Clonazepam

Description

Clonazepam is a medicine used to treat or prevent different types of seizures or fits (fainting or uncontrolled movements caused by electrical disturbance in the brain). This medicine is also used for the treatment of panic attacks and sleep disorders. Clonazepam works by stimulating the release of a chemical [gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA)] that controls the electrical disturbance in the brain. Clonazepam causes side effects like fatigue, dizziness, depression, memory impairment, confusion. These side effects may not require any medical attention. However, inform your doctor as early as possible if you experience any new or worsening of earlier symptoms such as breathing difficulty, excessive drowsiness, hallucinations (sensations that appears real but exist only in the mind), behavioural changes, or suicidal thoughts. Clonazepam can be taken with or without food. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor as it is associated with the risk of addiction. The medicine is not recommended to patients with kidney or liver problems as it may worsen their condition. Clonazepam may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and is prescribed only when the benefits outweigh the risks. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Clonazepam causes dizziness, hence it is advised to avoid driving or doing anything that requires concentration. Avoid taking Clonazepam with alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Clonazepam

  • Depression
  • Sleepiness
  • Nervousness
  • Uncontrolled body movements
  • Allergy
  • Decreased sexual urge
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Blurred vision
  • Muscle pain

Uses of Clonazepam

What is it prescribed for?

  • Seizure disorder
  • Panic attacks
  • Sleep disorders
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The effect of Clonazepam can be observed within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it.
  • Duration of effect
    The effect of Clonazepam lasts for an average duration of 6 to 8 hours in adults. This duration can increase up to 12 hours in children.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Consumption of alcohol should be avoided while you are taking Clonazepam as it can cause drowsiness and even difficulty in breathing. Activities that require high mental alertness (such as driving and operating heavy machines) should be avoided.
  • Is it habit forming?
    Habit-forming tendencies were reported in some cases especially if the usage is for an extended period. A gradual withdrawal of the drug i.e. decrease in dosing over a period of time is suggested in such cases.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    Clonazepam is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may negatively affect the growth of your unborn baby. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy before taking this medicine. He/she may prescribe this medicine only if the benefits outweigh the risk.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    Clonazepam is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as this medicine can pass into the breastmilk in a small amount. Take this medicine while breastfeeding only if your doctor prescribes it.

Allergy

Clonazepam is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to clonazepam or any other ingredient present in the formulation. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms of allergic reactions like skin rashes, redness, itching, difficulty in breathing, etc.

Liver disease

Clonazepam is not recommended for use in people with active liver problems. As this medicine is processed in your liver and excreted out through urine, any liver impairment may lead to its accumulation in your body. This can cause severe side effects and worsen your condition.

Glaucoma

Narrow-angle glaucoma is a sudden rise of fluid pressure (within your eye) due to blocked drainage canals in your eyes. Clonazepam is not recommended for use in such conditions as it has a tendency to increase the intraocular pressure (pressure inside your eyes), which can worsen your condition.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Clonazepam is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may negatively affect the growth of your unborn baby. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy before taking this medicine. He/she may prescribe this medicine only if the benefits outweigh the risk.

Breast-feeding

Clonazepam is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as this medicine can pass into the breastmilk in a small amount. Take this medicine while breastfeeding only if your doctor prescribes it.
General warnings

Suicidal tendencies

Clonazepam can lead to suicidal thoughts. Individuals who have been prescribed this therapy for a longer duration should be closely monitored and any behavioural changes should be reported to the doctor.

Interference with awareness and movements

Clonazepam can interfere with general awareness and body movements. You should refrain from operating heavy machines or performing work that requires a high level of mental alertness.

Withdrawal symptoms

Clonazepam can cause withdrawal symptoms if the usage is stopped abruptly. Gradual withdrawal is suggested in case you have been taking this medicine for a prolonged period. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.

Drug abuse

Clonazepam has the potential to cause drug dependence and abuse. This risk is especially higher if the medicine is used for a prolonged period of time. If you experience any changes in mood or behaviour while taking this medication, inform your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation is not advised since it may result in withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal should be done gradually and under strict supervision.

Seizures

Clonazepam can cause a worsening of seizures if you have multiple seizure disorders. This medicine can also cause an increase in the frequency and intensity of seizure attacks when stopped abruptly or even gradually after a long period of use.

Increased salivation

Clonazepam may cause an increase in salivation. This medicine must be used cautiously by people who have difficulty in handling secretions.

Porphyria

Clonazepam can worsen the symptoms of porphyria (a group of disorders that affect the skin or nervous system). This medicine should be used with caution if you have porphyria.

Obesity

Clonazepam should be used with caution if you have obesity. You may require careful monitoring of symptoms while going through treatment with this medicine. Your doctor may increase dosing intervals if needed.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next scheduled dose then the missed dose can be skipped. Contact your doctor and seek advice if you there are any doubts regarding dosage.

Overdose

Contact a doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of an overdose like drowsiness, confusion or fainting should be reported immediately.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

N/A

Instructions

Consumption of alcohol should be avoided while you are taking Clonazepam as it can cause drowsiness and even difficulty in breathing. Activities that require high mental alertness (such as driving and operating heavy machines) should be avoided.
Interaction with Medicine

Atenolol

Carbamazepine

Cetirizine

Codeine

Disease interactions

Closed-Angle Glaucoma

Closed-angle glaucoma is a blockage of drainage canals in the eyes which leads to an increase in intraocular pressure (pressure within the eyeballs). Clonazepam is not recommended for use if you have Closed-angle glaucoma as it may worsen your condition.

Respiratory disorders

Clonazepam should be used with caution if you have respiratory disorders as it can worsen your condition. Treatment with this medicine requires an individualized dose adjustment and periodic monitoring of symptoms.

Liver disease

Clonazepam should be used with caution if you have liver problems. Suitable dose adjustment and safety monitoring may be required in such cases.

Kidney diseases

Clonazepam is not recommended for use in people with kidney problems. It is metabolised in your liver and excreted out through urine. A damaged kidney may lead to its accumulation in your body. This can cause serious side effects and worsen your condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Clonazepam with/without food, take the medicine with a sufficient amount of water. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet/capsules. It should be taken exactly as instructed by your doctor. Given that the medicine has habit-forming tendencies, taking the right quantity for the right duration is critical. This medicine may cause dizziness, avoid doing activities (such as driving or operating heavy machines) that require high mental alertness. Never discontinue usage without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Causes sleepiness

How it works
Clonazepam works by stimulating the release of a chemical [gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA)] that calms the abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants

Schedule

Schedule H

Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Clonazepam. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 12 August 2021].

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2802>

Drugs, H., 2021. Clonazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 12 August 2021].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682279.html>

Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. CLONAZEPAM TABLETS, USP0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg CIV Rx only. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 12 August 2021].

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=487d4493-4526-472f-8dbc-8ae1b9fe40d0&type=display>

nhs.uk. 2021. Clonazepam: medicine to control seizures or fits, muscle spasms and restless legs syndrome. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 12 August 2021].

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/clonazepam/>

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Information on this page was last updated on 24 Sep 2021

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