USES
Clonazepam is used to treat seizure disorders and panic attacks. Clonazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. Clonazepam works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).
HOW TO USE
Take Clonazepam 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 Clonazepam regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Clonazepam 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 Clonazepam 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.
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
Clonazepam should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: sodium oxybate. If you are currently using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Clonazepam. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: certain antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone), cimetidine, kava. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), other anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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