Drug interactions
Clobazam + Clozapine
Severity: Major
Clobazam and Clozapine: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both agents depress the CNS, so combining them can cause excessive sedation, and benzodiazepines with clozapine have been associated with respiratory depression and collapse. The risk is highest at initiation or after dose increases.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clobazam and Clozapine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Clobazam belongs to Central Nervous System; Clozapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression through GABA-A potentiation and clozapine's sedative actions.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses and titrate slowly, monitoring sedation, blood pressure and respiratory status. Avoid starting both together.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Clozapine
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Clozapine Major
- Adagrasib + Clozapine Major
Other interactions of Clobazam
- Amobarbital + Clobazam Major
- Buprenorphine + Clobazam Major
- Butorphanol + Clobazam Major
- Carisoprodol + Clobazam Major
- Chloral hydrate + Clobazam Major
- Clobazam + Codeine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clobazam with Clozapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clobazam and Clozapine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both agents depress the CNS, so combining them can cause excessive sedation, and benzodiazepines with clozapine have been associated with respiratory depression and collapse. The risk is highest at initiation or after dose increases.
How serious is the interaction between Clobazam and Clozapine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses and titrate slowly, monitoring sedation, blood pressure and respiratory status. Avoid starting both together.
What other medicines interact with Clozapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clozapine with, for example, Deferiprone, Irinotecan, Pimozide. The full list is on the Clozapine page.
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