Frisium (Clobazam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Frisium Used For?
Frisium contains clobazam, which belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. These medications work by affecting brain chemicals to help reduce symptoms.
Primary Uses
For adults: treats anxiety and sleep disturbances related to anxiety. For children 4 years and older: used alongside other medicines to treat partial refractory and Lennox-Gastaut epilepsy (seizures). Note that anxiety from normal everyday stress usually doesn’t need medication treatment.
How It Works
Benzodiazepines like Frisium work by affecting brain chemicals to help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety or control seizures.
Short-term use recommended: Benzodiazepines should generally be taken for short periods only (up to one month) unless your doctor advises otherwise, as prolonged use may lead to dependence.
How to Take Frisium
Your doctor will determine the right dose for you, as it may be different for each person. Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.
Dosage Instructions
Swallow the prescribed number of Frisium tablets with a full glass of water. Take at about the same time each day, preferably in the evening. Tablets can be split in half if your doctor recommends a lower dose. Continue taking until your doctor tells you to stop.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. If there’s still a long time before your next dose, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never take more than one dose at a time to make up for missed doses, as this may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Drowsiness and tiredness
- Dizziness and unsteadiness
- Tremor and sweating
- Muscle aches, spasms or weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- Weight gain
- Memory loss and confusion
- Lack of concentration
- Depression and headache
- Morning hangover feeling
- Dry mouth or slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Skin rash
- Changes in sex drive
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Physical or mental dependence on Frisium
- Severe blisters and bleeding on lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
- Sudden anxiety or excitement
- Suicidal feelings, thoughts or behavior
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Severe sleep disturbances
- Irritability and aggressiveness
- Breathing difficulties
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before taking Frisium. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Frisium
Don’t use if you’re allergic to clobazam or any ingredients, have severe or chronic lung disease, history of drug or alcohol abuse, severe muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), sleep apnea syndrome, or severely reduced liver function. Not for children or adolescents treating anxiety or sleep disorders.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or lung disease, epilepsy, low blood pressure, pre-existing muscle weakness, walking unsteadiness, addiction history, glaucoma, depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, or if you drink alcohol regularly.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Frisium if pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It can cause ‘floppy infant syndrome’ with reduced muscle strength, breathing difficulties, low body temperature, and feeding problems in newborns, potentially with fatal effects. Also avoid while breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and may cause drowsiness and feeding difficulties in infants.
Pregnancy Risk: If you become pregnant while taking Frisium, tell your doctor immediately. The medication can cause serious problems in newborn babies.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with Frisium and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Opioid interaction: Using Frisium with opioid pain medications increases the risk of drowsiness, breathing difficulties, coma, and death.
- Other sleeping tablets, sedatives or tranquillizers
- Other benzodiazepines
- Anticholinergics (for stomach cramps, travel sickness, Parkinson’s disease)
- Alcohol-containing medicines (like cough syrups)
- Reflux medicines like omeprazole
- Depression medications
- Allergy medicines and antihistamines
- Pain relievers (opioids, narcotic analgesics)
- Muscle relaxants
- Seizure control medications (including marijuana)
- Dietary supplements and recreational products
Alcohol & Driving
Frisium can significantly affect your ability to drive safely and increases the effects of alcohol. Important precautions must be taken.
Alcohol
Alcohol should be completely avoided while taking Frisium. Your tolerance to alcohol will be reduced, and alcohol will increase Frisium’s effects, making side effects more dangerous.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Don’t drive or operate machinery until you know how Frisium affects you. The medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness and affect your alertness. Even if you take Frisium at night, you may still feel drowsy or dizzy the next day.
Storage
Keep tablets in their original blister pack until ready to use, as removing them early may affect how well they keep. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Store in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground, away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Frisium, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine. Report any other medicines or alcohol taken. Overdose symptoms include feeling drowsy, confused, tired, dizzy, having breathing difficulties, feeling weak, or becoming unconscious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benzodiazepines like Frisium should generally be taken for short periods only (up to one month) unless your doctor advises otherwise. Don’t take it longer than prescribed, as prolonged use may lead to dependence.
No, don’t stop suddenly, especially if you have epilepsy as it may make seizures worse. Your doctor will slowly reduce your dose before you stop completely to avoid withdrawal effects like depression, nervousness, sleep difficulties, and irritability.
No, alcohol should be completely avoided. Your tolerance to alcohol will be reduced and it will increase Frisium’s effects, making side effects more dangerous.
Yes, Frisium can lead to physical and psychological dependence, especially with long-term use. This is why it’s recommended for short-term use only (2-4 weeks) unless your doctor advises otherwise.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. If there’s still a long time before your next dose, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Don’t drive or operate machinery until you know how Frisium affects you. It may cause drowsiness or dizziness that affects your alertness. Even if taken at night, you may still feel drowsy the next day.
Overdose requires urgent medical attention. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) or go to the nearest hospital immediately. Symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, breathing difficulties, weakness, or unconsciousness.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.