General Information and Indications:
Clonazepam is used to control seizures. It is
also used to relieve anxiety.
This drug is sometimes ordered for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more details.
Information For Users:
Clonazepam comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is
usually taken three times a day and may be taken with or without food.
Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or
pharmacist If you have any questions. 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.
This medication 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 this medication without informing your doctor.
Stopping the drug suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal
symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor
probably will decrease your dose gradually.
Other uses for this medicine
Clonazepam is also used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, twitching,
schizophrenia, and for pain management. Talk to your doctor about the
possible risks of using this medication.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to clonazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax),
clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane),
lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), temazepam (Restoril),
triazolam (Halcion), or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; cimetadine (Tagamet);
digoxin (Lanoxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); fluoxetine (Prozac); isoniazide (INH,
Laniazid, Nydrazid); ketoconazole (Nizoral); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet);
medications for depression, seizures, pain, Parkinson's disease, asthma,
colds, or allergies; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), muscle relaxants;
oral contraceptives; oral antifungals, phenytoin (Dilantin); probenecid (Benemid);
propoxyphene (Darvon); propranolol (Inderal); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives;
sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene);
and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by
clonazepam.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding glaucoma; seizures; or lung,
heart, or liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking clonazepam, call your
doctor without delay. You should not nurse a baby while taking clonazepam.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking clonazepam.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. You
should avoid drinking alcohol while taking clonazepam.
o Inform your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may
decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
If you are taking clonazepam to control
seizures and have an increase in their frequency or severity, call your
doctor. Your dose may need to be adjusted. If you use clonazepam for
seizures, carry identification (Medic Alert) stating that you have epilepsy
and that you are taking clonazepam.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Side effects from clonazepam are common and include:
o drowsiness
o dizziness
o tiredness
o weakness
o dry mouth
o diarrhea
o upset stomach
o changes in appetite
Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
o restlessness or excitement
o constipation
o difficulty in urination
o frequent urination
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o changes in sex drive or ability, impotence
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o seizures
o shuffling walk
o persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
o fever
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o severe skin rash
o yellowing of the skin or eyes, jaundice
o irregular heartbeat
Brand Name(s):
o Klonopin®
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