Clonazepam
Generic Name: clonazepam (kloe NA ze pam)
Brand Names: Klonopin, Rivotril
Common Misspellings: clonazapam, clonzapam, clonazipam, clonazepan, clonazapan,
clonazipan, klonazepam, klonazapam, klonazipam, clonopin, clonapin, clonapin,
clonepin, klonapin, klonipin, klonepin, klonopan, klonopen, klonapen, rivtrol,
rivitrol, rivetril, rivetrol, rivatrol, rivatril
What is the most important information I should know about clonazepam?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Clonazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you
experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while
you are taking clonazepam. Alcohol may also increase your risk of having a
seizure.
• Do not stop taking clonazepam suddenly. This could cause seizures and
withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with
clonazepam.
What is clonazepam?
• Clonazepam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Clonazepam affects
chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause seizures.
• Clonazepam is used to treat seizures.
• Clonazepam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clonazepam?
• Do not take clonazepam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Clonazepam may
worsen this condition.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
· have kidney disease;
· have liver disease;
· have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or
· are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.
• You may not be able to take clonazepam, or you may require a lower dose or
special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
• It is not known whether clonazepam will harm an unborn baby. Do not take
this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is not known whether clonazepam passes into breast milk. Do not take
clonazepam without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
• If you are over sixty years of age, you may be more likely to experience
side effects from clonazepam. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
How should I take clonazepam?
• Take clonazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Do not take more than is prescribed for you.
• Do not stop taking clonazepam suddenly if you have been taking it for
several weeks. Stopping suddenly could cause seizures and withdrawal symptoms.
Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with clonazepam.
• Store clonazepam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly
scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose
could be very dangerous.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a clonazepam overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion,
a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, an
appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness.
What should I avoid while taking clonazepam?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Clonazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you
experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while
you are taking clonazepam. Alcohol may also increase your risk of having a
seizure.
• Avoid other sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers. They should not be
used while you are taking clonazepam unless your doctor approves.
What are the possible side effects of clonazepam?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
clonazepam and seek emergency medical attention:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling
of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
· sores in your mouth or throat;
· yellowing of the skin or eyes;
· a rash;
· hallucinations or severe confusion; or
· changes in your vision.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take clonazepam and talk to your doctor if you experience
· drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;
· depression;
· nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
· difficulty urinating;
· vivid dreams;
· headache;
· dry mouth;
· decreased sex drive; or
· changes in behavior.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect clonazepam?
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following drugs:
· an antihistamine such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others),
chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine),
clemastine (Tavist), and many others;
· a narcotic (pain killer) such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin,
MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin),
oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), or codeine (Fiorinal,
Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others);
· another sedative such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), pentobarbital
(Nembutal), amobarbital (Amytal), or secobarbital (Seconal);
· a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin),
mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine),
thioridazine (Mellaril), or trifluoperazine (Stelazine); or
· an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan),
imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine
(Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).
• Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if clonazepam is
taken with any of the medicines listed above.
• Other seizure medications may not be as effective when you are taking
clonazepam. Discuss your seizure medications with your doctor.
• Blood pressure medications may be more effective and may result in very low
blood pressure. Be alert for signs of low blood pressure (weakness, dizziness,
fatigue) and talk to your doctor about your medication.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with clonazepam. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.