Clonazepam
About Clonazepam
Clonazepam belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines, primarily used to treat status epilepticus. Status epilepticus is defined as a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or experiencing more than one seizure within 5 minutes without returning to a normal level of consciousness between episodes.
Clonazepam contains clonazepam, which works by increasing levels of the calming chemical known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to stop status epilepticus (seizures attacks).
Clonazepam will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. You may experience pain, itching, swelling or redness around the site of injection, daytime drowsiness, disturbed sleep, light-headedness, or dizziness. Most of these side effects of Clonazepam do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, please contact your doctor if the side effects are persistent.
Do not take Clonazepam if you have sensitivity to clonazepam or any of the excipients present in it. Patients having a history of depression and/or suicidal tendencies should be closely monitored. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please tell your doctor so that your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Clonazepam is a habit-forming drug; therefore, your doctor will reduce the dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Uses of Clonazepam
Medicinal Benefits
Clonazepam contains clonazepam, which works by increasing levels of the calming chemical known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to stop status epilepticus (seizures attacks). Besides this, it may decrease the feeling of nervousness, stress, and anxiety, which leads to a state of calmness and relaxation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Clonazepam
- Pain, itching, swelling or redness around the site of injection
- Disturbed sleep (such as vivid dreams)
- Feeling sleepy (drowsy) in the daytime
- Feeling light-headed,
- Dizziness
- Muscle weakness
- Nystagmus (an involuntary eye movement)
Drug Warnings
Do not take Clonazepam if you are allergic to any of its components; if you have lung disease, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), sleeping disorders or difficulty sleeping (sleep apnoea), severe respiratory insufficiency, depression, suicidal tendencies, severe liver or hepatic disease, or a problem with alcohol or other prescription drugs. Inform your doctor if you have weakness, pulmonary insufficiency, kidney or liver problems. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please tell your doctor so that your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Clonazepam is a habit-forming drug; therefore, your doctor will reduce the dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Clonazepam may interact with antidepressant medications (sodium oxybate), antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproate), anaesthesia medications (ketamine), hypnotics (estazolam), psychoactive drugs (nicotine, caffeine), opioid analgesic medications (alfentanil, buprenorphine, codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone), and muscle relaxants (tizanidine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Clonazepam may interact with disease conditions including acute alcohol intoxication, drug dependence, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), sleeping disorders or difficulty sleeping (sleep apnoea), severe respiratory insufficiency, severe liver or hepatic disease, depression and suicidal tendency.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol while using Clonazepam to avoid unpleasant side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or sleepiness. It may also lead to a life-threatening condition like coma if taken with excessive alcohol.
Pregnancy
cautionClonazepam should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Clonazepam.
Breast Feeding
unsafeClonazepam may pass into breastmilk. Avoid breastfeeding while on treatment with Clonazepam.
Driving
unsafeClonazepam may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing it.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing it.
Children
safe if prescribedSpecial attention must be taken while using Clonazepam in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Attend therapy sessions regularly.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Try to stay active and exercise regularly.
- Take ample rest. Get enough sleep.
- Avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Consult your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts such as killing or harming yourself.
- Patients having a history of depression and/or suicidal tendencies should be closely monitored.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Status epilepticus: Status epilepticus is defined as a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or experiencing more than one seizure within 5 minutes without returning to a normal level of consciousness between episodes. This is a medical emergency that may lead to permanent brain damage or death. A seizure is characterised by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which affects both the brain and the other body parts. Seizures can be caused due to high fever, brain infections, abnormal salt or blood sugar levels, or head injuries. If you have epilepsy, you may suffer seizures on a regular basis.
FAQs
Clonazepam belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines, primarily used to treat status epilepticus.
Clonazepam works by increasing levels of the calming chemical known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to stop status epilepticus (seizures attacks).
Caffeine is a stimulant that may reduce the calming effects of Clonazepam. So, it is advisable to avoid the intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate that contain caffeine.
Elderly patients (over 65 years) are more likely to have confusion and sleepiness or age-related health issues, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
If Clonazepam is stopped suddenly, it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, tremor, sweating, anxiety, headache, sleep disturbances, irritability, and confusion. Your doctor may lower the dose of Clonazepam gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Clonazepam should not be used in individuals in a coma or with a history of drug, alcohol, or medication abuse.
