Clobazam is a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant drug mainly used in the management of epilepsy, particularly as an add-on therapy for difficult-to-control seizures such as those seen in Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. It belongs to the 1,5-benzodiazepine class, which distinguishes it from the more common 1,4-benzodiazepines and gives it effective anticonvulsant action with comparatively less sedation. Clobazam works by enhancing the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA at the GABA-A receptor, thereby reducing excessive neuronal firing. The drug was first synthesized in the 1960s by the German company Hoechst and was initially developed for its anxiolytic properties; however, its strong antiepileptic effects were soon recognized. By the 1970s, clobazam was widely introduced in Europe for epilepsy treatment, especially in refractory cases. Over the years, its clinical value became well established, leading to broader international use and eventual approval by the U.S. FDA in 2011 for Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. Today, clobazam remains an important and well-tolerated option in long-term epilepsy management.
