KLONOPIN [ CLONAZEPAM ]

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin (clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine. It is thought that clonazepam works by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Clonazepam is also a seizure medicine, also called an anti-epileptic drug

Klonopin is used to treat certain seizure disorders (including absence seizures or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in adults and children.

Klonopin is also used to treat panic disorder (including agoraphobia) in adults.

Warnings

You should not use Klonopin if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe liver disease, or if you are allergic to Valium or a similar medicine.

Call your doctor if you have any new or worsening symptoms of depression, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Clonazepam may be habit-forming. Never share Klonopin with another person. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Using Klonopin with opiate medications can result in sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Klonopin if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma;
• severe liver disease; or

a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine (alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, Ativan, Restoril, Tranxene, Valium, Versed, Xanax, and others)

To make sure Klonopin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney or liver disease;
• breathing problems;
• depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system).

Some people have thoughts about suicide when taking seizure medication. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

If you use clonazepam while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks.

Do not start or stop taking seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor’s advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of clonazepam on the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Klonopin is not approved to treat panic disorder in anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Klonopin?

Take Klonopin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never use clonazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Do not stop using Klonopin suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions about tapering your dose.

Swallow the regular tablet whole, with a full glass of water.

Clonazepam doses are based on weight in children. Your child’s dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

Call your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your seizures or panic attacks.

Seizures are often treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor’s advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, or coma.

What to avoid

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Klonopin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Klonopin : hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Clonazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have weak or shallow breathing, if you are hard to wake up, or if you stop breathing.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• new or worsening seizures;
• severe drowsiness;
• weak or shallow breathing;
• unusual changes in mood or behavior;
• nightmares, hallucinations;
• thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• unusual or involuntary eye movements.

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 Klonopin.

Common Klonopin side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;
• feeling tired or depressed;
• memory problems; or
• problems with walking or coordination.

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 other drugs will affect Klonopin?

Taking Klonopin with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.