Clonazepam – Information, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Drug Trade Name: KlonoPIN

Category: Benzodiazepines

Generic Name: Clonazepam

Introduction and Quick Information:

Clonazepam has anti-seizure properties and is also used in the treatment of panic disorders. It is marketed under the trade names Klonopin in the United States. Clonazepam releases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter in the brain which acts as a calming agent to prevent excess and repetitive firing of electrical signals hence stabilizing the nerve activity and maintaining normal brain function. The pharmacological properties of Clonazepam along with other benzodiazepines enhance neurotransmitter GABA via the modulation of GABA receptor.

Is It Approved by U.S. FDA?

Yes, the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) had given its approval to Clonazepam in 1997.

Usage and Benefits of Clonazepam:

Clonazepam is a very useful drug in case of problems related to nerves and brain transmission. Besides this it is used for various other purposes that are listed below:                                  

• Being an anticonvulsant drug it is used for the treatment of seizures.
• It can be used to cure panic disorders.
• It can also be used to cure some types of epilepsy, social phobia, mania and post-traumatic-stress disorders (PTSD).
• It is extensively used to find relief from tension, anxiety, and nervousness.

Clonazepam is the safest medicine and is highly recommended by psychologists and neurologists.

Side Effects of Clonazepam:

Clonazepam is generally considered safe. However, it can cause some side effects in case of overdosage. Some of the side effects of clonazepam are listed below:

• An allergic reaction (like swelling of lips, face or tongue, or difficulty in breathing).
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Mouth or throat sores.
• Restlessness
• Shaky movements and unsteady walk         
• Concentration difficulties
• Amnesia
• Confusion

General Recommended Dosages of Clonazepam:

Recommended dosage as per the neurologists and psychologists is 0.01 to 0.03mg per kilogram body weight thrice or four times daily till 0.2mg per kilogram body weight. For adults initially, it should be 1.5 mg/day with an increase of 0.5mg/day of maximum 20mg daily to maintain a dose of 48mg daily.

In Case I Miss the Dose?

Well in case you miss the dose there is nothing to worry about just be careful and take the dose if you remember it around the regular time but skip it in case it is time for the next dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

In Case I Take Overdose?

An Overdose of the medicine should be avoided as it is harmful to health and can lead to severe reactions in the body. In case of overdose, you should call your doctor and ask for further advice or immediately call for medical help or contact nearby local emergency services in case of emergency.

Drug Interactions of Clonazepam:

Following is a list of some drugs that have serious interactions with Clonazepam, these are:

• Apalutamide (Erleada)
• Hydrocodone (Zohydro ER)
• Ivacaftor (Kalydeco)
• Valerian (Valerian)
• Idelalisib (Zydelig)

Besides these, there are various other drugs that interact with Clonazepam and you can ask your doctor for other drugs that can react with Clonazepam for a safer use.

Lifestyle and Food Habits You Must Follow When on Clonazepam:

Ask your doctor whether to eat grapefruit and drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. It usually is taken thrice a day with or without food. You should go for a healthy lifestyle, nutritional diet while using Clonazepam. Drinking and doing things that need a lot of concentration and alertness are to be avoided.

How Safe Is Clonazepam for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?

Clonazepam lies in the U.S. FDA pregnancy category NA (not assigned), i.e. there are no proper studies conducted to define its effect on pregnant women. Also, in case of nursing mothers, Clonazepam should only be used when it is extremely necessary as it can get excreted in the milk.

Complications and Conditions Possible Due to Prolonged Use of Clonazepam:

Prolonged use of this medication makes your feet and ankles very tired and you tend to get tired more easily even by walking short distances. It may cause “gait disturbances” and numbness. It may also cause clumsiness, inaccuracy, or instability. Clonazepam certainly seems to be effective against panic disorder or seizures and also has a variety of other uses in both adult and pediatric patients but should not be taken for a large span of time.

Availability of the Drug Clonazepam: 

Clonazepam is available in all the U.S. FDA approved medical stores in U.S. and Canada in the form of tablets, wafers, injections in different quantities as per the requirement. It is a prescription drug and can be bought only on prescription.