MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. It has been shown to work for many different seizure types. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. Clonazepam: Side effects, dosage, uses, and more - Medical News Today Consuming alcohol with benzodiazepines increases these risks. For more information, see the Klonopin withdrawal and dependence section above. This document is commonly known as a package insert because it is usually included with each package of the medicine. Here is a link to one article related to clonazepam: Mikkelsen B, Birket-Smith E, Bradt S, et al. If youre thinking about stopping treatment with the drug, talk with your doctor first. Clonazepam dosage, forms, and strengths - SingleCare If these problems do not go away within several days, or are really bothersome, call the doctor. The elderly or frail may be especially sensitive to clonazepam's effects. In addition to the following information, you can see this article to learn about Klonopins interactions. Take clonazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not bite them. Using dry hands, place the wafer in the mouth immediately after peeling back the foil from the blister pack. Clonazepam: Generic, Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Interactions - RxList See Dosage for seizure disorders above. Clonazepam (Klonopin) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness Available for Android and iOS devices. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine prescription drug and is classified by the DEA as Schedule IV controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor. Clonazepam is at this time recommended for use in combination with SSRIs (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline) as an antidepressant, and should be used at a dosage of 2.5-6.0 mg/day. To help make sure that you dont miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. Benzos, as they are commonly called, include other anti-anxiety medications such as Valium, Xanax, and Ativan. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. It is recommended that if the doses are not equally divided during the day, the largest dose should be taken at bedtime. What are the effects of [node:title] on Seniors. * Klonopin has a boxed warning for this side effect. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Here's a list of symptoms that may be the start of one of these problems. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury. The lowest dose should be used for the shortest possible time. clonazepam (Klonopin): Anti-Anxiety, Side Effects, Uses & Dosage For details on this use, see Klonopin for seizure disorders above. If clonazepam is effective, a response should be observed within 2-4 weeks. If the dose has been increased gradually over many months or years, it can be hard to separate the effects of the clonazepam (or other benzodiazepines) from the effects of other medications, seizures, and other neurological and psychological disorders. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect youve had with Klonopin, you can do so through MedWatch. Some children are very sensitive to these side effects, which can occur even if the clonazepam is introduced at very low doses. Klonopin may also be used off-label for other conditions. As with all medications, the cost of Klonopin can vary. The severity of the withdrawal can also vary. They can work with you to find a treatment thats best for you. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. To learn more about Klonopins dosage, see this comprehensive article. The drug is known to pass into breast milk. Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. This is because your dose will be increased gradually until you're taking the right amount. If you have any questions about Klonopins side effects in your child, talk with their doctor. In clinical studies, pregnant females* who took drugs called benzodiazepines during pregnancy had children who experienced various side effects, such as trouble feeding. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. A seizure disorder is a condition in which you have several seizures. Last updated on Jun 3, 2023. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without his or her advice. For more information about the possible side effects of Klonopin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If youd like more information on the registry, talk with your doctor. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking clonazepam because it may enhance the side effects of sedation and respiratory depression. This means a person may need to take it. What types of medicines can be used as a rescue treatment? Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news and stories from the community. Klonopin contains the active drug clonazepam and belongs to the benzodiazepine drug class. If you have trouble swallowing Klonopin, talk with your pharmacist. These lists do not include all possible side effects. Oral Rescue Medicines | Epilepsy Foundation Klonopin (A Complete Guide) | OptimistMinds Clonazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information Klonopin may cause side effects in children similar to those in adults. Klonopin vs Xanax - How are they different? Examples include: Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, are not used to treat pain. Some people may confuse the term narcotic with controlled substance. But they are not the same, and not all controlled substances are narcotics. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Klonopin use is not recommended while breastfeeding. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin. Klonopin: Dosage, side effects, how it works, and more - Medical News Today The children also experienced drug dependence and withdrawal. Clonazepam is available on prescription only. Muscle weakness. There are four main types of epilepsy: focal, generalized, combination, and unknown. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Clonazepam belongs to the class of medicines known as benzodiazepines. But the drug may be used off-label for sleep problems. If you forget doses often, it may be a good idea to get a special pillbox or watch with an alarm to remind you. Be sure to follow your doctors instructions about how many hours between doses are safe for you. Programs Briefs | Epilepsy Foundation, Discrimination in Federally Funded Programs Briefs, First Responders and Seizure Management Briefs, Resources and Seizure Action Plans for Summer Camp, Explaining Epilepsy to Friends and Family, Epilepsy Foundation Individual and Family Services, About Research and Funding at Epilepsy Foundation, The Epilepsy Learning Healthcare System (ELHS), Access the Rare Epilepsy Network Registry, #AimForZero: Striving Toward a Future Free from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, Advocacy: Access Prescription Medications, Advocacy: Affordable Comprehensive Health Coverage, Teens Speak Up! Before taking Klonopin, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include: * For more information about this side effect, see the Side effect details section below. What are the most serious side effects of [node:title]? Arch Neurol. Withdrawal symptoms (including convulsions, tremors, cramps, vomiting, sweating, or insomnia) may occur with abrupt discontinuation; taper off slowly under a doctor's supervision. Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. For children ages 11 to 17 years, the recommended dosage is the same as for adults. For more information about taking Klonopin during pregnancy, see the Klonopin and pregnancy section above. Klonopin, the brand name medication for clonazepam, is a sedative benzodiazepine that is used to prevent and treat seizures, anxiety, and panic disorders. If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. Klonopin is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant medication. No, Klonopin is not a narcotic (a powerful pain reliever also known as an opioid). If youre interested in finding an alternative to Klonopin, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. We judged both studies as being of poor quality. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. When used long-term it can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms on discontinuation. Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. In some cases, these problems diminish with time. Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines work by increasing the levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid. Taking more than the recommended dosage of Klonopin can lead to serious side effects. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If daytime seizures occur, you may be told to take some clonazepam two or three times a day. To help make sure that you dont miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. In fact, the drug has a boxed warning for these risks. Klonopin, or clonazepam, is a sedative drug that is used to control seizures, panic disorder and anxiety. Symptoms include anxiety, agitation, rage, sleep disturbances, sexual disinhibition, or hallucinations. In many of these cases, very gradual reduction of the benzodiazepine (often over many months or years) can lead to a dramatic improvement in attention, concentration, memory, and mood without worsening the seizures, insomnia, or anxiety for which the medication was originally prescribed. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. However, its possible for children to develop paradoxical reactions while taking Klonopin. Do not take two doses at one time. If you have questions about the use of other drugs with Klonopin, talk with your doctor. Dosage should then increase by no more than 0.01 to 0.02 mg/kg every third day. Clonazepam is usually used as an "add-on" medication for people who continue to have seizures while taking other seizure medicines, or sometimes as a medication of last resort after most others have failed. This calming action makes clonazepam an effective option for preventing and treating seizures or panic attacks. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Clonazepam is used alone or in combination with other medications to control certain types of seizures. To learn how to read and understand a package insert, see "How to read a package insert.". Find out how clonazepam treats epileptic seizures or fits, muscle spasms, panic disorder and restless legs syndrome, and how to take it. Preventing seizures may outweigh these risks. Specifically, its a kind of anxiety disorder. In the study conducted in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, clonazepam was compared to carbamazepine (an antiepileptic drug used to treat focal epilepsy). Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should also tell their doctors of this prior to using this clonazepam. Uses Before taking Warnings Side effects Overdose Dosage FAQ Warning This medicine is a benzodiazepine. In a survey of epilepsy specialists, most recommended no more than 4 mg per day and usually prescribed no more than 2 mg per day. You should not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose. Klonopin is not approved to treat alcohol withdrawal or depression. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 July 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 10 July 2023), ASHP (updated 10 July 2023) and others. * Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Clonazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. If you dont have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options. They may adjust it over time to reach the amount thats right for you. For information on how the drug performed in clinical studies, see Klonopins prescribing information. Clonazepam (Klonopin) Clonazepam is a medicine used to treat panic disorders and certain types of seizures. confusion, paranoia, nightmares, hallucinations; Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Clonazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Follow your doctor's directions.Call if you have any questions. This is divided into two or three doses per day. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Psychosis Schizoaffective Disorder Common with Mental Illness Risk of Suicide Self-harm Sleep Disorders Infographics & Resources Substance Use Disorders Treatments Types of Mental Health Professionals Getting Treatment During a Crisis Mental Health Medications Risks of Benzodiazepines Types of Medication Research Know the warning signs Klonopins effects last longer than some other benzodiazepines. Version: 10.01. gabapentin, sertraline, fluoxetine, alprazolam, pregabalin, Zoloft, lamotrigine, Xanax, Prozac, diazepam. In this procedure, electrodes are placed on multiple muscles, especially muscles that are involved in the jerking. Clonazepam Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures - WebMD This medication is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug, which is used in the treatment of epileptic seizures. Using clonazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Talking or thinking about wanting to hurt yourself or end your life, Becoming depressed or having your depression get worse, Becoming preoccupied with death and dying. If you miss a dose of Klonopin, you should take it as soon as possible. If you're taking clonazepam for seizures or muscle spasms, your dose will be increased gradually and it might take up to a week to work fully. This means you'll wait 12 . As with other anticonvulsants, clonazepam may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior which may be noticeable as early as one week following initiation. Other drugs are available that can treat seizure disorders or panic disorder. What are the most common side effects of [node:title]? Abuse may lead to limited physical or psychological dependence. Central nervous system (CNS) depressants. And with dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like you usually do. To learn more, see the Klonopin overdose section below. Keep out of sight of potential drug seekers. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Revision date: February 27, 2023. gabapentin, sertraline, fluoxetine, alprazolam, pregabalin, Zoloft, lamotrigine, Xanax, Prozac, diazepam. Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Examples of these drugs include chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). If youre sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while youre taking Klonopin. Side effects include. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you. MISUSE OF CLONAZEPAM CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. A kitchen timer can work, too. Key results. Harmful effects can occur if the drug is taken while pregnant. This is a very dangerous cycle, since long-term use can cause long-lasting changes in the brain's GABA receptors that lead to significant problems such as impaired thinking, decreased motivation, and depression. Yes, Klonopin is a controlled substance. If youre interested in this option, check with your doctor and your insurance company. Continue reading. If you and your doctor determine that there are no other effective treatment options available, its likely youll take Klonopin long term. Problems with thinking and memory. Other interactions can increase the number of side effects or make them more severe. Common clonazepam side effects may include: After you stop using clonazepam, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions. If youre interested in this option, check with your doctor or your insurance company. Clonazepam is potentially addictive and may cause both emotional and physical dependence. They may suggest slowly reducing your dosage to see if your seizures or panic attacks can be managed with less medication. Any one of these side effects may impair reaction skills and affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery or increase the risk of falls. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior. But if they become more severe or dont go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If youre interested in taking the generic form of Klonopin, talk with your doctor. If you take one dose of Klonopin per day, its best to take it at bedtime. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Klonopin to treat certain conditions. The use of drugs called benzodiazepines, including Klonopin, can lead to misuse and physical dependence.