OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: In the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS), various 
approaches have been tried with equivocal results. The aim of the present 
randomized clinical trial was to determine the efficacy of clonazepam, a GABA 
agonist designed as an antiepileptic drug that exerts the typical effects of 
benzodiazepines.
STUDY DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial.
METHODS: Twenty patients with idiopathic BMS were carefully selected. Clonazepam 
(0.5 mg/day, n = 10) or placebo (lactose, n = 10) were randomly assigned to the 
patients.
RESULTS: Patients on clonazepam significantly improved in pain ratings (P < 
.001). These changes were less pronounced in the placebo group (P < .11). No 
significant changes were observed in a mood scale (P = .56) or for depression 
scores (P = .56). Taste test and salivary flow increased over sessions, but were 
not different between groups (P = .83 and P = .06, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: Clonazepam appears to have a positive effect on pain in BMS 
patients.