What is Klonopin? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take Klonopin as directed. The dose may need to be changed several times to best control symptoms.

Please read the medication guide that comes with this medicine. It contains important information you should know. 

Do not stop taking Klonopin suddenly. Doing so may cause serious or life-threatening side effects. 

• If the medicine does not seem to be working or side effects are a problem, talk to the healthcare provider.

When taking a Klonopin tablet, swallow the tablet whole with water. 

Store Klonopin tablets at room temperature in a child-proof, closed container.

Keep Klonopin tablets securely out of the reach of children.

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not take Klonopin if you have:

• Severe liver disease

• Narrow-angle glaucoma

• A history of allergic reactions to clonazepam or other benzodiazepines

Tell any healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Your healthcare provider will regularly do lab tests and exams to monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

A clonazepam overdose can be fatal. If too much Klonopin is taken, get immediate emergency medical care.

Clonazepam can cause physical dependency. Do not use more than your prescribed dose or take Klonopin for longer than prescribed. The inappropriate use of Klonopin can lead to overdose or death. 

Klonopin may become less effective at controlling seizures after a few months. Call your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working. Do not increase the dose on your own.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• Liver disease

• Kidney disease

• Lung or breathing problems such as COPD or sleep apnea

• Glaucoma

• Porphyria

• A history of depression, mood problems, or other mental health problems

• A history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors

• A history of drug or alcohol abuse

This medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell the healthcare provider right away if you start to feel depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourself.

It may not be safe to take Klonopin while pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

Tell the healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Clonazepam can make a nursing infant sleepy or less willing to feed.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do any other risky activity until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your healthcare provider will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Clonazepam is a federally controlled substance. Giving or selling this drug to anyone else is dangerous and against the law.

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use before taking Klonopin.

Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Taking Klonopin along with opioids can cause serious problems, including slowed breathing, coma, and death.

When taking Klonopin, avoid taking other drugs that cause sleepiness, such as antidepressants, allergy medications, sleeping aids, or other benzodiazepines. The combination can cause excessive sleepiness, impairment, and breathing problems. 

Do not drink alcohol when taking clonazepam.

Before taking Klonopin, tell the prescribing healthcare provider if you are using any of the following medicines:

• Medications to treat depression or other mental health problems

• Seizure medications

• A type of drug called an MAO inhibitor (MAOI)

• Anti-seizure drugs

• Oral drugs that treat fungal infections

• Phenothiazines (drugs that treat a variety of conditions)