Do you or someone in your family have epilepsy? If so, you probably already know about the medications that are given for it. Today we are going to talk about a special medicine that is given to control such conditions. This is not a regular pill that needs to be swallowed with water, but a film that dissolves when placed on the tongue. Let's talk about this medicine called Clobazam in simple terms.
What is this medicine called Clobazam?
Simply put, Clobazam is a medication that is used to prevent and control seizures caused by epilepsy. In our country, you may find it under the brand name Sympazan .
This belongs to the group of drugs called `(Benzodiazepines)`. Imagine that sometimes the nerves in our brain become overactive, like a little panic attack. That's when the seizure occurs. This medicine works by calming the overactive nerves. Through this, the seizure is controlled. Since it comes in the form of a film that can be placed on the tongue and dissolved, it is very convenient for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting any medication, it is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health history. Especially before starting Clobazam, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your situation | Why do you need to tell the doctor about it? |
|---|---|
| The genetic condition called CYP2C19 poor metabolizer | This means that your body takes longer to break down (metabolize) some medications. If this happens, the effects of the medication may increase, and the dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| Glaucoma | This medicine can affect eye pressure. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Since these organs are involved in the process of removing drugs from the body, if their function is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted. |
| Lung or breathing problems (e.g., asthma, COPD) | This medicine can slow breathing slightly, so it can be dangerous for someone who already has breathing problems. |
| Mental health problems (such as depression) | This medication can sometimes affect mental states, so it's important for your doctor to be aware of this. |
| If there was a drug or alcohol addiction | Since this medication also has the potential to be addictive, it is essential to tell your doctor if you have such a history. |
| If you or a family member has had suicidal thoughts | This information is very important because this medication can rarely cause mood swings. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This medicine can affect the baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so be sure to talk to your doctor about this. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances | This is important to know if you are allergic to Clobazam or any of its ingredients. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Since this is not a regular pill, it is important to know exactly how to use it.
1. Do not take with water: The special thing about this is that you do not need water or any other liquid to take it.
2. Only take the medicine out of the packet when it's time: The medicine film is in a foil packet. Keep it inside the packet until you're ready to take the medicine.
3.Keep your hands dry: Do not touch this film with wet hands. Open the package with dry hands and remove the film.
4. Place on tongue: Place the medication film directly on the tongue. It will begin to dissolve on the tongue in a few seconds.
5. Swallow after dissolving: Swallow the film after it has completely dissolved.
6. Most important: Do not chew, spit, or talk while the medicine is dissolving. Doing so may affect the effectiveness of the medicine.
7. Only one at a time: Do not use more than one film at a time.
8. Before or after meals: This can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping it suddenly can cause problems.
For the little ones and the old ones
This medicine is also given to children as young as 2 years old under certain circumstances. However, this is only decided by the doctor. Also, people over the age of 65 may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. Therefore, they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken too much medication, take action immediately.
- Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible.
- Alternatively, call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This is a medicine given only to you. Never give this medicine to anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once, including a missed dose.
Other medications that may interact with Clobazam
When taking this medicine, it is very important to tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking. Some medicines can react with Clobazam and cause dangerous conditions.
| Avoid taking Clobazam with these completely. | |
|---|---|
| Sodium oxybate | Thioridazine |
| If you take these, be sure to talk to your doctor. | |
| Alcohol | Opioids for pain or cough |
| Sleeping pills | Muscle relaxants |
| Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline) | Other medications for epilepsy (e.g. phenobarbital) |
| Some allergy medications (Antihistamines) | Cannabidiol (CBD) |
| Birth control pills (estrogen and progestin hormones) | Herbal remedies like Valerian |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and even herbal products you are taking.
Things to consider when taking the medicine
Slowing down brain activity (CNS Depressant)
Clobazam is a CNS depressant . This means it calms your brain and nervous system. Taking it with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol, sleeping pills, or strong painkillers, can cause excessive sleepiness, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and in some cases, coma or even death.
If you feel like your breathing is slowing down, you have difficulty breathing, you feel extremely dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel so sleepy that you can't wake up, go to an emergency room immediately.
Driving and operating machinery
This medicine may affect your concentration, decision-making ability, and balance. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness , get up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly!
When you use this medicine for a long time, your body gets used to it. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may experience withdrawal reactions. Therefore, if you feel like stopping the medicine, talk to your doctor first. He or she will tell you how to gradually reduce the dose and stop the medicine to reduce the side effects.
Take care of your mental health.
Although rare, this medicine may cause mood changes, increased depression, or suicidal thoughts in some people. Be especially careful when you first start taking this medicine or after changing your dose. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your behavior or thoughts.
Possible severe skin reactions
Some people may develop severe skin allergies a few weeks or months after starting this medication.
- A skin rash with fever or flu-like symptoms
- Red or purple bumps that later blister or peel off
- Redness of the skin with swelling of the lymph nodes in the face, lips, or neck/armpits
If you notice any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.
Side effects of the medicine
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| CNS depression | Slow or difficult breathing, extreme dizziness, loss of consciousness, and sleepiness that cannot be awakened. |
| Severe skin reactions | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth), fever and swollen lymph nodes. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, mood swings, depression. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness | Dizziness |
| Abnormal salivation | Constipation |
| Fever | Feeling unusually tired or weak |
How do you store and dispose of medication?
- Keep it safe, out of the reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Keep it in the foil packet until ready to use.
- Never use expired medicine .
- When disposing of leftover or expired medications, check with the hospital pharmacy. They may have a program that accepts them.
- Otherwise, before putting the medicine film in a trash bag, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put it in a well-sealable bag, and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Clobazam is a special medicine that dissolves on the tongue and is used to control migraines.
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking this medicine.
- If you are taking any other medication, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- If you experience excessive drowsiness, difficulty breathing, severe skin reactions, or mental changes, see a doctor immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly for any reason without medical advice.
- Keep this medicine safely out of the reach of children and pets.
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