Clonazepam, or Klonopin, is a drug that can be prescribed by a doctor and which is part of the benzodiazepine family. As a calming drug, numerous ailments can be treated with the use of Klonopin. For further information about Bond and its pharmaceutical products, please visit our page.
What are the Uses of Clonazepam:
The below conditions are the foremost reason for prescribing Klonopin:
Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy):
Clonazepam is effective in controlling certain types of epilepsy such as absence seizures and myoclonic seizures. The medication also prevents nervous activity from escalating in order to avoid seizure episodes.
Panic Disorders:
Klonopin is a commonly used medication for various panic disorders including agoraphobia panic disorder and without agoraphobia. Klonopin works to decrease the amount of anxiety attacks by utilizing its calming effects.
Aside from the reasons mentioned above, Klonopin can be prescribed by a medical practitioner for conditions such as anxiety, muscle spasms, or sleep problems. Therefore, always consult with your physician before taking the medication for unapproved issues.
How Does Clonazepam Work?
Clonazepam achieves its action by increasing the effectiveness of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. In turn, GABA reduces nerve activity thus achieving a sense of calm that:
- Restrains abnormal brain activity that can lead to a seizure.
- Alleviates anxiety and panic symptoms.
- Encourages calmness and reduces tension in the muscles.
As such, this mechanism enables clonazepam to be used in the management of neurological and psychological disorders which require sedation or control of seizures.
Dosage Forms of Clonazepam
Clonazepam is available in different forms and strengths to fit individual requirements:
Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT):
This comes in a variety of strengths such as:
- 0.125 mg
- 0.25 mg
- 0.5 mg
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
Regular Klonopin Oral Tablets:
These also come in different strengths such as:
- 0.5 mg
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
The tablets can be taken with food or without food. Orally disintegrating tablets may be easier for patients that have swallowing difficulties as they melt on the tongue.
Proper Storage
Clonazepam is recommended to be stored in dry and cool places but at normal temperature such as 20-25 degrees Celsius. Being exposed to temperatures ranging from 15-30 degrees Celsius for a few hours only is fine, for instance, when being transported between pharmacies or between pharmacies and patients. Keep the drug in a securely tightly closed container, far from moisture and light, and out of children’s reach.
Common Side Effects
Clonazepam, similar to other medications, can bring about some adverse effects. The most prevalent of them are:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Memory Issue
- Depressive Symptoms
- Poor Coordination
Generally speaking, these follow-up effects are mild and are likely to wear away as a person’s body becomes accustomed to the medication. On the other hand, please be sure to call your health care provider regarding any symptoms which are bothersome or are continuing indefinitely.
Serious Side Effects
On the other hand, clonazepam can have deleterious and serious side effects including:
Breathing allergies: Such allergic reactions include difficulty in swallowing, and swelling of throat or face, and rashes on the skin. If you encounter such reactions, please call an ambulance immediately.
Thoughts of committing suicide: Some people can have an increase in the frequency of thoughts of self-harm and may exhibit aberrant behavioral changes. In such a case, please inform your health care provider at once.
Sudden cessation: With the sudden stoppage of the medicine may bring biopsy of the relevant order ultrasound will yield preview results. It may also reduce the patient’s self-awareness and understanding it leads directly to such.
Wound symptoms: Apparently speaking if a person does not take this medicine for a period, it may lead to abdominal pain, extreme terror, and fixed visions. Respiratory. Severe maestro sleepiness, freezing.
Warnings and Precautions: Who Should Not Use Clonazepam? Clonazepam is not for everybody. Do not take this medication if you: Are hypersensitive to clonazepam and other benzodiazepines
(For example, x, y) Have advanced liver dysfunction. Have comorbid acute angle glaucoma. Talk to your clinician about your history to be certain that clonazepam is safe for you.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Using clonazepam while pregnant may be detrimental to the child, especially during the third trimester.
Children who were exposed to clonazepam in utero may display withdrawal symptoms namely, poor tolerance to feeding, breathing problems and irritability.
Taking clonazepam while breastfeeding can also cause problems for the child as it may cause lethargy and poor feeding.
If you are pregnant or in the process of breastfeeding, it is important to ask your doctor about the usage of clonazepam.
Elderly Populations
Clonazepam’s side effects including confusion and drowsiness are more pronounced in geriatrics. Some patients aged over65 may require dosage alteration in order to prevent adverse events.
Interactions with Other Substances
Food and Drink
There are no major food restrictions while on Clonazepam but alcohol should be avoided since it can enhance symptoms such as tiredness and shallow breathing.
Other Medications
- Clonazepam can have reciprocal effects with the following:
- Opioids (e.g., methadone)
- Antidepressants (e.g., MAO inhibitors)
- Anti-seizure medication (eg: carbamazepine)
- Antifungal medication (e.g., ketoconazole)
- Antipsychotic drugs
It is critical to always tell your healthcare providers any other prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies or supplements that you are using.
Missed Doses and Overdose
Missed Dose
In case you forgot to take clonazepam, in case you don’t miss your next dose go ahead and take the missed dose as you are remembering. If not, wait for the next dose to pass. Refrain from over dosing on the drug.
Overdose
The side effects of overdose on clonazepam include low or shallow breathing, lethargy, confusion and speech impairment. If you experience the above symptoms, or if you suspect an overdose to the contents, seek medical help immediately. Alternatively, you can also call the poison control number in your area for help.
Addiction and dependability –
When taking clonazepam for a longer time, the body’s dependence on the dosage raises significantly. This means that the body is in need of the medication in order to carry out its everyday functions. If the use of clonazepam is suddenly cut off it can trigger withdrawal that may include:
- Shakes
- Psychosis
- Sleeplessness
- Fits
- Nervous habits
Suspending use of clonazepam or any CNS medication has medical implications. Your doctor would be of help in creating a tapering schedule to prevent adverse effects from occurring.