over time. |
PRECAUTIONS:
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Tell your doctor if you have a history of impaired liver or kidney function. |
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Physical and psychological dependency could develop. Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug abuse, psychological dependence, depression or psychosis. |
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People who are elderly, debilitated, have respiratory problems or organic brain disorders should use clobazam with caution. |
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Caution required if driving, operating major machines or performing hazardous tasks while on clobazam. |
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:
Depending on the individual, side effects may occur at varying degrees or not at all, including:
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drowsiness |
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dry or watery mouth |
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dizziness |
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can worsen seizures, especially simple partial seizures (auras) |
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fatigue |
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weight gain |
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lack of coordination |
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occasional behavioural side-effects |
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irritability/excitement |
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Allergic Reaction/Idiosycratic - rash (if you notice a rash seek immediate medical help) - Depression, rarely
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
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Alcohol and cimetidine (Tagamet®) may increase blood levels of clobazam. |
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Alcohol and other drugs that slow down the nervous system (CNS depressants) may interact with clobazam to increase CNS depressant effects. |
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Clobazam's interaction with other anti-epileptic drugs is variable. |
Inform your doctor of any other medicines (prescription and nonprescription) or other substances you are taking.
DAILY DOSAGE:
Adults - 20 - 40 mg/day (maximum of 80 mg/day)
Children - 0.25 - 1 mg/kg/day up to a maximum of 40 mg/day
Initially doses are started low with gradual increases based on individual response.
FORMS:
Tablets - 10 mg
TIPS FOR USING CLOBAZAM (Frisium®):
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Use caution when operating machinery or performing hazardous tasks. |
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Side effects like drowsiness usually disappear in a few weeks. |
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Do not combine alcohol with this drug. |
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Take clobazam exactly as prescribed. |
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Do not stop taking clobazam abruptly. |
MISSED DOSE:
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered. Do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. If you skip a whole day, inform your doctor.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature (15 to 30oC), protect from light, heat, and moisture, and keep out of reach of children.
IN PREGNANCY:
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Women who are considering pregnancy should first consult their doctor. |
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Anti-epileptic medications may slightly increase the risk of fetal abnormalities. |
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Clobazam use should be avoided during pregnancy if possible, especially during the first trimester. |
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Clobazam passes into breastmilk and should be avoided by nursing mothers. |
WARNING:
Abrupt withdrawal of any anti-epileptic medication may trigger status epilepticus, a potentially fatal condition of continued seizures without recovery. When there is a need for reduction, discontinuation or substitution of the medication, this should be done gradually and under the physician's care.
Never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.
MORE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR MEDICATION
CREDIT:
This drug fact sheet has been reviewed by the pharmacists of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association Drug Information and Research Centre (DIRC).
DISCLAIMER:
The material offered on the website of Epilepsy Toronto is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as personal medical advice. Epilepsy Toronto, its employees, Board members, Medical Advisors, volunteers, agents and sponsors do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions or for consequences from the use of information obtained over this site or any links accessed through this site, and is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information in its content in either an indirect or direct form. We recognize that each individual's experience of epilepsy is different. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have.
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