CLOBAZAM Meaning and
Definition
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Clobazam is a pharmaceutical drug that belongs to the class of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are a type of medication that act on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This class of drugs is primarily prescribed for their sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
Clobazam is typically used as an adjunctive treatment for managing epilepsy, specifically to control and prevent certain types of seizures, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that often begins in childhood. It is also utilized in the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Clobazam works by increasing the effects of GABA in the brain, which helps to decrease abnormal electrical activity that can lead to seizures or anxiety symptoms.
As with other benzodiazepines, clobazam should be used under the supervision and guidance of a healthcare professional due to its potential for sedation, drowsiness, impaired coordination, and dependence. Long-term use or sudden discontinuation of clobazam may result in withdrawal symptoms, and dosage adjustments may be necessary for individuals with liver or kidney impairment.
Overall, clobazam is a medication that is used to treat epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and panic attacks. It acts by enhancing the activity of GABA in the brain to produce a calming and anti-seizure effect.
Etymology of CLOBAZAM
The word "clobazam" is derived from the chemical name "7-chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-1,5-benzodiazepine-2,4(3H,5H)-dione". The name "clobazam" itself is a combination of the abbreviation for chlorination (clo) and the suffix "-bazam" which signifies its classification as a benzodiazepine compound. Thus, the etymology of "clobazam" is primarily rooted in its chemical composition and classification.
