clonazepam

Clonazepam is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine family, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane), and others.

Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical that nerve cells use to communicate with each other) that inhibits brain activity. It is believed that excessive activity in the brain may lead to anxiety or other psychiatric disorders. Clonazepam is primarily used for treating panic disorder and preventing certain types of seizures.

The FDA approved clonazepam in June 1975.

What brand names are available for clonazepam?

Klonopin

Is clonazepam available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for clonazepam?

Yes

Clonazepam is used for:

• The treatment of a panic disorder
• Certain types of seizures, specifically petit mal seizures, akinetic seizures, and myoclonus, as well as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Clonazepam may be used alone or together with other medications for these seizure disorders.
• The short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety.

The most common side effects associated with clonazepam are sedation, which is reported in approximately half of the patients. Dizziness is reported in one-third of patients.

Other common side effects include:

• A feeling of depression,
• Loss of orientation,
• Headache,
• Weakness,
• Unsteadiness, and
• Sleep disturbance
• Lack of inhibition
• Fatigue
• Amnesia
• Confusion
• Changes in sexual desire
• Rash
• Irritability

Other serious side effects of clonazepam include:

• Respiratory depression
• Fainting
• Enlarged liver
• Withdrawal symptoms (if stopped suddenly)
• Increased heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Blood disorders

Other serious adverse reactions:

• Antiepileptic medications have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. Anyone considering the use of antiepileptic drugs must balance this risk of suicide with the clinical need for the antiepileptic drug. Patients who begin antiepileptic therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in behavior.

The dose of clonazepam is tailored to the patient's needs.

• For seizures in adults, the initial dose is 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses.
• Dosage may be increased by 0.5 to 1 mg daily every 3 days until seizures are controlled or side effects preclude further increases in dose.
• The maximum dose is 20 mg daily. The initial dose for panic disorders is 0.25 mg twice daily.
• The dose may be increased to the target dose of 1 mg daily after 3 days.

Clonazepam, like all other benzodiazepines, accentuates the effects of other drugs that slow the brain's processes, such as alcohol, barbiturates, and narcotics, and leads to increased sedation.

• Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines have been associated with fetal damage, including congenital malformations, when taken by pregnant women in their first trimester. Clonazepam is best avoided in the first trimester and probably throughout pregnancy.
• Benzodiazepines are secreted in breast milk. Mothers who are breastfeeding should not take clonazepam.

• Tablets: 0.5, 1, and 2 mg;
• Disintegrating tablets: 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg.

Tablets should be kept at room temperature, between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F).