Clobazam
Clobazam
Clobazam (pronounced kloh-BAZ-am) is a medication primarily used for the management of anxiety and the treatment of various forms of epilepsy. It belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Etymology
The name "Clobazam" is derived from the systematic (IUPAC) name of the drug, which is 7-chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1,5-dihydro-benzo[b][1,4]diazepine-2,4-dione. The "Cloba-" prefix is derived from "chlorobenzo-", referring to the chlorobenzo group in the chemical structure, and the "-zam" suffix is common among benzodiazepines.
Usage
Clobazam is used as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy. It is also used for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety.
Mechanism of Action
Clobazam works by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which has a calming effect. It does this by binding to the benzodiazepine site on the GABA-A receptors, which enhances the affinity of GABA for its binding site. This increases the frequency of the opening of the associated chloride ion channel and hyperpolarizes the cell membrane, making it less likely to depolarize and initiate an action potential.
Side Effects
Common side effects of clobazam include drowsiness, sedation, ataxia, and aggression. Long-term use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Clobazam
- Wikipedia's article - Clobazam
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