Sympazan (Clobazam) for Epilepsy

Overview
Sympazan is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a severe form of epilepsy, in individuals 2 and up. It is typically prescribed when additional seizure control is needed alongside other anti-seizure medications. Sympazan is also known by its drug name, Clobazam.

Clobazam is a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs that act on the central nervous system to enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that helps reduce excessive nerve activity. This action helps to control seizures in individuals with LGS.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Sympazan is taken as an oral film, which dissolves on the tongue and should not be administered with liquids. The dosing schedule depends on the individual's weight, with the drug typically taken once daily initially and increased to twice daily, depending on how well it’s tolerated. Sympazan can be taken with or without food and should be used exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Sympazan include constipation, excessive sleepiness or sedation, fever, lethargy (lack of energy), and drooling.

Rare but serious side effects may include respiratory depression (slow or difficult breathing), coma, and death when combined with opioids; abuse, misuse, and addiction, which may lead to overdose or death; dependence and withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening if the medication is stopped suddenly; severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a life-threatening rash) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe skin peeling); drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS, a condition causing rash, fever, and organ inflammation); suicidal thoughts or behaviors; and neonatal sedation or withdrawal symptoms if used during pregnancy. To minimize withdrawal risk, Sympazan should be tapered off gradually under medical supervision.

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Label: Sympazan — Clobazam Film – DailyMed