Clobazam is used with other medication(s) to control seizures in adults and children 2 years of age and older who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that causes seizures and often causes developmental delays). Clobazam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Clobazam comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day, with or without food. Take clobazam at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
If you are unable to swallow the tablets whole, you may crush them and mix with a small amount of applesauce.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of clobazam and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every week.
Some people may respond differently to clobazam based on their heredity or genetic makeup. Your doctor may order a blood test to help find the dose of clobazam that is best for you.
Clobazam can be habit forming. Take clobazam exactly as directed. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.
Clobazam may help control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take clobazam even if you feel well. Do not stop taking clobazam without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking clobazam, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as new or worsening seizures, hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), behavior changes, depressed mood, loss of contact with reality, restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, headache, blurred vision, eye sensitivity to light, uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body, fast heartbeat, sweating, muscle pain and stiffness, stomach or muscle cramps, nausea, diarrhea, or weight loss. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with clobazam and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should receive low doses of clobazam because higher doses may not work better and may cause serious side effects.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
tiredness
problems with coordination
difficulty speaking or swallowing
drooling
change in appetite
vomiting
constipation
difficult, painful, or frequent urination
difficulty breathing
rash
hives
peeling or blistering skin
fever
Clobazam may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store clobazam in a safe place so that no one else can take it accidentally or on purpose. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
drowsiness
confusion
lack of energy
problems with coordination
slow, shallow breathing
decreased urge to breathe
fainting
blurred vision
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Clobazam is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 03/15/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.