What is Clobazam: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Clobazam is a prescription medication that belongs to a family of medicines called benzodiazepines. It works by calming overactive electrical signals in your brain, which makes it particularly helpful for people dealing with seizures or severe anxiety. Think of it as a gentle brake system for your nervous system when things get too intense.

This medication has been around for decades and has helped millions of people manage their conditions safely. While it's a controlled substance that requires careful monitoring, it can be an incredibly effective tool when used properly under medical supervision.

What is Clobazam Used For?

Clobazam is primarily prescribed to prevent seizures, especially in people with epilepsy. It's particularly effective for a severe form of childhood epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, where other medications might not work as well.

Beyond seizure control, doctors sometimes prescribe clobazam for severe anxiety disorders when other treatments haven't provided enough relief. It can also be used short-term to help with muscle spasms or as part of alcohol withdrawal treatment in hospital settings.

Some people also receive clobazam as an add-on medication when their current seizure medicines need extra support. Your doctor will determine if it's right for your specific situation based on your medical history and current symptoms.

How Does Clobazam Work?

Clobazam works by enhancing the effects of a natural chemical in your brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA acts like your brain's natural "calm down" signal, helping to slow down overexcited nerve cells.

When seizures happen, it's often because electrical signals in your brain are firing too rapidly or chaotically. By boosting GABA's calming effects, clobazam helps restore a more balanced electrical environment in your brain. This makes seizures less likely to occur and can reduce their severity when they do happen.

Compared to some other seizure medications, clobazam is considered a moderately strong option. It's powerful enough to control serious seizure disorders but generally causes fewer side effects than some of the stronger alternatives. This balance makes it a valuable option for long-term treatment.

How Should I Take Clobazam?

Take clobazam exactly as your doctor prescribes it, usually once or twice daily. You can take it with or without food, but taking it with a light meal or snack can help prevent stomach upset in some people.

Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. If you're taking the liquid form, use the measuring device that comes with your medication to ensure you get the right dose. Regular household spoons aren't accurate enough for liquid medications.

Try to take your doses at the same times each day to maintain steady levels in your system. If you're taking it twice daily, space the doses about 12 hours apart. Setting phone reminders can help you stay consistent with your schedule.

Avoid alcohol while taking clobazam, as it can increase drowsiness and potentially dangerous side effects. Also, don't suddenly stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor first, as this can trigger withdrawal symptoms or breakthrough seizures.

How Long Should I Take Clobazam For?

The length of clobazam treatment varies greatly depending on your condition and how well you respond to the medication. For epilepsy, many people take it for years or even permanently as part of their seizure management plan.

If you're taking clobazam for anxiety, your doctor will likely prescribe it for a shorter period, typically a few weeks to a few months. Long-term use for anxiety is generally avoided due to the risk of dependence.

Your doctor will regularly review your treatment to make sure clobazam is still the best option for you. They'll consider factors like how well your symptoms are controlled, any side effects you're experiencing, and whether other treatments might be more appropriate.

Never decide to stop taking clobazam on your own, even if you're feeling better. Sudden discontinuation can be dangerous and may cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of your original condition. Your doctor will help you taper off gradually if and when it's time to stop.

What Are the Side Effects of Clobazam?

Like all medications, clobazam can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication over the first few weeks.

Here are the most common side effects you might notice as your body gets used to clobazam:

• Drowsiness or feeling sleepy during the day
• Dizziness or feeling unsteady on your feet
• Fatigue or feeling more tired than usual
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Changes in appetite
• Mood changes or feeling irritable

These common effects usually become less bothersome as your body adapts, but let your doctor know if they persist or interfere with your daily activities.

Some people may experience more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention, though these are less common:

• Severe allergic reactions with rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior, including thoughts of self-harm
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Confusion or disorientation
• Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Signs of liver problems like yellowing of skin or eyes

If you notice any of these more serious symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away or seek emergency medical care.

Who Should Not Take Clobazam?

Clobazam isn't safe for everyone, and there are several situations where your doctor would likely choose a different medication for you. People with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications may need to avoid clobazam entirely.

You should not take clobazam if you have a known allergy to benzodiazepines or if you have severe breathing problems like sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The medication can further slow your breathing, which could be dangerous.

People with severe liver disease, certain types of glaucoma, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction may not be good candidates for clobazam. Additionally, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will need to carefully weigh the benefits against potential risks to your baby.

Older adults may be more sensitive to clobazam's effects and might need lower doses or more frequent monitoring. If you're over 65, your doctor will likely start you on a smaller dose and adjust it gradually based on how you respond.

Clobazam Brand Names

Clobazam is available under several brand names, with Onfi being the most commonly prescribed version in the United States. Other brand names include Frisium, which is available in some other countries.

Generic versions of clobazam are also available and contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name versions. Your pharmacy might automatically substitute the generic version unless your doctor specifically requests the brand name.

Whether you receive brand-name or generic clobazam, the medication should work the same way. If you notice any differences in effectiveness or side effects when switching between versions, let your doctor know so they can adjust your treatment if needed.

Clobazam Alternatives

If clobazam isn't right for you, there are several alternative medications your doctor might consider. For seizure control, other options include levetiracetam (Keppra), lamotrigine (Lamictal), or valproic acid (Depakote).

For anxiety treatment, alternatives might include other benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) or clonazepam (Klonopin), or non-benzodiazepine options like buspirone or certain antidepressants.

The best alternative depends on your specific condition, medical history, and how you've responded to other treatments. Your doctor will work with you to find the most effective option with the fewest side effects for your situation.

Is Clobazam Better Than Clonazepam?

Both clobazam and clonazepam are benzodiazepines used for seizure control, but they have some important differences. Clobazam is often preferred for long-term seizure management because it tends to cause less sedation and cognitive impairment than clonazepam.

Clonazepam works faster and might be better for immediate seizure control, while clobazam provides more steady, long-term protection with potentially fewer side effects. Clobazam also has a longer half-life, meaning it stays in your system longer and may require fewer daily doses.

The choice between these medications depends on your specific type of seizures, lifestyle factors, and how you respond to each medication. Your doctor will consider your individual needs to determine which option is most appropriate for you.