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Generic Name: Clonazepam
Classification: Anticonvulsant (Benzodiazepines) -
Other Names: Klonopin
Used to treat:
Epilepsy (Seizure disorders)
Panic Disorders
(These are common indications for this medication. There may be additional conditions not listed here. Check with your doctor if you have questions about your specific condition).
General Directions for Taking Medication:
Take only as directed. This medication must be kept at a certain level in your blood stream to control seizure activity.
If you miss a dose, take the medicine within 1 hour or skip the dose. If it is time for your next dose, take only 1 dose. DO NOT double up the doses.
You may crush the tablets and mix with food if you have difficulty swallowing.
Take medicine with food to limit upset stomach symptoms.
If dizzy, rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
Tell all healthcare providers that you are taking this medicine 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 this medication with lab tests, neurological tests like CT scans or MRI scans and a physical exam. Your dosage is based on seizure control and blood levels of this medication.
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!
Contraindications:
Allergies - Hypersensitivity to this medication or its components
Patients with liver disease or acute narrow angle glaucoma
Children less than 18 years old
Use with caution in:
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding - May not be safe for your baby. Talk to your doctor about risks and benefits.
Patients with chronic respiratory disorders, open angle glaucoma receiving treatment, or kidney disease
Common 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 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
Interactions:
Drug - There are many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, which will alter the action of this medication. 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 dosing schedules if you take a variety of medications along with this medication. DO NOT take any new medication without talking with your doctor first.
Warnings:
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 dose to help limit side effects.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. May increase drowsiness side effects.
Sudden withdrawal of this medication may provoke status epilepticus (prolonged, uninterrupted seizure activity), muscle tremors, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Keep this medication and all others out of reach of children and pets.
General Dosage Information:
Dosing is individually based. Talk to your doctor about your specific dosing schedule:
Storage:
Keep at room temperature.
Protect from sunlight, room light and moisture. |
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