Clonazepam

Generically, the name is Clonazepam
Drug class: Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, Benzodiazepines

 

Oral route

Risks from concurrent use with Opioids, Abuse, Misuse and Addiction withdrawal, and dependence reactions When used in conjunction with opioids and benzodiazepines could cause profound sedation breathing depression coma and even death. It is recommended to limit the concurrent prescribing of these drugs for patients whose other treatment options are not sufficient. Limit the duration and dosage to the minimal amount that is required. Be sure to monitor patients for any signs or symptoms of respiratory depression as well as sedation. The usage of benzodiazepines which include clonazepam, for instance, exposes users to the risk of misuse, abuse, and addiction, which could result in death or overdose. The misuse and abuse of benzodiazepines usually involve the use of other medicines or alcohol and/or illegal substances and is connected to an increased risk of adverse events that are serious. Before prescribing clonazepam, and throughout the course of treatment, you must assess the risk of each patient’s misuse, abuse, or addiction. The continuous use of benzodiazepines such as clonazepam can lead to physically significant and clinically significant dependence. The risk of withdrawal and dependence rises when treatment is prolonged and higher doses daily. Sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction after prolonged use can cause acute withdrawal reactions that could be life-threatening. To minimize the chance of experiencing withdrawal reactions, employ a gradual taper to stop taking the use of clonazepam, or to reduce its dosage ∂.

Oral route

Risks From Concomitant Use With Opioids; Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction; and Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions: Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is recommended to limit the concurrent prescription of these medications to patients whose other treatments are not sufficient. Limit duration and dosages to the minimum amount required. Be sure to monitor patients for any signs or symptoms that indicate respiratory depression or sedation. The use of benzodiazepines such as clonazepam tablets that dissolve orally is a risk for users who face the risks of misuse, abuse, and addiction that could cause overdose or even death. Use and misuse of benzodiazepines usually involve the use of other medicines, alcohol, or illicit substances, and are linked to a higher risk of adverse events that are serious. Before prescribing clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets, and throughout treatment, evaluate the potential for misuse, abuse, and addiction. The continual use of benzodiazepines such as clonazepam tablets disintegrating orally can result in physically significant dependence. The risk of withdrawal and dependence increases with the length of treatment and greater dosages daily. Sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction of clonazepam oral disintegrating tablets after prolonged use can trigger acute withdrawal reactions, which could be life-threatening. To lessen the chance of experiencing withdrawal-related reactions, you should use the gradual taper to stop taking the tablets disintegrating orally clonazepam, as well as reduce the dosage.

Brand Names

In the U.S.

• KlonoPIN
• KlonoPIN Wafers

In Canada

• Accel-clonazePAM
• APO-clonazePAM
• Clonapam
• CO-clonazePAM
• DOM-clonazePAM
• Mylan-clonazePAM
• PRO-clonazePAM
• Riva-clonazePAM
• Rivotril
• Sandoz-clonazePAM
• Teva-clonazePAM
• Zym-clonazePAM

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet, Disintegrating
• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Antianxiety

Pharmacologic Class: Benzodiazepine, Short or Intermediate Acting

Clonazepam is a drug that can be used to treat depression.

Clonazepam is used by itself or in combination with other medications to treat certain seizures (eg Lennox-Gastaut disorder as well as myoclonic, akinetic or lack seizures). Also, it is used to treat anxiety disorders. Clonazepam is one of the benzodiazepines which is a brain stimulant that helps help prevent seizures. These can be classified as central nervous system (CNS) depressants medications that reduce the activity of the nervous system.

Clonazepam is only available on the prescription of your physician.

Before taking clonazepam, make sure you know the following:

When deciding whether to take any medicine, the dangers of using the drug must be considered in relation to the benefits it can bring. It is a choice you and your physician will take. When taking clonazepam, these are to be considered

Allergies

Inform your doctor whether you’ve had an unusual reaction or allergy to clonazepam or other medications. Be sure to inform your health specialist if you suffer from any other allergies, like to dyes, foods preservatives, animals, or dyes. For non-prescription medications, look over the label or the ingredients on the package carefully.

Pediatric

The studies that have been conducted so far have not revealed specific problems for children that could limit the efficacy of clonazepam children suffering from seizures. However, the safety and effectiveness for children suffering from anxiety disorders are not yet established.

Geriatric

Studies that are appropriate up to now haven’t revealed the existence of geriatric-specific issues that hinder the effectiveness of clonazepam for the older. However, patients who are elderly are more likely to experience anxiety and extreme drowsiness or liver, heart, or kidney issues that may warrant caution and a change in dosage for those taking clonazepam.

Breastfeeding

There aren’t enough research studies of women that can determine the risk to infants when taking this medication while breastfeeding. Be sure to weigh the potential benefits against the risk of using this medication during nursing.

Interactions with medications

While certain medications should not be taken together, however, there are instances where two medicines could be combined even though interactions could occur. In these instances, your doctor might want to adjust the dose or take other precautions if needed. If you’re taking Clonazepam and other medications, it is essential to let your healthcare provider know that you are using any of the drugs that are listed below. These interactions have been determined based on their potential importance and may not be all-inclusive.

Clonazepam in conjunction together with any of the following drugs is not recommended. Your doctor might choose not to prescribe this medication or modify any other medication you are taking.

• Flumazenil

Utilizing clonazepam in conjunction in conjunction with any of the following drugs is not usually recommended however it may be necessary in some instances. If the two medications are prescribed in conjunction the doctor could alter the dosage or frequency you take one or both of the medications.

• Alfentanil
• Alprazolam
• Amobarbital
• Benzhydrocodone
• Bromazepam
• Bromopride
• Buprenorphine
• Butabarbital
• Butalbital
• Butorphanol
• Calcifediol
• Calcium Oxybate
• Cannabidiol
• Carbamazepine
• Carbinoxamine
• Carisoprodol
• Ceritinib
• Cetirizine
• Chloral Hydrate
• Chlorzoxazone
• Clarithromycin
• Clobazam
• Codeine
• Dantrolene
• Dihydrocodeine
• Doxylamine
• Esketamine
• Ethchlorvynol
• Fentanyl
• Flibanserin
• Fospropofol
• Gabapentin
• Gabapentin Enacarbil
• Hydrocodone
• Hydromorphone
• Ketamine
• Ketoconazole
• Lemborexant
• Levocetirizine
• Levorphanol
• Lofexidine
• Loxapine
• Magnesium Oxybate
• Meclizine
• Meperidine
• Mephenesin
• Mephobarbital
• Meprobamate
• Metaxalone
• Methadone
• Methocarbamol
• Methohexital
• Metoclopramide
• Midazolam
• Mirtazapine
• Morphine
• Morphine Sulfate Liposome
• Nalbuphine
• Orlistat
• Oxycodone
• Oxymorphone
• Pentazocine
• Pentobarbital
• Periciazine
• Phenobarbital
• Potassium Oxybate
• Pregabalin
• Primidone
• Propofol
• Remimazolam
• Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b-njft
• Scopolamine
• Secobarbital
• Sodium Oxybate
• Sufentanil
• Tapentadol
• Thiopental
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• Zolpidem

Utilizing clonazepam in conjunction with any of the following medications could increase the risk of some side effects, but taking both medicines could be the best option for you. If you are prescribed both medicines by your doctor, they might alter the dosage or frequency at which you take either or both drugs.

• Amiodarone
• Desipramine
• Ginkgo
• Nevirapine
• Rifapentine
• Ritonavir
• St John’s Wort
• Theophylline

Interactions with alcohol/food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medications shouldn’t be used during or near the time of having food items or eating particular kinds of food, as interactions can happen. Smoking or drinking alcohol in conjunction with certain medications may result in interactions. The following interactions have been chosen because of their potential impact and may not be all-inclusive.

Combining clonazepam with one of the following is generally not recommended, but it could be necessary in certain instances. If they are used in conjunction with other medications, your doctor could alter the dosage or frequency you take clonazepam. They may also give you specific directions regarding the consumption of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

• Ethanol

Other medical issues

The presence of any other medical conditions can affect the effects of the drug clonazepam. Be sure to inform your physician if there are any other medical issues including:

• Drug or alcohol abuse, dependence, or a history of or
• The history of the Depression, its roots or
• Trouble breathing, lung or lungs
• Porphyria – Use with care. It can make the condition worse.

• Glaucoma or narrow-angle acute or
• Liver disease – Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

• Kidney disease – Use with care. The effect may be heightened due to the slower elimination of the medication out of the body.

Properly using Clonazepam

Do not take clonazepam unless prescribed by your physician. Do not take more than it, and don’t do more frequently, and don’t use it for longer than what your doctor has prescribed. If too much the drug is consumed over an extended period of time, it could develop into a habit (causing physical or mental dependence).

Clonazepam is recommended to be accompanied by an informational guide for the medication. Learn and follow these guidelines attentively. Talk to your doctor if have any concerns.

Suck each tablet completely with water.

If you’re taking a wafer, tablets that are disintegrating (wafer), make sure that your hands are clean prior to handling the tablet. Don’t remove the packaging which contains tablets until ready to open it. Take the tablet out of its blister package by peeling off the foil. Be careful not to push the tablet into the foil. Don’t break or split the tablet. Put the tablet in your mouth. It should quickly melt. Once the tablet is melted you can drink a glass of water.

Dosing

The dosage of clonazepam can differ for different patients. Follow your doctor’s prescriptions or the instructions in the prescription. The information below is only the most common dose of Clonazepam. If you have a dose that differs, don’t change it until your doctor recommends it.

The quantity of medicine you are taking is determined by how strong the medication is. Additionally, the amount of doses you will take every day, the amount of time between doses, and the duration of time that you use the medicine depend on the medical condition for which you’re taking the medication.

• Forms for oral doses (tablets or tablets that dissolve):
  • For seizures:
    • Adults and children aged 10 years old and over – Start with 0.5 milligram (mg) three times daily. Your physician may alter the dosage as required. However, the dose should generally not higher than 20 mg per day.
    • Children aged 10 to 10 and 30 kilograms (kg) or body weight – Dose is based on body mass and is determined by your physician. The recommended dose is 0.01 up to 0.03 mg per kilogram of body weight every day divided into three or two doses. But, the dosage is generally not higher than 0.05 mg per kilogram of weight. Your doctor can alter your dosage according to the need.
  • In the case of panic disorder
    • Adults–At first, 0.25 milligram (mg) 2 times per day. Your physician may alter the dosage as required. However, the dose should generally not greater than 4 mg per day.
    • Children–Use and dosage must be determined by your physician.

Missed dose

If you have missed a dose of clonazepam do it as quickly as you can. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, avoid the missed dose and then go back to your normal dose schedule. Don’t double dose.

Storage

Place the medication in a sealed bottle at room temperatures, and away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Be sure to keep the medicine from the medicine from freezing.

Keep away from the reach of children.

Don’t keep old medicine or medicines that are no longer required.

Consult your physician about what you can do with any medication that you do not take.

Detailed Clonazepam dosage information

Take care when using clonazepam.

It is vital to have your doctor examine your progress regularly to ensure that the medication is working as it should and allow for any changes in dosage. It is possible to have blood tests to look for any adverse negative effects.

Clonazepam use while pregnant could harm the baby you are not expecting. Make sure you use a safe method for birth control in order to stop from becoming pregnant. If you suspect that you may have been pregnant while taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.

Clonazepam could cause dependence. If you are concerned that the medication isn’t working properly take care not to use more than the dose you are prescribed. Consult your physician for advice.

Clonazepam can cause drowsiness, difficulties with thinking, difficulty in controlling movements, or difficulty seeing clearly. Be sure to know what your reaction to clonazepam is prior to driving, using machines, or performing any else that may be risky in the event that you aren’t aware or capable of thinking or seeing clearly.

If you experience unusual or strange behavior or thoughts when you’re taking clonazepam, make sure you discuss the issue with your physician. The changes observed for people who take clonazepam look similar to those observed in those who drink alcohol but behave in a way that isn’t normal. Some changes could be more bizarre and extreme including confusion, a worsening of depression or hallucinations (seeing or hearing or experiencing things that aren’t) suicidal thoughts, and uncharacteristic nervousness, excitement, or anger.

If you’ve been taking clonazepam for many years don’t stop using it until you have checked with your physician. The doctor may advise you to reduce gradually the dosage you’re taking before stopping completely. This could help in preventing the worsening of your condition. This can also decrease the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms, such as actions that are beyond control such as anxiety, blurred vision, a lack of alertness or responsiveness, depression dizziness, the environment appears real, a feeling of invisibility, and feeling empty or sad irritation, loss of appetite, a loss of enthusiasm or pleasure imitation of movements or speech or movements, mutism, negativism anxiety, unusual gestures or movements, apathy or grimacing, seeing experiencing, or hearing things that don’t exist or not there. Feeling of disconnection from the body or self seizures, extreme sleeping, talking or expressing feelings, acting in a state of excitement, difficulty staying focused, and sleeping.

Signs of an overdose may include changes in consciousness, loss of coordination or loss of consciousness, mental or mood changes, or somnolence or unusual drowsiness. Get your doctor’s attention immediately in the event that you are experiencing these symptoms.

Clonazepam can enhance any effects of alcohol as well as other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. CNS depressants are medications that reduce the activity of the nervous system, which can cause an increase in drowsiness or less alert. Examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines and medicines for allergies, hay fever, and colds. They also include sedatives tranquilizers, sleep medicine prescription pain medication, barbiturates, narcotics or seizures medications such as muscle relaxants or anesthetics (numbing drugs) as well as certain dental anesthetics. Consult your physician before using any of these drugs when you are taking clonazepam.

Do not take any other medications in the absence of discussing with your physician. This includes prescription and prescription (over-the-counter OTC) medicine, herbal and vitamin supplements.

Clonazepam side effects

Alongside its necessary effects, some medicines may result in unwanted negative effects. While not all of these negative side effects are likely to be observed, if they occur, they could require medical attention.

Talk to your doctor immediately in the event that any of these adverse effects happen:

More popular

• Pain or aches in the body
• chills
• cough
• difficulties breathing
• Despair
• dizziness
• Ear congestion
• Feeling sad or empty
• The fever
• headache
• irritability
• Insomnia and lack of appetite
• Inability to keep interested or enjoy
• Loss of voice
• nasal congestion
• poor coordination
• nose that is runny
• Shaking and unsteady walking
• Drowsiness, sleepiness or unusually sleepiness or unusual
• Sneezing
• sore throat
• tiredness
• difficulty in getting your attention
• Trouble sleep
• difficulty in standing, trembling or other issues in coordination or muscle control
• unusual fatigue or weakness

Less well-known

• Being forgetful
• Pain in the bladder
• Urine that is cloudy or bloody
• Changes in speech
• less frequent the frequency of
• diarrhea
• problems with the process of passing urine
• painful pain, burning, or difficult urinary tract
• Urinary urges that are frequent
• general sensation of discomfort or illness
• joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Lower back or side discomfort
• mood, mental or emotional changes
• Muscle aches and pains
• nausea
• Nervousness
• urinary problems or an increase in the quantity of urine
• Shivering
• Speech slurred
• sore throat
• sweating
• Trouble speaking
• vomiting

Rare

• Itching, burning, crawling, and numbness. Prickling “pins and needles”, or tingling sensations
• Changes in the color of skin
• chest pain 
• cold sweats
• colds
• confusion
• cough or hoarseness or cough
• difficulties with sleeping
• faintness, dizziness or lightheadedness after rising abruptly from a sitting or lying or seated
• excessive dreaming
• excess muscular tone
• Excited
• falling
• quick and irregular, pounding or racing heartbeats
• I’m feeling a bit mad
• sensation of a sense of unreal
• Influenza-like symptoms
• The headache is severe and the throbbing can be unbearable.
• Insanity or lack of emotion
• inability to control or lack of self-control
• Muscle stiffness
• Tension in the muscles or tightness
• nightmares
• discomfort, inflammation or swelling in the shoulders, calves, or hands
• swelling or pain in the legs or arms regardless of injury
• tenderness, pain or swelling in the leg or foot
• mild or partial paralysis
• scaling
• feelings of separation from body or self
• shaking in your arms, legs, hands or feet
• the skin the rash
• Eye swelling
• swelling of the ankle, face foot or knees
• The thoughts of killing oneself change in one’s behavior
• shakes of feet or hands
• indifferent
• Vision shifts

The exact cause is not known.

• Anxiety
• Black, tarry stool
• bleeding gums
• urine, or in the stools
• change in consciousness
• chest congestion
• difficulties in coordination
• double vision
• Drowsiness
• dry mouth
• the feeling that other people have a vested interest in your actions
• you feel that other people are able to sense that others are able to
• experiencing or seeing or hearing things that aren’t present
• hyperventilation
• Slow, irregular, rapid, or breath that is shallow or slow
• The uncontrolled twisting and twisting of the hands face arms or legs
• Loss of interest or enjoyment
• Memory loss
• Loss of strength or energy
• Voice loss
• Muscle weakness
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• tiny red spots on the skin
• issues with memory
• insanity
• Mental or mood swings that are severe
• ulcers, sores, or white spots on the lips or inside the mouth
• Fullness or stomach pain
• swollen glands
• Trouble breathing
• Eye movements that are not controlled
• Unusual behavior
• bleeding or bruising that is unusual
• Astonishing weakness
• vivid dreams
• Weight loss or gain

Contact emergency assistance immediately in the event that any of these signs of an overdose develop:

The signs of overdose

• Change in consciousness
• loss of consciousness
• mood, mental or emotional changes
• Sleepiness or unusual tiredness

Certain side effects can be experienced which usually don’t require medical care. These symptoms may disappear after treatment, as the body adapts to your. Additionally, your doctor could be able to inform you how to prevent or minimize the effects of these adverse side effects. Consult your physician in the event that any of these adverse effects persist or are troubling or if you have questions regarding these:

Less popular

• A decrease in interest in sexual encounters
• difficulty swallowing
• Dryness or soreness of the throat
• massive bleeding
• Hives
• inability to get or maintain the ability to maintain an
• longer than normal time for the ejaculation of semen
• decrease in sexual capacity motivation, desire or loss of sexual ability, desire, drive or
• discomfort or tenderness around the cheekbones, eyes, and cheeks.
• The swelling or puffiness of the eyelids and around the eyes or lips or the tongue
• voice changes

Rare

• Acidic or sour stomach
• knee, ankle, or the great toe joint discomfort in the knee, ankle, or great toe joint
• Belching
• bleeding after defecation
• The skin may blister, burn, or crust dryness or peeling of skin
• The bloated
• blurred or lost vision
• Change in color perception
• Skin cracks are visible at the corners of the mouth.
• Changes or decreases in vision
• trouble getting around
• double vision
• Dryness of the eyes
• earache
• excessive gas or air in the stomach or the intestines
• sense of constant moving of oneself or of the surroundings
• sensation of warmth
• frequent bowel movements
• full feeling
• hair loss or loss of hair
• halos around lights
• heartburn
• an increase in the amount of salivary watering
• indigestion
• Menstrual irregularities that are not normal
• itching in the genital region or other areas of the skin
• itching, scaling, intense redness, soreness as well as swelling or redness of the skin
• swelling or stiffness in joints.
• Leg or muscle cramps in the leg or muscle
• Loss of taste
• night blindness
• nosebleeds
• the overbright look of the lights
• painful pelvic region or around the breasts
• muscle pain in the legs or nape
• passing gas
• Red, sore eyes
• facial redness and neck and sometimes, the chest.
• The ear may be red or swollen. ears
• the sensation of spinning
• less semen is ejaculated less frequently
• irritation on the edges of the eyelid
• redness or irritation around the toenails and fingernails
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• The tongue gets thicker
• thirst
• tooth disorder
• toothache
• tunnel vision
• The eyes twitching
• Uncomfortable swelling in the area of the anus
• Acne is getting worse

Incidence unknown

• A burning sensation in the stomach or chest
• the trouble with bowel movements (stool)
• an increase in appetite
• the growth of hair, particularly on the face.
• enhanced sexual capacity or drive or increased sexual ability, desire, or
• an increase in interest in sexual encounters
• gums sore
• The stomach area is tender

Other adverse side effects that are not listed can also occur in certain patients. If you experience any other side effects, you should consult with your physician.

Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Clonazepam side effects (more detail)

Additional details

Always consult your doctor to confirm that the information provided on this site is appropriate to your particular situation.