Clonazepam

Common brand name: Klonopin

Type of medication: Anticonvulsant, antianxiety

Why is this drug prescribed?
Clonazepam is prescribed to treat seizures, anxiety, and panic disorder.

How is clonazepam given?
Clonazepam comes in the form of a tablet taken by mouth. Individual doses vary, and your doctor will tell you how much to take at each dose. In order for clonazepam to be effective, it is important that a constant amount of it remains in the bloodstream. In order to accomplish this, try taking the drug around the same time everyday as ordered by your doctor. This medication may be habit-forming.

Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully. If there is any part that you do not understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take any more or less than prescribed and do not take it more often than prescribed. If you feel that the medication is not working as well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Instead, contact your physician.

NEVER abruptly discontinue this medication. Stopping this drug suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, irritability). Prior to stopping this medication, your doctor will probably reduce your dose gradually.

What special precautions should I follow before using this drug?
Before taking clonazepam, inform your doctor of any prescription or over-the-counter medications that you are currently taking; this includes any herbal medications or supplements that you are taking. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems or conditions including:

• Drug allergies especially to other related drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), or clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion)
• Drug or alcohol abuse or a history of
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Brain diseases
• Emphysema, asthma, bronchitis or other chronic lung diseases.
• Glaucoma
• Hyperactivity
• Depression
• Myasthenia gravis
• Porphyria (inherited diseases characterized by skin sensitivity to sunlight and/or by intermittent acute attacks of abdominal and nerve pain)
• Sleep apnea
• Kidney, liver or heart disease

What special instructions should I follow while using this drug?
Clonazepam adds to the effects of other central nervous system suppressants such as alcohol and those found in many antihistamines, cold medications, pain medications, sleep aids, and muscle relaxants. Check with your doctor before taking any of these items. Also, inform your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

Because this medication can cause drowsiness and dizziness, make sure you are aware of how this drug reacts before driving or using machines that require you to be alert.

Clonazepam may be harmful to the unborn child. Use an effective form of birth control. If you think you are pregnant while using this medication, tell your doctor right away.

Before you have any kind of surgery, dental treatment or emergency treatment, tell your doctor or dentist if you are using this medication.

Your doctor may want you to carry a medical identification card or bracelet stating that you are taking this medication.

Do not let anyone else take your medication.

What are the common side effects?
The most common side effects of clonazepam include:

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Skin rash
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Weakness or tiredness

When should I call my doctor?
If you experience any of the following side effects, contact you doctor immediately:

• Anxiety
• Fast, irregular heartbeat
• Loss of memory of events taking place after the drug has been taken
• Depression
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Seizures
• Persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
• Unusual eye movement
• Muscle weakness
• Have any questions or concerns

What should I do if I forget a dose?
If a dose is missed, simply take it as soon as you remember if it is within an hour of the scheduled dose. Otherwise simply skip the missed dose and proceed with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

What storage conditions are necessary for this drug?
Clonazepam should be kept in its original container, tightly sealed and away from children. The tablet form should be stored in room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom) and out of direct sunlight. Any medication that is outdated or unused should be thrown away.