Frisium (FRIH-zee-um) is the brand name used by Aventis Pharma for a seizure medicine available in many countries outside the United States. The generic name is clobazam (KLOH-bah-zam). In Canada, clobazam is sold under the brand name Novo-Clobazam.

The first benzodiazepines were synthesized in 1933 and were more fully developed in the 1950s. Clobazam (Frisium) was not developed until the 1970s. It has a subtle chemical difference from earlier benzodiazepines used to treat seizures, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), and chlorazepate (Tranxene). This difference may lead to less of a problem with tolerance with Frisium than with other benzodiazepines. Today, Frisium is approved for use in almost all countries except the United States.

In April, 2004, Ovation Pharmaceuticals announced that it had arranged to buy the North American rights to Frisium and planned to try to get FDA approval for sale in the United States. This process is likely to take 3 to 5 years, however.

How can I get Frisium?

Forms
Frisium is not sold in the United States. The name or appearance may differ from country to country, but the dose (measured in milligrams, abbreviated "mg") will usually be the same. In Canada, Australia, the UK, and elsewhere, it is available as a 10-mg white tablet.

Generic clobazam is also available. (Availability varies by country.)

How to take and store Frisium
Frisium tablets should be swallowed whole, followed by at least a half a glass of water.

It's OK to take Frisium either with food or without food. To give it to small children or others who cannot swallow tablets, you can crush it and mix it with a spoonful of soft food such as applesauce, yogurt, or ice cream.

Store the tablets at room temperature in a dry place that is out of the reach of children.

What if I forget?
Ask the doctor what to do if you forget to take a dose. In general, a forgotten dose should be taken right away. If it is almost time for the next dose, just take one dose, not a double dose, and call the doctor's office for more advice.

Do your best to follow the doctor's directions. If you forget doses often, it may be a good idea to get a special pillbox or watch with an alarm to remind you.

Taking the right amount of seizure medicine on time every single day is the most important step in preventing seizures!