clonazepam (Klonopin) Side Effect, Dosage & Withdrawal Symptoms

What is clonazepam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

• 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?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for clonazepam?

Yes

What are the uses for clonazepam?

Clonazepam is used for:

• The treatment of 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.

Panic attacks are repeated attacks of fear that can last for several minutes.
See Answer

What are the side effects of clonazepam?

The most common side effects associated with clonazepam
are sedation, which is reported in approximately half of 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.

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What is the dosage for clonazepam?

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.

Which drugs or supplements interact with clonazepam?

• 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.

Is clonazepam safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

• 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.

What else should I know about clonazepam?

What preparations of clonazepam are available?

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

How should I keep clonazepam stored?

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