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Klonopin

Generic Name: clonazepam (kloe NAZ e pam)
Brand Names: Klonopin, Klonopin Wafer

What is Klonopin?

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Klonopin is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Clonazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Klonopin is used to treat seizure disorders or panic disorder.

Klonopin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Klonopin

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.

Before taking Klonopin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, any breathing problems, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while taking clonazepam. Klonopin can increase the effects of alcohol. Klonopin may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Klonopin should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Klonopin?

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.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category D. Klonopin 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 Klonopin 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.

Klonopin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed a baby while taking Klonopin. 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. Clonazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Klonopin should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

How should I take Klonopin?

Take Klonopin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from Klonopin.

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

To take the Klonopin orally disintegrating tablet (wafer):

Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Klonopin should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medication for longer than 9 weeks without your doctor's advice.

To be sure Klonopin is not causing harmful effects, your blood and liver function may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Do not stop using Klonopin or change your dose without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop using the medicine suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Your doctor may also prescribe another seizure medication for you to start while you are stopping Klonopin.

Your symptoms may return when you stop using Klonopin after using it over a long period of time. You may have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Klonopin. Withdrawal symptoms may include tremor, sweating, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, and unusual thoughts or behavior.

Store Klonopin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Klonopin?

Do not drink alcohol while taking Klonopin. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. Klonopin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Klonopin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;
unusual or involuntary eye movements;
weak or shallow breathing;
depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
chest tightness, fast or pounding heartbeats;
painful or difficult urination, urinating more or less than usual;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or
new or worsening seizures.

Less serious Klonopin side effects may include:

drowsiness, dizziness, spinning sensation;
memory problems;
tired feeling, muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;
slurred speech;
drooling or dry mouth, sore gums;
runny or stuffy nose;
loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
blurred vision;
headache;
nervousness, sleep problems (insomnia);
skin rash; or
weight changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Klonopin?

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Klonopin. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other seizure medications.

Also tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

propantheline (Pro-Banthine);
an antibiotic such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or voriconazole (Vfend);
an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or
medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), mesoridazine (Serentil), pimozide (Orap), or thioridazine (Mellaril).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Klonopin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Klonopin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Klonopin only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.