GENERIC NAME:

clonazepam

BRAND NAME:

Klonopin

Uses

Clonazepam (kloe-NA-ze-pam) is used for controlling certain types of seizures and for the treatment of panic disorders. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS

The most commonly noted side effects associated with clonazepam are sedation, which is reported in approximately half of patients, dizziness which is reported in one-third of patients, weakness, and unsteadiness.

Other side effects include a feeling of depression, loss of orientation, headache, and sleep disturbance.

Like all benzodiazepines, clonazepam can cause physical dependence. Suddenly stopping therapy after a few months of daily therapy may be associated with a feeling of loss of self-worth, agitation, and insomnia. If clonazepam is taken continuously for longer than a few months, stopping therapy suddenly may produce seizures, tremors, muscle cramping, vomiting, and/or sweating. Therefore, discontinuation usually is accomplished by reducing the dose gradually.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: antifungals (eg, fluconazole), disulfiram, nefazodone, omeprazole, or valproic acid because they may increase the risk of Clonazepam's side effects; Sodium oxybate (GHB); because an increase in sleep duration and a decrease in the ability to breathe may occur; Clozapine; because dangerous side effects, such as confusion, sedation, excess salivation, unsteady movements, lightheadedness especially upon standing, difficult or slow breathing, or drowsiness leading to unresponsiveness or coma, may occur; Rifampin, St. John's wort, or valproic acid because they may decrease Clonazepam's effectiveness.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, and fainting.

STORAGE

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

Precaution:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; if you have or have ever had alcoholism, substance abuse or dependence, or if you consume more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day; if you have depression or have ever considered or attempted suicide; if you have myasthenia gravis (a condition in which the muscles become progressively weakened); if you have angle-closure glaucoma, liver or kidney problems, or porphyria; if you have chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or other breathing problems. Clonazepam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or difficulty with coordination. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Clonazepam with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Clonazepam may cause you to lose consciousness if you have a history of seizures. Use Clonazepam with caution. Do not perform tasks that could be unsafe for you or others if you should lose consciousness (eg, driving, swimming, running heavy machinery). Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Clonazepam; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness. Carry an ID card at all times that says you take Clonazepam if it is used for seizures. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Clonazepam while you are pregnant. Clonazepam may cause harm to the fetus. Clonazepam is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Clonazepam. When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Clonazepam may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. Talk with your doctor if Clonazepam stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed. When used for longer than a few weeks or at high doses, some people develop a need to continue taking Clonazepam. If you stop taking Clonazepam suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms. These may include abnormal thoughts or behavioral disorder, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, personality changes or loss of contact with reality; convulsions (seizures); insomnia; stomach and muscle cramps; tremor. Do not suddenly stop taking Clonazepam. If you need to stop Clonazepam, your doctor will lower your dose over time.