Uses
What is clonazepam used for?
Clonazepam is commonly used to treat the following conditions.
- Certain types of seizure disorders, also called epilepsy
- Panic disorder with or without the fear of open spaces, also called agoraphobia
Clonazepam may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does clonazepam work (mechanism of action)?
Clonazepam produces a calming effect on the brain and nerves, which helps to reduce anxiety, prevent seizures, and promote relaxation.
How is clonazepam supplied (dosage forms)?
Clonazepam is available as Klonopin, Klonopin ODT, and generic clonazepam in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 0.125 mg orally disintegrating tablets
- 0.25 mg orally disintegrating tablets
- 0.5 mg orally disintegrating tablets
- 1 mg orally disintegrating tablets
- 2 mg orally disintegrating tablets
- 0.5 mg oral tablets
- 1 mg oral tablets
- 2 mg oral tablets
How should I store clonazepam?
Clonazepam should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of clonazepam?
The most common side effects of clonazepam are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Drowsiness
- Problems with walking and coordination
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Problems with memory
There may be other side effects of clonazepam that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of clonazepam?
While less common, the most serious side effects of clonazepam are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Clonazepam can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using clonazepam and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Clonazepam may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you’re about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
Risk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing clonazepam can lead to serious side effects like coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take clonazepam exactly as prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel that clonazepam is not working. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following serious symptoms.
- Sudden confusion or feeling disoriented
- Feeling paranoid
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing
Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions. Clonazepam can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine to function properly. If you stop clonazepam suddenly, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be life-threatening. Do not stop taking clonazepam without talking with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to stop clonazepam to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following serious symptoms.
- Unusual movements, responses, or expressions
- Seizures
- Sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes
- Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations
- An extreme increase in activity or talking
- Losing touch with reality
Some people may experience the following symptoms of a withdrawal reaction that can last for several weeks to more than 12 months.
- Anxiety
- Trouble remembering, learning, or concentrating
- Depression
- Problems sleeping
- Feeling like insects are crawling under the skin
- Weakness
- Shaking
- Muscle twitching
- Burning or prickling feeling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
- Ringing in the ears
Risk With Opioid Medicines. Taking clonazepam with an opioid medicine, such as codeine, morphine, and oxycodone, may lead to severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death. Get emergency help right away if you experience the following symptoms.
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Breathing stops (which may lead to the heart stopping)
- Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake
Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Clonazepam can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how clonazepam affects you.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use clonazepam?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use clonazepam.
- Clonazepam
- Klonopin
- Any other medicine known as a benzodiazepine, such as alprazolam or lorazepam
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed.
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific clonazepam products they stock.
Liver Problems. Clonazepam should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.
Glaucoma. Do not use clonazepam if you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma. There are different types of glaucoma. If you do not know what type you have, talk with your healthcare provider before taking clonazepam.
What should I know about clonazepam before using it?
Do not take clonazepam unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share clonazepam with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep clonazepam out of the reach of children.
People who are age 65 years and older can be at greater risk for some side effects of clonazepam, including confusion and drowsiness from clonazepam. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using clonazepam?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if clonazepam is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Mental Health Problems. Tell your healthcare provider about your recent and current mental health problems, especially if you have had thoughts of suicide or dying or have ever attempted suicide.
Substance Use Disorder. Clonazepam is a controlled substance and may be misused or lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of a drug or alcohol disorder.
Seizures. Clonazepam may increase the risk of or worsen seizures in certain people who have seizures. Tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures and about any medicines you take for seizures.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver or kidney problems
- Lung problems
- Make too much saliva
- A condition known as porphyria that can affect the skin and nerves
Other Medicines and Supplements. Clonazepam may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using clonazepam, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how clonazepam could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Using clonazepam during the later stages of pregnancy can cause withdrawal and the following symptoms, in newborns.
- Breathing problems
- Sluggish
- Low muscle tone
- Jittery
- Fussiness or irritability
- Restlessness
- Shaking
- Excessive crying
- Feeding problems
Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using clonazepam, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic medicines during pregnancy. You can register by calling 888-233-2334 or online at www.aedpregnancyregistry.org.
Breastfeeding. Clonazepam passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding a child while taking clonazepam can lead to sleepiness, feeding problems, and decreased weight gain. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take clonazepam while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does clonazepam interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between clonazepam and foods or nonalcoholic drinks.
Do not drink alcohol while taking clonazepam. The risk of serious problems such as severe dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble breathing may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking clonazepam.
Does clonazepam interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure to discuss if you are using any of the following before taking clonazepam.
- Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness (e.g., prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, medicines for anxiety, and antipsychotic medicines)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine used to control seizures
- Fluconazole (Diflucan), which is a medicine to treat fungal infections
- A tricyclic antidepressant, even if it is not used for depression
- A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
- Other medicines to control seizures
- Flumazenil (Romazicon), which is a medicine used to manage benzodiazepine overdose
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of clonazepam. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with clonazepam. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much clonazepam?
If you or someone else has used too much clonazepam, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of clonazepam?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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