Frisium (Clobazam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick 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: Frisium treats anxiety and sleep disturbances related to anxiety. It’s not meant for everyday stress that doesn’t need medical treatment. For children 4 years and older: Frisium is used alongside other medicines to treat partial refractory and Lennox-Gastaut epilepsy (seizures).
How It Works
Benzodiazepines like Frisium work by affecting brain chemicals to help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety or seizure activity.
Short-term use recommended: Benzodiazepines like Frisium should generally be taken for short periods only (up to one month) unless your doctor advises otherwise, as long-term use may lead to dependence.
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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 dose of Frisium tablets with a full glass of water. Take it 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. Never 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, or constipation
- Weight gain
- Memory loss and confusion
- Lack of concentration
- Depression
- Headache or 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 face 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 conditions and situations where Frisium should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Frisium
Do not use Frisium if you: are allergic to clobazam or any ingredients; have severe or chronic lung disease; have a history of drug or alcohol abuse; have severe muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis); have sleep apnea syndrome; have severely reduced liver function. Do not give to children or adolescents for anxiety or sleep disorders.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: liver, kidney, or lung disease; epilepsy or seizures; low blood pressure; pre-existing muscle weakness; walking unsteadiness (ataxia); addiction to drugs or medicines; glaucoma; depression, psychosis, or schizophrenia; regular alcohol use.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Frisium if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It can cross the placenta and may cause serious problems in newborns including reduced muscle strength, breathing difficulties, low body temperature, and feeding problems (floppy infant syndrome). Do not use while breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and may cause drowsiness and feeding difficulties in infants.
Suicide Risk: All mentions of suicide must be taken seriously. Tell your doctor or mental health professional immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts or other mental/mood changes.
Drug Interactions
Several types of 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 opioids 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)
- Stomach 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.
Alcohol
Alcohol should be completely avoided while using Frisium. Your tolerance to alcohol will be reduced, and alcohol will increase Frisium’s effects, making side effects more dangerous.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Frisium affects you. It may cause drowsiness or dizziness that can 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. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
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. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, tiredness, dizziness, breathing difficulties, weakness, or unconsciousness. Report any other medicines or alcohol taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but as a benzodiazepine, Frisium typically works relatively quickly. Your doctor will monitor your response and adjust treatment as needed.
The instructions say to take Frisium with a full glass of water, but don’t specifically mention food restrictions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about taking it with meals.
Yes, Frisium can cause physical and psychological dependence, especially with long-term use. This is why it’s generally recommended for short periods only (up to one month) unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Never stop Frisium suddenly, especially if you have epilepsy. Sudden stopping can cause withdrawal effects like depression, nervousness, sleep difficulties, irritability, sweating, stomach upset, mood changes, anxiety, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, faster heartbeat, or seizures. Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose.
No, alcohol should be completely avoided while using Frisium. Your tolerance to alcohol will be reduced, and alcohol will increase Frisium’s effects, making side effects more dangerous.
Yes, weight gain is listed as one of the possible less serious side effects of Frisium. If this concerns you, discuss it with your doctor.
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, as this increases the risk of side effects.
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.