Clobazam (FRISIUM clobazam 10mg tablet blister pack)
What to know about Clobazam — also sold as FRISIUM clobazam 10mg tablet blister pack: uses, side effects, interactions, and safety considerations for people taking it or caring for someone who is.
Clobazam (brand names: FRISIUM clobazam 10mg tablet blister pack) is classified as Moderate risk (3 risk points) by AllMeds. It is a S4 medication under the TGA in Australia. FDA approved in the United States. Benzodiazepine with CNS depression and respiratory depression risk, requiring careful monitoring for dependency.
Key Takeaways
- TGA Schedule: S4 in Australia
- Risk level: Moderate (3 points)
- CNS depressant: May cause sedation, impair driving, and affect work capacity
- Respiratory depression risk: Requires monitoring, especially with other CNS depressants
- Recommended maximum duration: 28 days
- SIRA reportable: Flagged for NSW workers compensation reporting
Scheduling and Classification
| Jurisdiction | Classification | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (TGA) | S4 | Not PBS listed |
| United States (FDA) | Rx only | FDA approved |
Risk Profile
Benzodiazepine with CNS depression and respiratory depression risk, requiring careful monitoring for dependency.
How Clobazam is regulated
Clobazam is overseen by medicines regulators in each country. The rules below explain how it's scheduled, what oversight applies, and what to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, changing, or stopping this medication.
Work capacity impact: As a CNS depressant, Clobazam may impair driving, operating machinery, and cognitive function. Work capacity certificates should reflect any medication-related restrictions.
Australia TGA / PBS / State Schemes
Classified as S4 under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Flagged as reportable under SIRA guidelines in NSW. Claims involving this medication may require additional reporting and clinical justification.
SIRA best practice guidelines recommend a maximum opioid duration of 28 days for acute pain. Prescribing beyond this requires documented clinical justification and may trigger a Reasonable and Necessary determination.
WorkSafe Victoria Drugs of Dependence Guidelines require monitoring for all S8 opioids. WorkCover QLD Pain Intervention Guidelines recommend multimodal pain management with opioids as a last resort.
All Australian workers compensation schemes flag benzodiazepine use as high-risk, particularly when combined with opioids. Duration should be limited and tapering plans documented.
United Kingdom NICE / MHRA / FPM
NICE NG193 (Chronic Pain) recommends against initiating opioids for chronic primary pain. The Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM) Opioids Aware resource recommends structured opioid prescribing with regular review, dose limits, and documented tapering plans.
For personal injury claims in the UK, opioid prescribing duration and dose should be reviewed against NICE and FPM guidelines. Costs may be recoverable as a disbursement in high-value PI claims.
UK drug driving laws (Section 5A Road Traffic Act 2006) set specific limits for prescription drugs that cause impairment. Employers and occupational health advisors should assess fitness to work.
United States FDA / CDC / State WC
FDA approved for use in the United States.
FDA Boxed Warning: WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS; ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION; and DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL REACTIONS Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . The use of benzodiazepines, including clobazam oral suspension, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes. Before prescribing clobazam oral suspension and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. The continued use of benzodiazepines, including clobazam oral suspension, may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer treatment duration and higher daily dose. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of clobazam oral suspension after continued use may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue clobazam oral suspension or reduce the dosage [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS ; ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION; and DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL REACTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation ( 5.1 , 7.1 ). The use of benzodiazepines, including clobazam oral suspension, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Before prescribing clobazam oral suspension and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction ( 5.2 ). Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of clobazam oral suspension after continued use may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue clobazam oral suspension or reduce the dosage ( 2.2 , 5.3 ).
The CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids (2022) recommends non-opioid therapies as first-line treatment for pain. When opioids are prescribed, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration needed.
For workers compensation claims, many states require prior authorization for opioids beyond initial acute prescribing. State drug formularies (e.g. California MTUS, Texas, New York) may restrict or require step therapy before opioid approval.
The CDC and FDA have issued joint warnings about the risks of concurrent benzodiazepine and opioid use. Workers compensation adjusters should flag this combination for clinical review.
New Zealand ACC / BPAC NZ / Medsafe
BPAC NZ recommends reassessing opioid therapy at regular intervals and limiting duration. The NZ Opioid Prescribing B-QuiCK Guide provides structured prescribing and tapering protocols.
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) covers treatment-related medications for accepted claims. Opioid prescribing beyond guidelines may require ACC clinical review and approval.
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Important: This page is general health information, not personal medical advice. If you have questions about your medication — including starting it, stopping it, changing the dose, or combining it with something else — speak with your doctor or pharmacist. For an emergency or suspected overdose, call your local emergency number or poison information service immediately. Information is drawn from regulator and clinical guideline sources (TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBS, CDC); see our methodology for details.