Clobazam helps relieve anxiety over a short period of time.
This medicine may also be used together with other medicines to treat epilepsy (fits or seizures).
Take Clobazam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a tablet or oral suspension.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Clobazam must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition. Your doctor may want to reduce the dose of Clobazam gradually before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of alcohol dependence
- severe breathing difficulties
- sleep apnoea syndrome (sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- severe liver disease
as Clobazam may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are on your first three months of pregnancy or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Clobazam may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- spinal or cerebellar ataxia (problems with controlling your movements)
- depression or having thoughts of self-harm
- other muscle weakness disorder
- kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or an elderly. Elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects.
A certain enzyme called CYP2C19 is involved in the breakdown of Clobazam in the body. Individuals who are known as poor metabolisers of CYP2C19 may experience enhanced side effects that may require dose adjustments. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. lung, liver, and kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine.
- Regular monitoring of signs of depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviour, and skin reactions may also be needed.
Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
Clobazam may cause drowsiness, tiredness, and dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, constipation, blurred or double vision, weight gain, loss of appetite, rash, urticaria, dry mouth, fall, shaking fingers, muscle weakness, agitation, and memory loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- difficulty sleeping, fits or seizures
- changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, aggressive or having thoughts of self-harm)
- restlessness, irritability, anxiety, frequent muscle spasms
- breathing difficulties
- becoming physically and mentally dependent on this medicine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- strong painkillers e.g. morphine
- other medicines that can cause drowsiness or affect your concentration e.g. diazepam, lorazepam
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine
- medicines for depression e.g. fluvoxamine
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, stiripentol
- medicine for cold or allergy e.g. diphenhydramine
- medicines to block pain and sensation e.g. propofol, nitrous oxide
- gastric medicine e.g. omeprazole
- muscle relaxants e.g. baclofen
- fluconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- ticlopidine (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Clobazam.
Inform your doctor if you are currently taking birth control pills as Clobazam can reduce the effectiveness of your birth control pills. You should not stop or start any birth control pills without first informing your doctor. Ask your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control as an alternative while being treated with this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Clobazam.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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