What is clonazepam?
Clonazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens).
Clonazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.
Clonazepam is used to treat seizure disorders or panic disorder.
Clonazepam may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clonazepam?
Do not use this medication if you have severe liver disease, or if you are allergic to
clonazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium),
clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).
Before taking clonazepam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
-
kidney or liver disease;
-
glaucoma;
-
asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
-
a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
-
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or
special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D. Clonazepam may cause harm to an unborn baby, and may
cause breathing or feeding problems in a newborn. But having a seizure during pregnancy could harm
both the mother and the baby.
Do not start taking clonazepam during pregnancy without
telling your doctor you are pregnant.
If you become pregnant while taking clonazepam for seizures, do not stop taking clonazepam
without your doctor's advice. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of
preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by taking clonazepam.
Clonazepam may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed
a baby while taking this medication.
The sedative effects of clonazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are
common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury
while you are taking clonazepam.
Clonazepam may be habit-forming and
should be used only by the person it
was prescribed for
. Clonazepam should never be shared with another person, especially
someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where
others cannot get to it.
How should I take clonazepam?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this
medication.
Swallow the regular clonazepam tablet whole, with a full glass of water.
To take the clonazepam orally disintegrating tablet (wafer):
-
Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the
medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet
through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
-
Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your
mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
-
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in
your mouth without chewing.
-
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired,
you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Clonazepam should be used for only a short time. Do not take this
medication for longer than 9 weeks without your doctor's advice.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and liver function may need
to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Do not stop using clonazepam or change your dose without first talking to your doctor,
even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop using the medicine suddenly. You
will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Your doctor may also
prescribe another seizure medication for you to start while you are stopping clonazepam.
Your symptoms may return when you stop using clonazepam after using it over a long period of
time. You may have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using clonazepam. Withdrawal
symptoms may include tremor, sweating, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, and
unusual thoughts or behavior.
Store clonazepam at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine.
Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using
this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose of clonazepam?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about clonazepam?
Your pharmacist has information about clonazepam written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of clonazepam?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
-
hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;
-
unusual or involuntary eye movements;
-
weak or shallow breathing;
-
depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
-
chest tightness, fast or pounding heartbeats;
-
painful or difficult urination, urinating more or less than
usual;
-
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or
-
new or worsening seizures.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
drowsiness, dizziness, spinning sensation;
-
memory problems;
-
tired feeling, muscle weakness, lack of balance or
coordination;
-
slurred speech;
-
drooling or dry mouth, sore gums;
-
runny or stuffy nose;
-
loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
-
blurred vision;
-
headache;
-
nervousness, sleep problems (insomnia);
-
skin rash; or
-
weight changes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about clonazepam?
Do not use this medication if you have severe liver disease, of if you are allergic to
clonazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium),
clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).
Clonazepam may cause harm to an unborn baby, and may cause breathing or feeding
problems in a newborn. But having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the
baby.
Do not start taking clonazepam during pregnancy without telling your doctor
you are pregnant.
If you become pregnant while taking clonazepam for seizures, do not stop taking clonazepam
without your doctor's advice. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of
preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by taking clonazepam.
Before taking clonazepam, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, any
breathing problems, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while taking clonazepam. This medication can increase the effects of
alcohol.
Clonazepam may be habit-forming and
should be used only by the person it
was prescribed for
. Clonazepam should never be shared with another person, especially
someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where
others cannot get to it.
What should I avoid while taking clonazepam?
Do not drink alcohol while taking clonazepam. This medication can increase the effects of
alcohol.
Clonazepam can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What other drugs will affect clonazepam?
Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and
medicine for depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by clonazepam. Tell your doctor if
you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other seizure medications.
Also tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
propantheline (Pro-Banthine);
-
an antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan),
itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or voriconazole (Vfend);
-
an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon),
doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
-
a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital
(Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal,
Solfoton);
-
an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate); or
-
medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as
chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), mesoridazine (Serentil), pimozide (Orap), or
thioridazine (Mellaril).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
clonazepam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.
This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of clonazepam?
