Klonopin® (clonazepam)
Brand
name:
Klonopin ®
-
Tablets:
0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
-
Wafers
(orally disintegrating tablets): 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2
mg
Generic
name: clonazepam (kloe NA ze pam)
Medication
class: benzodiazepine, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety)
What
is Klonopin® and what does it treat?
Clonazepam
is a benzodiazepine. It is approved for the treatment of panic
disorder (with or without agoraphobia), as well as certain types of
seizure disorders.
However, benzodiazepines are also commonly used to treat difficulty
sleeping and alcohol withdrawal.
Panic
Disorder occurs when a person experiences unexpected and repeated
episodes of intense fear. These episodes have physical symptoms
including chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations,
sweating, dizziness, and nausea. Fear of future episodes is also part
of panic disorder.
What
is the most important information I should know about Klonopin®?
Do
not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this
medication affects you because you may notice that you feel tired or
dizzy.
Benzodiazepines,
such as clonazepam, are often used for short periods of time only.
They may produce emotional and/or physical dependence (addiction)
even when used as recommended. Only your healthcare provider can
determine the length of treatment that is right for you.
Do
not stop taking clonazepam without talking to your healthcare
provider first. Stopping clonazepam abruptly may result in one or
more of the following withdrawal symptoms: irritability, nausea,
tremor, dizziness, blood pressure changes, rapid heart rate, and
seizures.
Are
there specific concerns about Klonopin® and
pregnancy?
If
you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your healthcare
provider to best manage your medications. People living with anxiety
disorders who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. It
is important to discuss this with your doctor and caregivers.
Regarding
breastfeeding, caution is advised since clonazepam does pass into
breast milk.
What
should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Klonopin®?
-
Symptoms
of your condition that bother you the most
-
If
you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
-
Medications
you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were
effective or caused any adverse effects
-
If
you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with
your healthcare provider. Some side effects may pass with time, but
others may require changes in the medication.
-
Any
other psychiatric or medical problems you have including obstructive
sleep apnea
-
All
other medications you are currently taking (including over the
counter products and herbal and nutritional supplements) and any
medication allergies you have
-
Other
non-medication treatment you are receiving such as talk therapy or
substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these
different treatments work with the medication.
-
If
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
-
If
you drink alcohol or use drugs
How
should I take Klonopin®?
Clonazepam
may
be taken with or without food.
Clonazepam
may be taken everyday at regular times or on an as needed (“PRN”)
basis. Typically, your healthcare provider will limit the number of
doses you should take in one day.
Your
healthcare provider will determine the dose and method of taking the
medication that is right for you based upon your response.
Clonazepam
oral disintegrating tablets must
remain in their original packaging. Open the package with clean dry
hands before each dose. Do not try to put tablets in a pillbox if
you take the orally disintegrating tablets.
Clonazepam
oral disintegrating tablets will dissolve in your mouth within
seconds and can be swallowed with or without liquid.
If
you take the medication everyday (instead of ‘as needed’), use a
calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you
remember to take it. You may also ask a family member or friend to
remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your
medication.
What
happens if I miss a dose of Klonopin®?
If
you miss a dose of clonazepam, take it as soon as you remember,
unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with
your healthcare provider. Do not double your next dose or take more
than what is prescribed.
What
should I avoid while taking Klonopin®?
Avoid
drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs while you are taking
clonazepam. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your
condition) and increase the adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the
medication. Alcohol increases the risk of accidental overdose with
medications like clonazepam.
What
happens if I overdose with Klonopin®?
If
an overdose occurs call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent
medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at
1-800-222-1222.
Symptoms
of overdose include confusion, impaired coordination, slow reflexes,
coma, and death.
A
specific treatment to reverse the effects of clonazepam does exist.
This medicine, called flumazenil, can reverse the effects of
clonazepam but must be given through an IV at a hospital. Only a
doctor can decide if you need this medication.
What
are the possible side effects of Klonopin®?
Common
Side Effects
-
Feeling
dizzy, drowsy, fatigued, or lightheaded
-
Impaired
coordination, decreased ability to concentrate
If
you experience these side effects after starting clonazepam they will
often improve over the first week or two as you continue to take the
medication.
Rare
Side Effects
Increased
heart rate, headache, memory impairment, irritability, restlessness
Serious
Side Effects
Some
people taking benzodiazepines develop a severe allergic reaction and
swelling of the face. This can occur as early as with the first
dose.
Some
people taking benzodiazepines for sleep have experienced various
behaviors while they were asleep/not fully awake, such as sleep
driving, making phone calls, and preparing or eating food. The
individuals have no memory of the events when they awaken.
Are
there any risks for taking Klonopin® for long periods of time?
Clonazepam
is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.
Benzodiazepines may produce emotional and/or physical dependence
(addiction) even when used as recommended. Physical dependence may
develop after 2 or more weeks of daily use.
What
other medications may interact with Klonopin®?
The
following medications may increase the levels and effects of clonazepam:
The
following medications may decrease the levels and effects of clonazepam:
Clonazepam
should not be taken with other benzodiazepine medications.
Clonazepam
may cause drowsiness, so caution should be used when combining it
with other medications that cause drowsiness. These could include:
-
Antihistamines
such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
-
Narcotic
pain medication such as morphine, oxycodone (OxyContin®),
and hydrocodone (Vicodin® and Lortab®),
-
Sleeping
medications such as zolpidem (Ambien®)
-
Other
anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotic medications, certain
anticonvulsant medications, and tricyclic antidepressant medications
(such as amitriptyline)
How
long does it take for Klonopin® to
work?
When
starting clonazepam, anxiety or insomnia may improve rapidly or over
a period of days or within hours of the first dose of medication.
Provided
by the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists
(January
2013)
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