Calm

Indications

Clobazam is used together with other epilepsy medicines to control seizures (fits), including seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe childhood epilepsy. It is also used for short-term relief of severe anxiety.

How It Works

Clobazam is a benzodiazepine. It boosts the effect of GABA, a natural calming chemical in the brain, which reduces the overactive nerve signals that cause seizures and anxiety.

Dosage and Administration

Anxiety in adults: often 20 to 30 mg a day, taken in divided doses or once at bedtime, for a short time (usually 2 to 4 weeks), only as prescribed. Older people usually need a lower dose. Epilepsy in adults and children: the dose is set and increased slowly by the specialist, as prescribed; children are dosed by weight. Take by mouth with or without food. Do not stop suddenly; the doctor will reduce the dose gradually.

Interactions

• Alcohol, opioid painkillers (such as Tramadol or Morphine), sleeping tablets, sedating antihistamines and other sedating medicines greatly increase drowsiness and can slow breathing dangerously.
• Fluconazole, Fluvoxamine and Omeprazole can raise clobazam levels.
• Clobazam can change the levels of other epilepsy medicines and may make hormonal contraceptives less effective; ask your doctor about extra contraception.

Contraindications

• Allergy to clobazam or other benzodiazepines.
• Myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disease).
• Severe breathing problems or sleep apnoea (breathing stops during sleep).
• Severe liver disease.
• History of drug or alcohol dependence, unless a specialist decides otherwise.

Side Effects

Common: drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, unsteadiness, drooling, irritability or aggression, constipation and changes in appetite.

Get urgent medical help for slow or shallow breathing, extreme sleepiness, a blistering or peeling skin rash, swelling of the face or throat, or any thoughts of harming yourself.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if the specialist advises; taken near delivery it can make the newborn floppy, sleepy or cause withdrawal. If you have epilepsy, do not stop it on your own; speak to your doctor before or as soon as you become pregnant. It passes into breast milk and is usually avoided while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Can cause dependence; use the lowest dose for the shortest time needed.
• Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal and seizures.
• Do not drive or use machines if you feel drowsy.
• Older people are at greater risk of falls.
• Tell your doctor if you have depression, lung, liver or kidney problems.
• Keep it safely; it is a controlled medicine and must not be shared.

Overdose

Overdose causes deep sleepiness, confusion, slurred speech, poor coordination and slow breathing, and can lead to coma, especially with alcohol or opioids. This is an emergency; get medical help immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Benzodiazepine antiepileptic and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety medicine).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.