Does Qlocam make you sleepy? Understanding Clobazam and its Sedative Effects

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to prescribing information, somnolence and sedation are very common adverse drug reactions associated with clobazam, the active ingredient in Qlocam. This medication, a type of benzodiazepine, works by depressing the central nervous system, which directly contributes to its sedative effect.

Quick Summary

Qlocam, which contains the benzodiazepine clobazam, frequently causes drowsiness, sedation, and fatigue because it is a central nervous system depressant. This effect is dose-related, more pronounced when starting treatment, and can be exacerbated by alcohol.

Key Points

Causes Drowsiness: Qlocam, a brand name for clobazam, is a benzodiazepine that causes drowsiness and sedation because it is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.
Dose-Dependent Effect: The amount of sleepiness you experience is often related to the dosage; higher doses are more likely to cause significant sedation.
Initial Phase Sleepiness: Drowsiness is most common during the first month of treatment and may lessen over time as tolerance develops.
Risk with Other Depressants: Combining Qlocam with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol or opioids, dramatically increases the risk of severe sedation and other serious side effects.
Gradual Discontinuation: Stopping Qlocam abruptly is dangerous and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and insomnia. Always taper off under medical guidance.
Impaired Alertness: Because Qlocam can impair alertness, patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

What is Qlocam and Why Does It Cause Sleepiness?

Qlocam is a brand name for the medication clobazam, a benzodiazepine that acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It is prescribed for conditions like severe anxiety, as a pre-operative medication, and to manage seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The sedative effect, or sleepiness, is a direct result of clobazam slowing down brain activity. Clinical trials frequently report somnolence and sedation as common side effects.

Factors Influencing Drowsiness from Qlocam

Several factors can affect how much drowsiness you experience with Qlocam:

Dosage: Higher doses increase the likelihood and severity of sedation.
Initial Treatment Phase: Sedation is most common within the first month but may lessen as tolerance develops.
Concomitant CNS Depressants: Combining Qlocam with substances like alcohol or other sedatives significantly raises the risk of severe sedation and respiratory issues. Avoid alcohol and inform your doctor of all medications you take.
Individual Metabolism: Genetic factors influencing how your body processes clobazam can impact side effects like sleepiness.
Age: Older adults may be more sensitive to Qlocam, increasing the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and falls.

Managing Sleepiness While on Qlocam

Strategies to manage Qlocam-induced drowsiness include:

Adjusting Dosing Schedule: Taking a larger dose at night may help reduce daytime sleepiness, as advised by your doctor.
Avoid Hazardous Activities: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Qlocam affects your alertness.
Gradual Adjustment: The sedative effect may decrease as your body builds tolerance.
Do Not Stop Abruptly: Sudden discontinuation can cause severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures and anxiety. Always taper off under medical supervision.
Regular Monitoring: Discuss side effects with your doctor during follow-up appointments.

Comparison of Qlocam (Clobazam) and Other Sedating Medications


Feature	Qlocam (Clobazam)	Quazepam (Doral)	Zolpidem (Ambien)	Doxylamine Succinate (Unisom)
Drug Class	Benzodiazepine	Benzodiazepine	Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotic (Z-drug)	Antihistamine
Primary Use	Seizures, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal	Insomnia	Insomnia	Sleep aid, cold/allergy symptoms
Mechanism of Sedation	CNS depressant effect via GABAa receptors	CNS depressant effect via GABAa receptors	GABAa receptor agonist, promoting sleep	Blocks histamine H1 receptors, causing drowsiness
Duration of Action	Long-acting	Long-acting	Short-acting	Short to intermediate
Tolerance Risk	Potential for tolerance with long-term use	Tolerance can develop, not for long-term use	Potential for tolerance, short-term use recommended	Can develop tolerance over time
Next-Day Effects	May cause next-day drowsiness, especially with higher doses	May cause next-day drowsiness	Designed for short action, but next-day effects are possible	Common next-day drowsiness, depending on metabolism

Note: This table is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. All medications should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Potential for Tolerance and Withdrawal

Like other benzodiazepines, Qlocam can lead to physical dependence with prolonged use. Tolerance to the sedative effect may develop, potentially requiring dose increases. Abruptly stopping Qlocam is dangerous and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and insomnia, which can last for an extended period. A gradual tapering plan supervised by your doctor is essential to minimize withdrawal risks. Consult official sources like the FDA for detailed information on clobazam dependency.

Conclusion

Qlocam (clobazam) is a CNS depressant that commonly causes sleepiness. The degree of drowsiness depends on factors such as dosage, duration of use, and concurrent use of other depressants like alcohol. While tolerance may develop over time, drowsiness is a notable side effect requiring careful management. Patients should avoid activities requiring alertness until they know how Qlocam affects them and must not stop the medication suddenly without medical guidance. Always discuss concerns with your healthcare provider to develop an appropriate treatment and management plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Qlocam is a brand name for the generic drug clobazam. Therefore, they contain the same active ingredient and produce the same therapeutic effects and side effects.

No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Qlocam. Alcohol can significantly increase the sedative effects of clobazam and increase the risk of serious side effects like respiratory depression.

Sleepiness and sedation typically begin within the first month of treatment. For many people, the effect diminishes with continued use as the body develops a tolerance to the medication.

If you feel excessively sleepy, inform your doctor. They may recommend adjusting your dose, altering the timing of your medication, or exploring other treatment options. Never change your dose without consulting your doctor.

While Qlocam has a sedative effect, its primary uses are for anxiety and seizures, not as a dedicated sleep aid. It should only be used as prescribed for its indicated conditions.

Older adults may be more sensitive to Qlocam's effects and have an increased risk of side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and falls. Their dose is typically lower and requires careful medical supervision.

An overdose of Qlocam can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination, respiratory depression, and in rare cases, coma or death. Overdose is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.