Effect of clobazam as add-on antiepileptic drug in patients with epilepsy

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The use of clobazam in epilepsy has increased since its introduction in 1975. However, it has not been audited for its overall usefulness in Indian set up. The present study was aimed to evaluate usage pattern, retention rate, effectiveness and tolerability of clobazam during routine practice in an outpatient epilepsy clinic of a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India. METHODS: This study was performed on the patients prescribed antiepileptic medication who had clobazam as last added drug in their treatment regimen during October 2010 - March 2012. These patients were followed up for two OPD visits. The primary points evaluated were retention rate, percentage of seizure-free patients and reasons for discontinuing clobazam. RESULTS: Of the 417 consecutive patients, 132 (31.7%) were on clobazam treatment for more than four years (median 6 yr, range 4-15 yr). No seizure for previous 12 months was considered as seizure free and was observed in 151 (36.2%) patients. There was no improvement in seizure control in 32 (7.7%) patients. A decrease in seizure severity without any change in seizure frequency was observed in 76 (18.2%) patients. Clobazam was discontinued by 15 (3.6%) patients due to complaints like drowsiness (13), fatigue/tiredness (8), headache (6), poor memory (6), irritable behaviour (5), abdominal pain (3) and dizziness (3). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide valuable information about the clinical use of clobazam as add-on antiepileptic drug therapy in the management of patients with epilepsy.