Clobazam in Rett syndrome: brands, sedation and side effects

[admin]

Generic medicine: ClobazamCommon brand names: Frisium; Onfi and Sympazan in the United States.
Brands and formulations vary by country. Clobazam is a benzodiazepine and is a controlled medicine in many places.

How it may be used
Clobazam may be prescribed as an additional medicine when seizures are not adequately controlled. In some care plans it may also be used for short periods or seizure clusters. It is not specifically licensed for Rett syndrome.

Common side effects
• Sleepiness, tiredness or reduced alertness
• Dizziness, poor balance or reduced coordination
• Drooling
• Constipation
• Changes in appetite
• Slurred speech or swallowing difficulty
• Irritability, aggression or other behaviour changes

Sedation, reduced muscle tone, swallowing difficulties and breathing problems may already affect some people with Rett syndrome, making observation particularly important.

Important risks
• Slowed or difficult breathing, especially with opioids, alcohol or other sedating medicines
• Tolerance, physical dependence and withdrawal
• Severe withdrawal seizures if stopped abruptly
• DRESS or another severe skin reaction
• Rare serious mood or behaviour changes

Seek urgent medical help for
Slow, shallow or difficult breathing; inability to wake normally; blue lips; severe swallowing difficulty; facial swelling; or a rash accompanied by fever or swollen glands.

Important: Never increase, reduce or stop clobazam without the prescriber’s plan. Ask about interactions with rescue medicines, pain medicines, sleep treatments and cannabidiol products.

Medicine information: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a612008.html
FDA warning about DRESS: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-a ... xr-elepsia

Information checked 4 September 2026. This is general information and not a complete side-effect list or a treatment recommendation. Clobazam requires individual specialist prescribing and review.