You or someone in your family may have been prescribed Clobazam syrup by your doctor for a seizure disorder (like epilepsy). When you get it, it's normal to have a lot of questions in your mind, like "What does this do?", "How exactly do you use it?", "What are the things you need to be careful about?" Don't worry, we'll talk about all of this simply, clearly, and in a way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is this Clobazam?
Simply put, Clobazam is a medicine that is used to control and prevent seizures in conditions like epilepsy. These seizures occur when the nerve cells in our brain sometimes become overactive and become agitated. So, what this medicine does is calm down such overactive nerves and bring the brain function back to normal.
This medicine belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Sometimes doctors may prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions as well. So if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before you start taking this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important for your safety.
- If you have any kidney-related condition.
- If you have any liver disease.
- If you have any lung or breathing difficulties or disease.
- If you are undergoing treatment for a mental illness or have such a condition.
- If you have previously been addicted to drugs or alcohol (Substance use disorder).
- If you or someone close to you has had thoughts of suicide, suicidal thoughts , or attempted suicide.
- If you have an allergy to Clobazam, other benzodiazepines, other foods, medicines, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
How should I use this medicine?
Since this comes in a syrup form, it is to be taken by mouth. Always take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Shake well: Shake the bottle well before each use to ensure that the ingredients are mixed well and you get the correct dose.
- Use the correct measure: Use only the special measuring cup, spoon, or `dropper` that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons. Because the sizes of these vary, you may get more or less of the dose you need.
- Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, on time.
- Do not stop suddenly: Avoid stopping this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause serious reactions.
Important: If you suspect an overdose, i.e. if you have taken too much medicine, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take 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 to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Clobazam is a medication that can interact with certain other medications, such as alcohol. So be very careful with the information below.
| Possible interactions with Clobazam | |
|---|---|
| Do not take Clobazam with these | |
| Some narcotic cough medicines | Narcotic medications for cough |
| Sodium oxybate | Sodium oxybate |
| Be very careful when taking Clobazam with these, inform your doctor. | |
| Alcohol | It can cause more drowsiness and dizziness than usual. |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | Increases drowsiness. |
| Medication for anxiety or sleep | Increases drowsiness and decreases central nervous system activity. |
| Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine) | There is an increased risk of side effects. |
| Birth control pills, patches, hormones | The effectiveness of birth control methods may decrease. |
| Narcotic medications for pain | Risk of breathing difficulties and excessive drowsiness. |
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking.
Special things to be aware of when taking medication
Possible serious skin reactions
Some people using this medicine may develop serious skin reactions a few weeks or months after starting the medicine. If you develop red or purple spots on your skin along with symptoms such as fever and body aches, which then blister and peel, tell your doctor immediately. Also, be concerned if you develop a red rash on your skin along with swelling of your face or lips.
Driving and drowsiness
This medicine may make you feel sleepy, dizzy, and have a decreased sense of balance and reaction time. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you. Drinking alcohol can increase these side effects.
Suicidal thoughts
Some people may experience mood changes and increased thoughts of suicide while taking this medicine. If your mood gets worse or you have thoughts of giving up on life, tell your doctor or family right away.
Possible effects on birth control methods
If you are using hormonal birth control (e.g., birth control pills), Clobazam may make them less effective. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using a second form of birth control (e.g., condoms) .
What are the side effects?
| If you notice these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme dizziness, confusion, and difficulty waking up. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Mental changes | Increased suicidal thoughts and depression. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Constipation | Excessive drooling |
| Drowsiness | Fever |
| Unusual tiredness or weakness | |
If you experience any other side effects not listed on this list, please inform your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Always take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Do not measure your medicine with the spoons you have at home.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- As drowsiness and dizziness may occur, be very careful when performing tasks that require attention, such as driving.
- If you notice any serious side effects such as skin rash, blisters, or changes in mental status, inform your doctor immediately.
- Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets. Never share your medicine with others.
- If you have any concerns about this medication, don't be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.
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