Clonazepam

What is Clonazepam?

Clonazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It’s used to control seizures or fits due to epilepsy, involuntary muscle spasms, panic disorder and sometimes restless legs syndrome. Clonazepam (Klonopin) is available on prescription only. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow.

Uses of Clonazepam

Clonazepam is also used to treat symptoms of akathisia that may occur as a side effect of treatment with antipsychotic medications (medications for mental illness) and to treat acute catatonic reactions (state in which a person does not move or speak at all or moves or speaks abnormally). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

How to Use Clonazepam

Clonazepam comes as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (tablet that dissolves quickly in the mouth) to take by mouth. It usually is taken one to three times a day with or without food. Take Klonopin at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Do not try to push the orally disintegrating tablet through the foil. Instead, use dry hands to peel back the foil packaging. Immediately take out the tablet and place it in your mouth. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with or without liquid.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of clonazepam and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 3 days.

Clonazepam may help control your condition, but will not cure it. It may take a few weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of clonazepam. Continue to take clonazepam even if you feel well.

Do not stop taking clonazepam without talking to your doctor, even if you experience side effects such as unusual changes in behavior or mood, If you suddenly stop taking Klonopin, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as new or worsening seizures, hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), changes in behavior, sweating, uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body, stomach or muscle cramps, anxiety, or difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

Key Facts About Clonazepam

• Clonazepam works by increasing levels of a calming chemical in your brain. This can relieve anxiety, stop seizures and fits or relax tense muscles.
• The most common side effect is feeling sleepy (drowsy) during the daytime.
• Clonazepam is not likely to be addictive if you take it for a short time (2 to 4 weeks).
• If you take clonazepam for more than 2 to 4 weeks, your dose will need to be reduced gradually before you stop taking it.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking Klonopin. There’s a risk you can sleep very deeply and you may have trouble waking up.

Clonazepam Side Effects

Clonazepam may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• unsteadiness
• problems with coordination
• difficulty thinking or remembering
• increased saliva
• muscle or joint pain
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability