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Clonazepam is prescribed to relieve anxiety, especially generally anxiety disorder (GAD) and  social phobia. It is a powerful benzodiazepine, but it has relatively few side effects. It is also used to treat epilepsy, and like other medications, doctors may prescribe this medication for other uses, such as a sleep aide.

What you should know about clonazepam is that it can cause drowsiness and can be habit-forming. Those most at risk of becoming addicted are individuals with a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addictions.  It is usually prescribed to be taken only for a short period, otherwise, tolerance could develop and it could take increasingly higher dosages to be effective. However, people taking it for panic disorder may take benzodiazepines for up to a year.

How to take Klonopin®
Clonazepam comes as a tablet to take by mouth with a full glass of water, usually three times a day, with or without food. Take it exactly as directed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if there is anything you don’t understand. A generic version is available. The Klonopin (clonazepam) orally-disintegrating tablets (Klonopin Wafers) can be taken without water.

This medication is most effective if taken regularly, but it can be used effectively if taken as needed. Do not skip doses, increase the amount, take clonazepam for more than 4 months or stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping abruptly can make your condition worse and cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose: do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Tell your doctor if:

• you are allergic to clonazepam or any other drugs.
• what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking. Some medications may add to the drowsiness caused by clonazepam.
• you have or have ever had glaucoma; seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease.
• you are pregnant, could become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking clonazepam, call your doctor immediately. Klonopin (clonazepam) is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. You should not nurse a baby while taking clonazepam.
• if you have a family or personal history of problems with substances. Those with a family history of addictions should use Klonopin with caution. 
• you are having surgery, including dental surgery. Tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking clonazepam.
  you have any other diseases or are depressed.

Possible side effects
Common side effects from clonazepam include:

• drowsiness (alcohol can increase this effect.)
• dizziness
• weakness
• tiredness
• upset stomach or diarrhea
• changes in appetite
• dry mouth

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• restlessness or excitement
• constipation
• problems with urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability
• depression

Serious side effects

What else do I need to know?

Because Klonopin (clonazepam) can cause physical and/or psychological dependence, you could experience withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Alcohol abuse can contribute to dependency. Your doctor may order blood tests or other medical evaluations while you are taking it to monitor its effectiveness and side effects. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

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Guide to psych meds
Coping with medication side effects
How to save on medications
Supercharge your meds
Tips for managing your medications

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Sources
U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services 
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)  
Drugs.com (MicromedexTM, Facts & ComparisonsTM and MultumTM.)

Page updated April 1, 2008

Serious side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures
• shuffling walk
• persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
• fever
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat
• hallucinations or severe confusion
• In the case of possible overdose, call for emergency services immediately.

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