Description
Clobazam belongs to a class of medicines known as benzodiazepines. It is used to treat epilepsy (seizures) and severe anxiety. It works by suppressing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Clobazam may be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it has a high potential of habit-forming.
If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It is important that this medication is not stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase seizure frequency.
Some common side effects of this medicine include tiredness, slurred speech, fever, cough, drooling, constipation, and difficulty in passing urine. It may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. It is important to consult the doctor if you notice blisters on the skin or inside your mouth. If you have been taking this medicine for a long time then regular monitoring of blood and liver functions may be required.
USES OF CLOBAZAM
Severe anxiety
Anxiety refers to a sudden feeling of nervousness, fear, excessive worry and getting panicky. Feeling nervous at times of normal social situations, like exams, job interviews, etc., is considered normal. However, excessive and persistent worry is referred as anxiety. Severe anxiety can interfere with your daily routine activities. Symptoms include rapid-pounding heart, shakiness of hands, excessive sweating, headaches, frequent urination or diarrhea, and muscle twitches, etc.
Epilepsy/Seizure
Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system. In this condition, the disturbed nerve cell activity in the brain causes episodes of the characteristic epileptic seizures. Possible causes include genetic disorder, brain injury, stroke, infection, tumor, etc.
BENEFITS OF CLOBAZAM
In Severe anxiety
Clobazam reduces the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry. It can also reduce feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating and feeling irritable. It will therefore help you go about your daily activities more easily and be more productive. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Stopping it suddenly can cause serious problems. So, do not stop taking it without discussing with your doctor.
In Epilepsy/Seizures
Clobazam slows down electrical signals in the brain which cause seizures (fits). It can also help reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety. The medicine can allow you to do some activities that you would otherwise be forbidden or scared to do (such as swimming and driving). It can take a few weeks for this medicine to work (because the dose has to be increased slowly) and during this time you may still have seizures. Do not stop using this medicine even if you feel well, until your doctor advises you to. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.
SIDE EFFECTS OF FRISIUM TABLET
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.
Common side effects of Clobazam:
- Aggressive behavior
- Breathing problems
- Constipation
- Cough
- Difficulty in urination
- Drooling
- Fever
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Sleepiness
- Slurred speech
- Tiredness
HOW TO USE CLOBAZAM
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Clobazam may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW CLOBAZAM WORKS
Clobazam is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
UNSAFE
Clobazam may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Clobazam may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breastfeeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Clobazam is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Short-term use is not expected to cause any adverse effects in the breastfed baby, especially if the baby is older than 2 months. During long-term use, monitor for possible sleepiness.
Driving
UNSAFE
Clobazam may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
You may feel sleepy or have concentration or memory problems after taking Clobazam and this may affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
CAUTION
Clobazam should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor as
limited information is available on the use of Clobazam in these patients.
Liver
CAUTION
Clobazamshould be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Clobazam may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Limited information is available on use of Clobazam in patients with severe liver disease.
