Klonopin is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat seizures and panic disorder. Its active ingredient, clonazepam, is a long-acting benzodiazepine that calms the brain by quieting nerve activity. It’s also a powerful sedative, so side effects like drowsiness and dizziness are commonly experienced. Klonopin is only available as a tablet. People who can’t swallow a tablet should ask the prescriber about generic clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets.
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Klonopin overview
BRAND NAMES:
Klonopin
Generic Names:
Clonazepam
Uses:
Treats seizures and panic disorder
Therapeutic Classes:
Benzodiazepine, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Klonopin used for?
Klonopin is FDA-approved for the acute treatment of seizures as well as a daily medication to treat panic disorder. Healthcare professionals commonly use it off-label for other medical conditions, including anxiety, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, sleepwalking, movement disorders, Tourette syndrome, and other problems.
What form(s) does Klonopin come in
Tablet
0.5 mg
1 mg
2 mg
What are common Klonopin doses?
For seizure disorders in adults and children 10 years of age and older: 0.5–5 mg tablet taken 3 times daily
For seizure disorders in children younger than 10 years of age: 0.1–0.2 mg/kg per day divided into 2 or 3 daily doses
For panic disorder in adults: 0.5–2 mg tablet taken 2 times daily
Common Klonopin prescriptions
KlonoPIN
0.5mg tabletKlonoPIN
1mg tabletKlonoPIN
2mg tablet
How to take Klonopin
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.
What to do if you miss a dose of Klonopin
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.
Klonopin contraindications
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
Klonopin warnings
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.
Klonopin interactions
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)
Klonopin side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Blue lips, fingernails, or skin
Extreme drowsiness or weakness, slow heartbeat, trouble breathing
Confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, problems with muscle control or coordination
Unusual mood or behavior, worsening depression, thoughts about hurting yourself, trouble sleeping
Seizures or worsening seizures
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Drowsiness or sleepiness
Coordination problems
Dizziness
Find more detailed information about Klonopin side effects here.
Sources:
Klonopin clonazepam tablet prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine
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