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Clonazepam Generic Name: Clonazepam
Clonazepam
Classification: Anticonvulsant (Benzodiazepines) -
Other Clonazepam Names: Klonopin
Clonazepam
is used to treat:
Epilepsy (Seizure disorders)
Panic Disorders
(These are common indications for Clonazepam. There may be additional conditions not listed here. Check with your doctor if you have questions about your specific condition).
General Directions for Taking Clonazepam:
Take Clonazepam only as directed. Clonazepam must be kept at a certain level in your blood stream to control seizure activity.
If you miss a Clonazepam dose, take the Clonazepam
within 1 hour or skip the dose of Clonazepam. If it is time for your next
dose of Clonazepam, take only 1 Clonazepam dose. DO NOT double up the
doses of Clonazepam. You may crush the Clonazepam
tablets and mix with food if you have difficulty swallowing.
Take Clonazepam
with food to limit upset stomach symptoms.
If dizzy, rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
Tell all healthcare providers that you are taking Clonazepam
prior to any treatment.
Talk to your doctor about the need to wear a medical alert pendant or bracelet. There are many products that provide information to health care providers about your medicines and specific condition in case of an emergency.
See your doctor regularly to monitor the effectiveness of Clonazepam
with lab tests, neurological tests like CT scans or MRI scans and a physical exam. Your Clonazepam
dosage is based on seizure control and blood levels of Clonazepam.
Teach family, friends and other caregivers about safe responses to seizure activity:
Position the convulsing patient on a flat, comfortable area such as a carpeted floor.
If possible, lay the patient on one side to prevent aspiration if vomiting occurs.
Remove obstacles from around the patient to prevent further injury.
DO NOT restrain patient's arms, legs or body.
DO NOT put anything in the patient's mouth.
Remain with the patient at all times. Keep a mental note as to the characteristics of the seizure, duration, activity prior to seizure, and time of last dose of medicine.
Contact the patient's doctor for further instructions following the seizure. The doctor may want to examine the patient.
If the patient continues to have a seizure without interruption, or fails to awaken after a seizure, this is an emergency situation! Get medical assistance immediately!
Clonazepam Contraindications:
Allergies - Hypersensitivity to Clonazepam
or Clonazepam components
Patients with liver disease or acute narrow angle glaucoma
Children less than 18 years old
Use Clonazepam
with caution in:
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding - Clonazepam
may not be safe for your baby. Talk to your doctor about risks and
benefits of Clonazepam.
Patients with chronic respiratory disorders, open angle glaucoma receiving treatment, or kidney disease
Common Clonazepam Side Effects:
May occur during the first few days after beginning therapy, but usually resolve:
Seizures, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, behavioral changes, unusual hair growth or loss, problems with vision, dry mouth, sore gums, increased sex drive, weight changes, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, or nausea
Serious Clonazepam Side Effects:
Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
A fever; a pounding, fast heart rhythm; difficulty breathing or speaking; unusual swelling especially in hands, feet or face; excessive salivation and chest congestion; double vision and uncoordinated eye movements; hallucinations; constipation, diarrhea, or jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes); urinary retention and difficulty with urination; clay colored stools or bleeding
Allergic reaction symptoms such as a red skin rash; itching; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat; wheezing; chest pain; and difficulty breathing
Clonazepam Interactions:
Drug - There are many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, which will alter the action of Clonazepam. Some include antidepressants, antihistamines, ulcer medications, birth control pills, heart medications, sedatives, narcotic pain medications, other seizure medicines, anti-fungals, and asthma medications.
It is extremely important that you consult with your doctor about Clonazepam
dosing schedules if you take a variety of medications along with Clonazepam. DO NOT take any new medication without talking with your doctor first.
Clonazepam Warnings:
Clonazepam Overdose - Can lead to somnolence, confusion, diminished reflexes, respiratory depression, coma and even death.
DO NOT drive or operate machinery until you can determine the extent of drowsiness side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your Clonazepam
dose to help limit side effects.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. May increase drowsiness side effects.
Sudden withdrawal of Clonazepam may provoke status epilepticus (prolonged, uninterrupted seizure activity), muscle tremors, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Keep Clonazepam out of reach of children and pets.
General Clonazepam
Dosage Information:
Clonazepam dosing is individually based. Talk to your doctor about your specific Clonazepam
dosing schedule:
Clonazepam Storage:
Keep Clonazepam
at room temperature.
Protect Clonazepam from sunlight, room light and moisture. |
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