Clonazepam belongs to benzodiazepines. Like other benzodiazepine drugs, Clonazepam works by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Clonazepam helps treat seizure disorders, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or absence seizures in adults and children. It also helps treat panic disorders such as agoraphobia in adults.
Clonazepam can slow down or stop your breathing, especially if you have been using opioid medication, other drugs, or alcohol that can slow your breathing.
Misuse of drugs like Clonazepam can cause overdose, addiction, or death. Never share Clonazepam with someone else.
Some people have suicidal thoughts while taking Clonazepam. Stay alert to mood changes symptoms. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine, or you could have seizures or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
You should avoid taking Clonazepam if you have:
To ensure that Clonazepam is safe for you, tell the medical health care provider if you have ever had:
Some people have suicidal thoughts while taking drugs for seizures. Your doctor should check your medical progress regularly. Your attendant or any family member should also be alert to your mood changes.
Using Clonazepam during pregnancy can make your baby drug-dependent. In addition, it can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after its birth.
Do not initiate or stop taking seizure drugs during pregnancy without consulting your doctor. A seizure during pregnancy is harmful to both mother and baby.
It is unsafe to breastfeed while taking Clonazepam. Talk to your doctor about risks.
Do not give Clonazepam to a child without medical consultation. Clonazepam is not under the recommendation to treat panic disorder in children younger than 18 years old.
Take Clonazepam precisely as per the doctor’s prescription. Read carefully and follow all the instructions on the medication guide. Occasionally, your doctor may change your dose. Never take Clonazepam in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Never share a drug like Clonazepam with someone else, especially someone with a past of drug abuse or addiction. Misuse of medications like Clonazepam can cause overdose, addiction, or death.
You may need frequent medical tests while going through treatment with Clonazepam.
Do not suddenly stop using Clonazepam, even if you do not need this medicine anymore. Instead, take your doctor’s help to stop taking it safely.
Swallow the whole regular tablet with a full glass of water.
In children, the dose is weight-based. Therefore, your child’s dosage may need to change if the child gains or loses weight.
Store Clonazepam away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Usual adult dosage for seizure prophylaxis:
Usual adult dosage for panic disorder:
Usual pediatric dose for seizure prophylaxis:
Take emergency medical help or call the Poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms to Clonazepam may include confusion, extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, or coma.
Consumption of alcohol can cause dangerous side effects, or death may occur.
Avoid driving any vehicle or performing any hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Drowsiness or dizziness may cause accidental falls or severe injuries.
Take medical help instantly if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction to Clonazepam, including trouble breathing, hives, swelling of your face, throat, lips, or tongue.
Clonazepam can slow down or stop your breathing, especially if you have been using opioid medication, other drugs, or alcohol that can slow your breathing.
Report any new, persisting, or worsening symptoms to your doctor such as:
Call your medical healthcare professional immediately if you have:
Common side effects to Clonazepam may include:
It is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Consult your doctor for medical advice regarding side effects. In addition, you may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Taking Clonazepam with other medications that slow down your breathing or make you sleepy can lead to dangerous side effects or death. Consult your doctor before taking a muscle relaxer, an opioid medicine, a sleeping pill, or medication for seizures or anxiety.
Tell your medical healthcare professional about all the other medicines you use, especially valproic acid and phenytoin.
It is not a complete list, and other drugs may also interact with Clonazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal products, and vitamins.