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Phl-Clonazepam
Common Name
clonazepam
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Clonazepam belongs to the class of medications called benzodiazepines. In general, benzodiazepines are used as a sedative or to decrease seizures or anxiety. Clonazepam is used to treat seizure disorders. It helps by slowing the activity of the nerves in the brain (i.e., the central nervous system).
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
This medication is available as 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg tablets.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult starting dose of clonazepam should not be greater than 1.5 mg per day in 3 divided doses, with or without food. It is important that the dose be individualized to your specific needs to avoid excessive sedation or motor impairment.
The recommended maintenance dose for adults is 8 mg to 10 mg per day in 3 divided doses. The dose is usually started low and increased if necessary by your doctor.
For children up to 10 years old or who weigh 30 kilograms or less, the dose is based on weight (0.01 mg per kilogram of body weight per day to 0.03 mg per kilogram of body weight per day).
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medication as it can increase the levels of clonazepam in your blood.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Clonazepam should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to clonazepam, any other benzodiazepine (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam, oxazepam), or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has acute narrow or closed angle glaucoma
- has myasthenia gravis
- has severe breathing problems
- has severe liver disease
- has sleep apnea
Clonazepam may be used by people with open angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate treatment.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- delayed reaction
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- drowsiness
- increased watering of the mouth
- muscle weakness
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- abnormal thinking (disorientation, delusions, or loss of sense of reality)
- aggressiveness
- agitation
- anxiety
- behaviour changes
- confusion
- convulsions (seizures)
- depression
- hallucinations
- memory loss of recent events
- unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips, or throat)
- skin rash, blisters, or itching
- ulcers or sores in the mouth or throat
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.
Alcohol: People taking this medication should not consume alcohol since doing so can reduce the effectiveness of this medication and increase the risk of side effects.
Breathing: Clonazepam can suppress breathing. This effect on breathing may be more pronounced for people with breathing problems, brain damage, or who are taking other medications that suppress breathing (e.g., codeine, morphine). People with severe breathing problems should not take this medication.
Coordination problems: People who have a medical condition that affects coordination (e.g., spinal or cerebellar ataxia) should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Dependence and withdrawal: Physical dependence (a need to take regular doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with benzodiazepines such as clonazepam. Severe withdrawal symptoms may occur if the dose is significantly reduced or suddenly stopped. These symptoms include seizures, irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, agitation, tremors, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, memory impairment, headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, and confusion. Reducing the dose gradually under medical supervision can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Because clonazepam causes drowsiness and sedation, do not engage in activities requiring mental alertness, judgment, and physical coordination (such as driving or operating machinery) while taking it. This is particularly true when first taking the medication and until you have established that clonazepam does not affect you this way. Alcohol can increase the drowsiness effects and should be avoided.
Grapefruit juice: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medication as it can increase the levels of clonazepam in your blood.
Kidney problems: People with kidney problems should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lactose intolerance: Lactose is one of the ingredients in this medication. People should not take this medication if they have a hereditary condition that makes them intolerant to lactose.
Liver problems: People with mild to moderate liver problems should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with severe liver problems should not take this medication.
Medical conditions: Clonazepam is not recommended for use by people with depression or psychosis or who have attempted suicide. People who have an addiction to alcohol or other drugs should not take clonazepam except in rare situations under medical supervision.
Memory: This medication may impair recent memory. If you experience this while taking this medication, contact your doctor.
Porphyria: People with porphyria should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Seizures: For some people taking this medication, seizures may worsen or a new type of seizure can occur. If you experience seizures while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Taking clonazepam during pregnancy can increase the risk of certain birth defects. This medication should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Discuss the options with your doctor and follow their instructions closely.
Breast-feeding: Clonazepam passes into breast milk. Women taking this medication should not breast-feed.
Children: If long-term use of clonazepam is being considered for a child, the benefits need to be weighed against the risks of clonazepam's effects on physical and mental development.
Seniors: Seniors may be at increased risk for the sedative and impaired coordination effects of this medication. This can increase the risk of falls and fractures. Seniors may require lower doses of this medication.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between clonazepam and any of the following:
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If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications; you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material © 1996-2013 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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