Things you need to know about Clobazam (Clobazam)

Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Clobazam for a condition like epilepsy? Or does anyone in your family use this medicine? If you are a little worried or curious about this medicine, I am here to talk about it in a simple way. Let's see what this pill actually does and what you need to be careful about when using it.

What is this Clobazam?

Simply put, Clobazam is a medicine that is used to control seizures in conditions like epilepsy. Sometimes the nerves in our brain become overactive. It's like a short circuit. That's when a seizure occurs. This medicine works by calming down those overactive nerves. It belongs to a class of drugs called ``Benzodiazepines''. Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for other reasons as well.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Your doctor will need to know your complete health history before giving you Clobazam. So, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor. Don't hide anything.

• CYP2C19 poor metabolizer status: This is a bit of a complicated name, but it simply means that your body metabolizes certain medications very poorly. If you know you have this condition, let us know.
• Glaucoma: A condition in which the pressure in the eyes increases.
• Kidney disease: Conditions like kidney failure.
• Liver disease: Conditions like liver failure.
• Lung or breathing problems: Diseases like asthma or COPD.
• Mental health problems: Conditions like depression.
• If you have a drug or alcohol addiction .
• If you or a family member has had thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide in the past.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Clobazam or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

How should I use the medicine?

This medicine should be used exactly as your doctor has told you. Follow the instructions on the medicine package exactly.

• Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
• You can swallow the tablet whole, break it in half along the line in the middle, or crush it and mix it with something like applesauce.
• You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
• Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Don't stop suddenly, even if you feel better.

You will usually receive a special information leaflet (MedGuide) about this medicine when you are prescribed it. Make it a habit to read it carefully every time you take your medicine.

Is this given to children and the elderly?

Yes. This medicine is prescribed for some conditions to children as young as 2 years old. But special care should be taken with it. Also, people over the age of 65 may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. Therefore, they are usually given a lower dose.

What to do if you miss a dose or drink too much?

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

If you drink too much (overdose):

If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital in Colombo, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is an emergency, so do not delay.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

Some medications and foods may interact with this medicine. Therefore, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).

Be especially careful about these things when taking medication.

• Risk of addiction: There is a risk of addiction to this medication. Therefore, do not take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor or for longer than the prescribed period.
• Drowsiness and alertness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. It may also reduce your ability to concentrate and make decisions. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• CNS Depressant Effect: This is a drug that reduces the activity of the central nervous system (CNS depressant). That is, it slows down the brain and nervous system.

• Risks of stopping suddenly: If you have been using this medication for a long time, your body may have become accustomed to it.Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. When you need to stop, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.
• Mental health: Some people may experience increased depression and thoughts of harming themselves due to this medication. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your behavior or mood.
• Severe skin reactions: Rarely, some people may develop serious skin reactions several weeks after starting this medicine. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a rash, blistering, or peeling skin along with fever, body aches, or redness of the skin.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like all medicines, Clobazam can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

How should I store the medicine? What do I do if there is any left over?

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired medicine.

It is important to dispose of unused or expired medications safely. These can be dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands. Ask your doctor about the best way to dispose of these medications. Sometimes you can drop them off at the hospital pharmacy. If that is not possible, take the pills out of the container, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and put them in a sealable bag and throw them in the trash.