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Clonazepam
(generic Klonopin) is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine
family. The benzodiazepine family includes diazepam (Valium),
alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane),
and others. Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing
the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
GABA is a neurotransmitter which inhibits many of the activities
of the brain. It is believed that excessive activity in the
brain may lead to anxiety or other psychiatric disorders. Clonazepam
also is used to prevent certain types of seizures.
This drug
is used for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.
It is used for certain types of seizures, specifically petit
mal seizures, akinetic seizures, and myoclonus, as well
as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. For these seizure disorders,
clonazepam may use alone or together with other medications.
Directions
Clonazepam
comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Clonazepam usually is
taken three times a day and may be taken with or without
food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully,
and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you
do not understand. Take Clonazepam exactly as directed.
Clonazepam can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose,
take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor
tells you to. Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive
use, making the drug less effective. Clonazepam must be
taken regularly to be effective. Do not skip doses even
if you feel that you do not need them. Do not take clonazepam
for more than 4 months or stop taking Clonazepam without
talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can worsen
your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness,
sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor will most
likely decrease your dose gradually.
Side Effects
The most commonly noted side effects associated
with clonazepam are sedation, which is reported in approximately
1 in 2 people (one-half of patients), dizziness (one-third
of patients), weakness, and unsteadiness. Other side effects
include a feeling of depression, loss of orientation, headache,
and sleep disturbance.
Precautions
Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines have
been associated with fetal damage, including congenital
malformations, when taken by pregnant women in their first
trimester. Clonazepam is best avoided in the first trimester,
and probably throughout pregnancy.It is not known if clonazepam
is secreted in breast milk. Like all benzodiazepines, clonazepam
can cause physical dependence. Suddenly stopping therapy
after a few months of daily therapy may be associated with
a feeling of loss of self-worth, agitation, and insomnia.
If clonazepam is taken continuously for longer than a few
months, stopping therapy suddenly may produce seizures,
tremors, muscle cramping, vomiting, and/or sweating. Therefore,
discontinuation usually is accomplished by tapering the
dose.
Drug Interactions
Clonazepam, and all benzodiazepines, interact
with other medications and drugs that slow the brain's processes,
such as alcohol, barbiturates, and narcotics.
Missed Dose
Take any missed dose of Clonazepam as soon
as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose.
If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose
of Clonazepam. If more than one dose of Clonazepam is missed,
contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing
schedule.
Overdose
If overdose of Clonazepam is suspected, contact
your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
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