Clonazepam
Information about Clonazepam
Clonazepam uses
Clonazepam is used in the treatment of epilepsy and anxiety disorder.
How clonazepam works
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Common side effects of clonazepam
Dizziness, Tiredness, Sleepiness, Memory impairement, Depression, Confusion, Coordination impaired
Content Details
Last updated on:
23 May 2019 | 12:29 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Clonazepam
- If you are taking Clonazepam for the treatment of anxiety, it should not be used more than 4 weeks.
- The addiction / habit-forming potential of this medicine is very high. Take it only as per the dose and duration advised by your doctor
- It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
- If you have been taking this medicine for a long time, regular monitoring of blood and liver functions may be required.
- Do not stop taking medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as that may lead to nausea, anxiety, agitation, flu-like symptoms, and muscle pain.
Frequently asked questions for Clonazepam
Clonazepam
Q. Is Clonazepam a sleeping pill?
Clonazepam is not used as a sleeping pill, as it may cause difficulty in sleeping.
Q. Can Clonazepam be taken for longer term?
You need to take Clonazepam as long as doctor has advised you. Suddenly stopping it or changing the dose may cause seizures to recur. Long-term use may make you dependent on it so consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Q. On stopping Clonazepam what kind of withdrawal symptoms occur?
The common symptoms seen after stopping Clonazepam abruptly or reducing the dose too quickly include difficulty in sleeping, changes in mood, and increased sweating. It can also result in muscle pain, headache, shaking (tremor) or feeling restless, feeling very anxious, tense, confused, and irritable or agitated.
Q. How can I look for early symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions?
You should pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Keep all follow-up visits with your doctor as scheduled. Call your doctor as needed, especially if you are worried about symptoms.
Q. Does Clonazepam cause weight gain?
Both weight gain and weight loss have been reported with the use of Clonazepam.
Q. Can Clonazepam affect my memory?
Though memory does not get affected in everyone but in some cases the use of Clonazepam has shown memory-related problems. The patient may complain of partial or complete inability to recall the recent past.
Q. Can Clonazepam be harmful if more than the recommended doses are used?
If more than the recommended doses of Clonazepam are taken, it can cause sleepiness, changes in speech, abnormalities in eye movements, and confusion. Coma may also occur but lasts only for few hours. Usually overdose of Clonazepam is not life threatening.
Q. Can I take Clonazepam and zolpidem together?
The combination of Clonazepam and zolpidem should be avoided as it may have increased chances of side effects. If both are to be used then dose of Clonazepam should be reduced, to prevent side effects.
Q. Can Clonazepam and quetiapine be taken together?
If both Clonazepam and quetiapine are used together the side effects may increase. The side effects which may appear are drowsiness, confusion, weakness, breathing trouble, and ataxia (loss of full control of bodily movements).