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Common uses
Clonazepam is used to control seizures. It also is used to relieve anxiety. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Clonazepam also is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, twitching, schizophrenia, and pain management. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Clonazepam is drug known as a benzodiazepine. It works on the nerve cells in the brain to enhance the effects of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows down nerve cell activity to cause relaxation and decrease nerve excitement.
Before using
Do not use Klonopin if you have severe liver disease, or if you are allergic to clonazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).
Before taking Klonopin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
• kidney or liver disease;
• glaucoma;
• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
• a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Directions
Take this medication by mouth 2 or 3 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Cautions
Do not use Klonopin if you have severe liver disease, of if you are allergic to clonazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax). Clonazepam may cause harm to an unborn baby, and may cause breathing or feeding problems in a newborn. But having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Do not start taking Klonopin during pregnancy without telling your doctor you are pregnant.
If you become pregnant while taking Klonopin for seizures, do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by taking Klonopin.
Possible side effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle pain, excessive hair growth or loss, change in sexual desire, weight change, increased saliva production, sore gums, or cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: loss of coordination, mental/mood/behavior changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slowed breathing, easy bruising/bleeding, unusual eye movements, unusual fatigue, fast/pounding heartbeat, unusual muscle movement, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, trouble urinating. If you have several different types of seizure disorders, you may experience a worsening of seizure activity at the start of using this medication. Consult your doctor immediately if this happens. The addition or dosage adjustment of other anti-seizure medications may be necessary to keep seizures under control. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Klonopin slows the nervous system and its effects may be intensified by alcohol. Do not drink while taking this medication.
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:
• Antianxiety drugs such as diazepam
• Antidepressant drugs such as amitriptyline, imipramine, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• Carbamazepine
• Major tranquilizers such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and thiothixene
• Narcotic pain relievers such as meperidine and oxycodone
• Oral antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B and clotrimazole
• Other anticonvulsants such as phenytoin and valproic acid
• Sedatives such as triazolam
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