Clobazam vs. Clonazepam for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Clobazam

(Onfi)

Clonazepam

(Klonopin)

Summary for Clobazam

Prescription only

Clobazam (Onfi) is used to treat seizures in people ages 2 years and older with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). The medication belongs to the drug class known as benzodiazepines, which work by slowing down activity in the brain. Clobazam (Onfi) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet and oral liquid suspension, and it's taken by mouth twice per day. Possible side effects include sleepiness, fever, and vomiting.

Indications for Clobazam

Treatment of seizures from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in people ages 2 years and older (as an add-on to other anti-seizure medications)

Pros and Cons for Clobazam

Pros

Works well to control the number of seizures you have if you have Lennox–Gastaut syndrome
Can give to children 2 years of age and older
Comes as a liquid, which is helpful if you have trouble swallowing pills
Doesn't have many drug interactions compared to other anti-seizure medications

Cons

Only approved for seizures related to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Need to take with other anti-seizure medications
Might lead to tolerance (doesn't work as well after you've taken it for a while)
Might have more frequent seizures if you suddenly stop taking the medication

Common Side Effects for Clobazam

Sleepiness (26%)
Fever (13%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (12%)
Low energy (10%)
Drooling (9%)
Acting aggressive or being angry or violent (8%)
Vomiting (7%)

Warnings for Clobazam

Serious risks when used with opioids
Potential for misuse, addiction, and withdrawal
Extreme sleepiness or tiredness, leading to trouble with concentration
Serious skin reactions
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Side effects in newborn babies when used during pregnancy

Summary for Clonazepam

Prescription only

Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine. It's approved to treat seizures in adults and children, and panic disorder in adults only. Clonazepam (Klonopin) is taken by mouth, typically two or three times a day. It's also available as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) for people who have trouble swallowing. Some common side effects of this medication include drowsiness, dizziness, and poor movement control. Before stopping clonazepam (Klonopin), speak with your prescriber to come up with a plan to lower your dose slowly over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Indications for Clonazepam

Pros and Cons for Clonazepam

Pros

Taken by mouth
Less likely to cause rebound anxiety (in people with panic disorders) when stopping compared to some other benzodiazepines
Available as a lower-cost generic
Available as orally disintegrating tablet (ODT)

Cons

Taken 2 to 3 times daily
Can be habit-forming, so isn't typically used for long-term treatment
Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
Might not work as well for seizure control over time

Common Side Effects for Clonazepam

Seizures:

Drowsiness (50%)
Poor movement control, clumsiness (30%)
Behavior problems (25%)

Panic Disorder:

Drowsiness (up to 50%)
Dizziness (up to 12%)
Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of a respiratory infection (up to 10%)
Extreme tiredness (up to 9%)
Poor movement control, clumsiness (up to 9%)
Depression (up to 8%)