Klonopin

Generic name: Clonazepam

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is used alone or with other drugs to treat seizure disorders. It is also used to treat panic disorder, which is characterized by unexpected attacks of overwhelming panic along with fear of having additional future attacks.

What is the most important information I should know about Klonopin?

Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur with Klonopin.

Withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after long-term use or after high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking Klonopin suddenly without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

When you start Klonopin, you may experience impaired judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this medication will affect you. Consuming alcohol, a CNS depressant, may intensify or worsen the side effects of Klonopin.

When on Klonopin, your doctor should monitor your blood liver function during long-term therapy due to possible side effects.

When used in patients with several different types of seizure disorders, Klonopin may increase the incidence or onset of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. These patients may require the addition of appropriate anticonvulsants or an increase in their dosage.

When Klonopin is used in conjunction with valproic acid, there is a risk of absence status (a continual series of seizures).

Who should not take Klonopin?

Do not use Klonopin if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it or similar drugs, such as chlordiazepoxide and diazepam.

Do not take Klonopin if you have severe liver disease or the eye condition known as acute narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye). Patients with open-angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate treatment may use Klonopin.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Klonopin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Klonopin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver disease, seizures, are depressed or have suicidal thoughts, are on valproic acid or any other anticonvulsants, have several different types of coexisting seizure disorders, have a history of sensitivity to Klonopin or other benzodiazepines, or have a history of substance abuse. In addition, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Panic Disorder

Adults: The usual starting dose is 0.25 milligrams (mg) taken twice a day. The dose may be increased by 1 mg per day after 3 days. Some people may need as much as 4 mg per day; for these patients the dose should be incrementally increased by 0.125 to 0.25 mg twice a day every 3 days until the panic disorder is controlled or until the side effects become too bothersome.

Klonopin therapy should be stopped slowly, with a decrease of 0.125 mg twice a day every 3 days, until the drug is completely withdrawn.

Elderly: There is no clinical trial experience with the use of Klonopin in patients 65 years and older. In general, elderly patients should be started on a low dose of Klonopin and observed closely.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Klonopin to treat panic disorder have not been established in children under age 18.

Seizure Disorders

Adults: The usual starting dose is 1.5 mg per day divided into 3 doses. The dose may be increased by 0.5-1 mg every 3 days until seizures are controlled or the side effects become too bothersome. The maximum daily dose is 20 mg.

Elderly: There is no clinical trial experience with the use of Klonopin is patients 65 years and older. In general, elderly patients should be started on a low dose of Klonopin and observed closely.

Children: The starting dose for infants and children up to 10 years old or up to 66 pounds should be 0.01-0.03 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day. Do not give more than 0.05 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day. The dose may be increased by 0.25-0.5 mg every 3 days, up to 0.1-0.2 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight a day, until seizures are controlled or the side effects become too bothersome.

How should I take Klonopin?

Take Klonopin exactly as prescribed. Klonopin is available as a tablet or as a wafer that melts in your mouth. Take Klonopin tablets with water and swallow the tablet whole. The wafers can be taken with or without water. With dry hands, peel back the foil on the blister pack. Do not push the wafer through the foil. Immediately after opening the blister, remove the wafer and place it on your tongue. You must take the wafer right after opening the blister. It will melt rapidly in your mouth.

What should I avoid while taking Klonopin?

Klonopin will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Avoid using Klonopin with other drugs that may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Klonopin. Alcohol may also increase the risk of having a seizure.

Klonopin can be habit-forming and can lose its effectiveness as you build up a tolerance to it. You may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as convulsions, hallucinations, tremor, and abdominal and muscle cramps, if you stop using Klonopin suddenly. You should only stop or change your dose only after first talking to your doctor.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Klonopin?

If Klonopin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Klonopin with the following: amphotericin, antidepressants (imipramine, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine), barbiturates, carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, diazepam, haloperidol, narcotic pain relievers (meperidine and morphine), nystatin, other anticonvulsants (phenytoin and divalproex), and sedatives (triazolam).

What are the possible side effects of Klonopin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: depression, dizziness, fatigue, flu, inflamed sinuses or nasal passages, lack of coordination, memory problems, menstrual problems, nervousness, sleepiness, upper respiratory tract infection

Klonopin can also cause aggressive behavior, agitation, anxiety, excitability, hostility, irritability, nervousness, nightmares, sleep disturbances, and vivid dreams.

Can I receive Klonopin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not take Klonopin if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Talk to your doctor first. Do not take Klonopin while breastfeeding. There have been suggested associations between the use of anticonvulsants by women with epilepsy and an elevated incidence of birth defects in children born to these women. The use of Klonopin in women of childbearing potential should be weighed carefully by the patient and her doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Klonopin?

If it is within an hour after the missed time, take the dose as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time.

How should I store Klonopin?

Store at room temperature. Keep away from heat, light, and moisture.