Clobazam (Adverse Reactions)

Clobazam is a long half-life benzodiazepine used as an anxiolytic and in combination with other drugs to treat seizures caused by epilepsy.

Its mechanism of action is to increase GABA activity by facilitating its binding to the GABAergic receptor.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hypersensitivity to clobazam and benzodiazepines.

Myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea syndrome, severe respiratory insufficiency, severe hepatic insufficiency, angle-closure glaucoma.

Do not take during lactation.

PRECAUTIONS

Do not administer to children under 3 years of age, except in exceptional cases where treatment is essential, or in the elderly. Psychiatric and paradoxical reactions are more frequent in children and elderly.

Ingestion of clobazam may cause hepatic failure, renal failure and acute or chronic respiratory failure.

Individuals who are poor metabolizers of clobazam (see technical report) may require dose adjustment.

In patients with pre-existing muscle weakness or spinal or cerebellar ataxia, special monitoring and dose reduction of the drug should be carried out.

After continued use of the drug there is a risk of tolerance and physical-psychic dependence. Abrupt discontinuation after continuous use causes withdrawal syndrome. Do not use in anxiety associated with depression or as primary treatment of psychotic illness.

SIDE EFFECTS

Drowsiness, affective dullness, reduced alertness, confusion, fatigue, headache, dizziness, vertigo, muscular hypotonia, muscular weakness, ataxia, diplopia, amnesia, depression, psychiatric and paradoxical reactions, dry mouth, constipation, decreased appetite, nausea, weight gain and dependence.

BRAND NAMES

• Noiafen ®
• Onfi ®