Clobazam Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Clobazam (Onfi) is a a benzodiazepine which was approved for use in October 2011. Onfi is used as an add-on treatment for seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in adults and children two years of age and over. Fewer than 200,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, so the FDA has given clobazam an "orphan drug" designation.^[1]

Common side effects of clobazam include drowsiness, drooling, sleeplessness, constipation, mood changes like anger, and problems with coordination. Other side effects may include difficulty breathing, cough, fever, or pain with urination. Clobazam can be habit-forming, and can cause withdrawal symptoms when use is discontinued. There is also potential for clobazam abuse.^[2]

Contents 1 Common Clobazam Side Effects 2 About Drug Side Effects 3 Clobazam Allergic Reactions 4 Clobazam Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Clobazam Side Effects

Clobazam is thought to be about as safe as the other benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin.)^[5]

The most common side effects of clobazam are sleepiness, tiredness, insomnia, slurred speech, mood changes, difficulty breathing, cough, fever, constipation, and pain with urination. Drowsiness and clumsiness may ease with continued use. Other, less common side effects are possible, and include depression and suicidal thoughts.^[2]

About Drug Side Effects

Clobazam Allergic Reactions

Patients who are allergic to other benzodiazepines may be allergic to clobazam. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Hives
• Rash
• Itching

More serious symptoms of an allergic reaction which may require medical treatment may include:

• Swelling of the face or throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing or tightness or discomfort in the chest
• Rapid heart rate
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Unconsciousness^[6]

Clobazam Precautions and Warnings

• Clobazam is a Schedule IV controlled substance and long term use may cause dependence.
• Stopping clobazam suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. These can be severe, and in some cases patients may experience seizures, hallucinations and nervousness.^[2]
• Clobazam is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.^[2]
• Clobazam may slow thinking and impair motor skills, so the manufacturer recommends patients do not drive or operate heavy machinery when they start taking it.^[2]
• Consuming alcohol while taking clobazam may increase the severity of side effects like sleepiness, tiredness, slurred speech, and problems with coordination.^[2]
• Clobazam, like other antiepileptics, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in a small number of patients.^[2]

Also See: Drug Coupons, Valium Coupons, Keppra Coupons, Gabapentin Side Effects, Lyrica Coupons, Lyrica Side Effects, Lamictal Coupons, Topamax Coupons, Valerian Side Effects, Klonopin Side Effects

References

1. ↑ http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm276932.htm
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9} http://www.lundbeck.com/upload/us/files/pdf/Products/Onfi_MG_US_EN.pdf
3. ↑ http://www.lundbeck.com/us/products/cns-products/onfi
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM277791.pdf
5. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1429523/pdf/brjclinpharm00238-0138.pdf
6. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000005.htm