AIMS: To evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of administering an 
anticonvulsant medication, clonazepam, by dissolving tablets slowly orally 
before swallowing, for the management of burning mouth syndrome (BMS).
METHODS: A retrospective clinical records audit was performed of patients 
diagnosed with BMS between January 2006 and June 2009. Patients were prescribed 
0.5 mg clonazepam three times daily, and changes were made to this regimen based 
on their individual response. Patients were asked to dissolve the tablet orally 
before swallowing and were reviewed over a 6-month period. Pain was assessed by 
patients on an 11-point numerical scale (0 to 10). A nonparametric (Spearman) 
two-tailed correlation matrix and a two-tailed Mann-Whitney test were performed.
RESULTS: A total of 36 patients (27 women, 9 men) met the criteria for 
inclusion. The mean (± SEM) pain score reduction between pretreatment and final 
appointment was 4.7 ± 0.4 points. A large percentage (80%) of patients obtained 
more than a 50% reduction in pain over the treatment period. One patient 
reported no reduction in pain symptoms, and one third of the patients had 
complete pain resolution. Approximately one third of patients experienced side 
effects that were transient and mild.
CONCLUSION: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that the novel 
protocol of combined topical and systemic clonazepam administration provides an 
effective BMS management tool.