When You Can't Find Clobazam, What Are Your Options?

If you've been trying to fill your Clobazam prescription and keep running into dead ends, you may be wondering: are there other medications that could work instead?

The short answer is yes — there are several medications that your doctor may consider as alternatives. But switching seizure medications is not something you should do on your own. It requires careful medical supervision, especially because Clobazam is a benzodiazepine and stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms and breakthrough seizures.

In this article, we'll explain what Clobazam is, how it works, and walk through the most common alternatives your doctor might recommend if you can't fill your prescription.

What Is Clobazam?

Clobazam (brand names Onfi and Sympazan) is a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant. It's FDA-approved as an add-on treatment for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in patients 2 years of age and older.

LGS is a severe form of epilepsy that typically begins in childhood and involves multiple seizure types that are often difficult to control. Clobazam is usually prescribed alongside other anticonvulsants to help reduce seizure frequency.

For a deeper dive into Clobazam's uses and dosing, see our guide: What Is Clobazam? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.

How Does Clobazam Work?

Clobazam is a 1,5-benzodiazepine — a slightly different chemical structure than traditional benzodiazepines like Diazepam or Clonazepam, which are 1,4-benzodiazepines. This structural difference is believed to give Clobazam a somewhat more favorable side effect profile, particularly less sedation at therapeutic doses.

It works by enhancing the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter. By boosting GABA's calming effect on nerve cells, Clobazam helps reduce the abnormal electrical activity that causes seizures.

For more detail, read How Does Clobazam Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.

Alternatives to Clobazam

If Clobazam isn't available or isn't working well for you, your doctor may consider one of the following alternatives. Never switch or stop a seizure medication without talking to your doctor first.

1. Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Drug class: Benzodiazepine (1,4-benzodiazepine)
DEA Schedule: Schedule IV
Available as: Tablets (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg), orally disintegrating tablets

Clonazepam is the closest alternative to Clobazam. It's also a benzodiazepine used for seizure control, and it works through the same GABA-enhancing mechanism. It's FDA-approved for several seizure types, including absence seizures and myoclonic seizures.

Key differences from Clobazam:

• Clonazepam tends to cause more sedation than Clobazam
• It's not specifically approved for LGS, but is widely used off-label for it
• Generally more widely available and less expensive (generic Clonazepam costs approximately $10–$30 for a 30-day supply)
• Higher risk of tolerance developing over time

2. Valproic Acid (Depakote, Depakene)

Drug class: Broad-spectrum anticonvulsant
DEA Schedule: Not a controlled substance
Available as: Tablets, extended-release tablets, sprinkle capsules, liquid, injection

Valproic Acid is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It works through multiple mechanisms, including increasing GABA levels and blocking sodium and calcium channels in the brain.

Key considerations:

• Effective against multiple seizure types, making it useful for LGS
• Widely available as a generic — typical cost is $15–$50 per month
• Requires regular blood monitoring (liver function, blood counts, drug levels)
• Not recommended during pregnancy due to high risk of birth defects
• Can cause weight gain, tremor, and hair thinning

3. Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Drug class: Anticonvulsant
DEA Schedule: Not a controlled substance
Available as: Tablets, chewable dispersible tablets, extended-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets

Lamotrigine is approved for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and is widely used as a maintenance anticonvulsant. It works by stabilizing sodium channels and reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters.

Key considerations:

• Generally well tolerated with fewer sedation issues
• Must be started at a very low dose and increased slowly to reduce the risk of a serious rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Widely available as a generic — typically $10–$40 per month
• Drug interactions with Valproic Acid require careful dose adjustment

4. Rufinamide (Banzel)

Drug class: Anticonvulsant (triazole derivative)
DEA Schedule: Not a controlled substance
Available as: Tablets (200 mg, 400 mg), oral suspension

Rufinamide is specifically FDA-approved for adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients aged 1 year and older — making it one of the few medications with the same indication as Clobazam.

Key considerations:

• Specifically designed for LGS, so it may be a natural alternative
• Not a controlled substance, which means easier to obtain and no DEA restrictions
• Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and headache
• Brand-name Banzel can be expensive; generic versions are available and may cost $50–$200 per month
• Must be taken with food for proper absorption

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you're considering an alternative to Clobazam, here's how to approach the conversation:

1. Explain the supply issue: Let your doctor know you've been unable to find Clobazam and for how long.
2. Ask about your options: Your doctor will consider your seizure type, other medications you take, your medical history, and any past medication trials.
3. Discuss the transition: Switching from a benzodiazepine requires a gradual taper to avoid withdrawal. Your doctor will create a plan to reduce Clobazam while starting the new medication.
4. Monitor closely: Any medication change in epilepsy requires close monitoring for seizure control and side effects.

For more on side effects to watch for, see Clobazam Side Effects: What to Expect.

Before You Switch: Try to Find Clobazam First

Before changing medications, it's worth exhausting your options for finding Clobazam. Switching seizure medications always carries some risk, and if Clobazam is working well for you, staying on it is generally preferable.

• Use Medfinder to check pharmacy stock near you
• Try independent and specialty pharmacies
• Ask about different formulations (tablets, liquid, or oral film)
• Contact the manufacturer for assistance

For a full list of strategies, read How to Find Clobazam in Stock Near You.

Final Thoughts

No one should have to go without their seizure medication. If Clobazam isn't available, there are real, proven alternatives your doctor can consider — including Clonazepam, Valproic Acid, Lamotrigine, and Rufinamide. Each has its own benefits and trade-offs, and the best choice depends on your individual situation.

Work closely with your neurologist or prescriber, never stop Clobazam abruptly, and use every available resource to maintain consistent seizure control. And if you need help finding Clobazam or an alternative, Medfinder is here to help.