Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Dom Clobazam.
HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
October 30, 2020
Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like prescription drugs. To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Asthma and breathing disorders: Clobazam can suppress breathing. If you have asthma, or another lung disease that increases your risk for breathing difficulties, discuss with your doctor how Dom Clobazam may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dom Clobazam, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness and reduced alertness: Clobazam causes drowsiness and slows down reaction time. Determine how clobazam affects you before performing potentially hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and physical coordination (such as driving or operating dangerous machinery).
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Dom Clobazam to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Dom Clobazam may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dom Clobazam, and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with severely reduced kidney function should not use Dom Clobazam.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Dom Clobazam to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Dom Clobazam may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dom Clobazam, and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with severely reduced liver function should not take Dom Clobazam.
Mental and emotional disorders: Medications to treat seizures have been known to contribute to mood swings, symptoms of Depression, aggravation of psychosis and other behavioural changes. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Dom Clobazam may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dom Clobazam, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Dom Clobazam, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Myasthenia gravis: Myasthenia gravis is a condition that causes specific muscle weakness. Clobazam can make symptoms of this illness worse. People with myasthenia gravis should discuss with their doctor how Dom Clobazam may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviour: Some people taking anti-seizure medications may have suicidal thoughts or behaviour. If this happens to you or you notice this in a family member who is taking Dom Clobazam, contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Dom Clobazam.
Tolerance: Clobazam may lead to tolerance when used for a long period of time. Tolerance means that your body gets used to the medication so that more medication may be needed to produce the same effect. Your doctor will recommend the dose of clobazam that is most appropriate for you. Do not change your dose or the way you are using the medication on your own. If you find that a dose of clobazam is not providing the same amount of seizure control as before, contact your doctor.
Withdrawal: Clobazam can become habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms similar to those occurring with other medications of this class have been observed when clobazam was stopped suddenly after it was taken regularly over a period of time. Withdrawal symptoms include:
- abdominal cramps
- agitation
- confusion
- Diarrhea
- extreme anxiety
- headache
- hypersensitivity to light
- irritability
- memory impairment
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- mood changes
- muscle pain
- nervousness
- seizures
- sleep problems
- sweating
- tension, restlessness
- tremors
- vomiting
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Reducing the dose gradually can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms. Do not try to stop the medication or reduce the dose on your own – consult your doctor for help.
Pregnancy: Clobazam is not recommended during the first 3 months of pregnancy as it may harm the development of the unborn baby. In later stages of pregnancy, it should not be used unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Dom Clobazam, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking clobazam, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding, however it is generally recommended that women do not breast-feed while they are taking Dom Clobazam.
Seniors: The drowsiness caused by clobazam may affect seniors even more than others. Ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk of falls.
