Klonopin (Clonazepam)

Clonazepam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to clonazepam: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Clonazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

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.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• new or worsening seizures;
• severe drowsiness;
• weak or shallow breathing;
• unusual changes in mood or behavior;
• confusion, paranoia, nightmares, hallucinations;
• thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• unusual or involuntary eye movements.Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

  Common clonazepam side effects may include:

  • drowsiness, dizziness;
  • feeling tired or depressed;
  • memory problems; or
  • problems with walking or coordination.

Dosages of Clonazepam:

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Tablet dispersible: Schedule IV

• 0.12 mg
• 0.25 mg
• 0.5 mg
• 1 mg
• 2 mg

Tablet: Schedule IV (Adult Only)

• 0.5 mg
• 1 mg
• 2 mg

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Panic Disorder Treatment

• Dose 0.25 mg orally every 12 hours initially; may increase to 1 mg/day after 3 days (may increase up to 4 mg/day in some patients)

Treatment of Seizure Disorders

• Seizures in adults: 1.5 mg/day orally divided every 8 hours; increase by 0.5-1 mg every 3 days until the desired effect achieved; not to exceed 20 mg/day
• Maintenance for seizures in adults: 2-8 mg orally; not to exceed 20 mg/day
• Children younger than 6 years:
  • Potential toxic dose: 0.05 mg/kg
• Children younger than 10 years or less than 30 kg
  • Dose 0.01-0.03 mg/kg/day orally divided every 8 hours; increase by 0.25-0.5 mg/day every 3 days to maximum 0.1-0.2 mg/kg/day orally divided every 8 hours
  • Maintenance dose: 0.1-0.2 mg per kg per day orally divided every 8 hours; not to exceed 0.2 mg per kg per day
• Children younger than 10 years or more than 30 kg
  • 1.5 mg/day orally divided every 8 hours; increase by 0.5-1 mg every 3 days until the desired effect is achieved; not to exceed 20 mg/day
  • Maintenance: 2-8 mg orally; not to exceed 20 mg/day

Dosing Considerations

• Discontinuation of treatment (seizures in adults): Withdraw treatment gradually over time; decrease the dose once every 3 days by 0.125 mg orally every 12 hours until completely withdrawn
• Discontinuation of treatment (seizures in children)
  • Children younger than 10 years: Treatment should be withdrawn gradually over time, as necessary
  • Children older than 10 years: Withdraw treatment gradually over time; decrease the dose every 3 days by 0.125 mg orally every 12 hours until completely withdrawn

Dosing Modifications

• Renal impairment: Supplemental dose in hemodialysis not necessary

How should I take clonazepam?

Take clonazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never use this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Do not stop using clonazepam suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions about tapering your dose.

Swallow the regular tablet whole, with a full glass of water.

Clonazepam doses are based on weight in children. Your child’s dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

Call your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your seizures or panic attacks.

Seizures are often treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor’s advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.