What is Clonazepam?
Clonazepam, also known as Klonopin, is a drug that is used to prevent and treat epilepsy, panic attacks, and the movement disorder akathisia. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of tranquilizers. It is taken orally. The effects start after one hour and last for six to twelve hours.
Clonazepam Uses
Clonazepam is a drug that is used to treat and prevent seizures. An anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug is what this medication is called. It's also used to help people who are having panic attacks. Clonazepam relieves anxiety by calming the brain and nerves. It belongs to the benzodiazepine family of drugs.
How to use Clonazepam oral
Before you start taking clonazepam, and every time you get a refill, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. Inquire with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns
Take this medication by mouth, usually 2 or 3 times per day, as directed by your doctor.
Dosage is determined by your medical condition, age, and treatment response. The dose for children is also determined by their weight. To reduce the risk of side effects, older adults usually start with a lower dose. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or for longer than recommended
To get the most benefit from this medication, take it on a regular basis. Take it at the same times every day to help you remember.
Do not stop taking this drug without first consulting your doctor. When this drug is abruptly stopped, some conditions may worsen. It's possible that your dose will need to be gradually reduced.
Withdrawal symptoms (seizures, mental/mood changes, shaking, stomach/muscle cramps) may occur if you suddenly stop taking this medication. To avoid withdrawal, your doctor may gradually reduce your dose. If you've been taking clonazepam for a long time or in high doses, you're more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away.
It's possible that if you take this medication for a long time, it won't work as well. If this medication isn't working as well as it used to, talk to your doctor.
Despite the fact that it benefits a large number of people, this medication has the potential to cause addiction. If you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse or addiction to drugs/alcohol), your risk may be higher. To reduce the risk of addiction, take this medication exactly as directed.
If you have a variety of seizure disorders, you may notice an increase in the severity of your seizures when you first start taking clonazepam. If this happens, see your doctor right away. To control the seizures, your doctor may need to increase or decrease the dose of your other medications.
Clonazepam Side effects
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Abnormal coordination
- Loss of control of bodily movements
- Depression or symptoms of depression
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Memory impairment
- Upper respiratory infection or symptoms
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Coughing
- Urinary frequency
- Impotence
- Decreased libido
- Increased salivation
- Worsening tonic-clonic seizures
Precautions
If you are allergic to clonazepam or other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam or lorazepam), or if you have some other reactions, tell your doctor or pharmacist until taking it. Inactive ingredients can be found in this product, triggering allergic reactions or other issues.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, particularly if you have: a particular form of eye problem (narrow-angle glaucoma), a specific blood disorder (porphyria), liver disease, kidney disease, lung/breathing issues, mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), personal or family history of a drug use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to), or a personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse
The effects of this medication, especially drowsiness and confusion, may be more pronounced in older adults. These side effects will make you more vulnerable to dropping.
This drug should only be taken during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. It has the ability to injure an unborn child. However, since untreated seizures are a severe disorder that can affect both the mother and the unborn child, you should not stop taking this drug until your doctor orders you to. If you're considering pregnancy or believe you may be, speak to your doctor right away about the advantages and dangers of taking this drug while pregnant.
This medicine will pass into breast milk and have unfavorable effects on a nursing baby. Consult with your doctor.
Interactions
Drug interactions can cause your drugs to function differently or put you at risk for severe side effects. Without your doctor's permission, do not begin, stop, or change the dosage of any medications.
Orlistat and sodium oxybate are two drugs that can interfere with this medication.
All of your medications (such as allergy or cough-and-cold remedies) should be tested for ingredients that cause drowsiness. Inquire with your pharmacist about the proper use of those drugs.
Note :
Do not offer this drug to someone else. To track your progress or check for side effects, laboratory and/or medical tests (such as liver function tests, full blood count) should be conducted on a regular basis. For more facts, speak to your doctor.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing call a poison control center right away.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, do so as soon as you recall. If the next dose is coming, skip the skipped dose. Take the next dose at the same time every day. To catch up, do not double the dose.
Storage
Store away from light and moisture at room temperature. Keep out of the washroom. Both drugs should be kept out of sight of children and pets
Clonazepam vs Lorazepam
Clonazepam |
Lorazepam |
|
|---|---|---|
| Brand name | Klonopin | Ativan |
| Drug class | Benzodiazepine | Benzodiazepine |
| Generic version | available | available |
| Forms available | Oral tablet | Oral tablet Injection |
| Standard dosage | Depending on your doctor's advice, take 0.25 mg twice a day. | Depending on your doctor's recommendation, take 1 mg twice a day. |
| Uses | Panic disorder affects people aged 18 and up. Adults and children up to the age of ten have seizures. |
Adults and children aged 12 and up who are anxious |
