What is clonazepam?
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). It is thought that benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Clonazepam is used to treat certain seizure disorders (including absence seizures or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) in adults and children.
Clonazepam is also used to treat panic disorder (including agoraphobia) in adults.
How should I take clonazepam?
Take clonazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never use this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Warnings
Clonazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing.
MISUSE OF CLONAZEPAM CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Never share clonazepam with another person. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking clonazepam. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.
Clonazepam side effects
Clonazepam can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking clonazepam. This list does not include all possible side effects.
For more information on the possible side effects of clonazepam, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, a person should talk with their doctor or pharmacist.
Common side effects
The more common side effects of clonazepam oral tablet can include:
- drowsiness
- problems with walking and coordination
- dizziness
- depression
- fatigue
- problems with memory
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, a person should talk to their doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
A person should call their doctor right away if they have serious side effects. They should call 911 if their symptoms feel life-threatening or if they think they are having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
- depressed mood or thoughts of suicide (harming themself)
- seizures (these are more likely to happen if a person stops taking this drug too quickly, or if they already have a seizure disorder)
How to take clonazepam
The clonazepam dosage a doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition the person is using clonazepam to treat
- the person’s age
- the form of clonazepam they take
- other medical conditions they may have
Typically, a doctor will start a person on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that’s right for them. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
