Clonazepam is a medication to relieve seizures caused by epilepsy. In addition, clonazepam can also be used to relieve panic disorder and anxiety disorders.
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant drug that works by increasing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter which serves to calm the activity of the brain and nerves.
Clonazepam trademarks: Clonazepam, Riclona 2
What is Clonazepam
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants |
| Benefit | Coping with seizures due to epilepsy, panic disorder, or anxiety disorders |
| Consumed by | Children, adults, seniors |
| Clonazepam for pregnant and lactating women | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Clonazepam may pass into breast milk. Do not use this medication without consulting your doctor if you are breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets and tablets |
Precautions Before Taking Clonazepam
Clonazepam should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription. Note the following before using clonazepam:
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to clonazepam or other benzodiazepine drugs, such as diazepam and lorazepam.
- Tell your medical history, especially if you have glaucoma, kidney disease, liver disease, porphyria, respiratory problems, sleep apnea, lung disorders, depression, mood disorders, alcoholism, or mental disorders.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking clonazepam, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking clonazepam, as this medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using clonazepam.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Clonazepam
The dose and duration of use of clonazepam will be determined by the doctor according to the age and health condition of the patient. Here's a breakdown of common clonazepam dosages:
Condition: Epilepsy
- Mature: The initial dose is 1 mg once daily, taken at night, for 4 days. Maintenance dose 4–8 mg per day. The maximum dose is 20 mg per day.
- Children age 10 years or weight30 kg: The initial dose is 0.01–0.03 mg/kgBW per day, divided into 2-3 consumption schedules. The dose may be increased to no more than 0.25–0.5 mg every 3 days, until seizures are controlled. Maintenance dose 0.1–0.2 mg/kgBW per day, divided into 3 consumption schedules.
- seniors: The initial dose of 0.5 mg is taken every night for 4 days.
Condition: Panic disorder
- Mature: 0.25 mg 2 times a day. The dose may be increased to 1 mg per day after 3 days. The maximum dose is 4 mg per day.
How to Take Clonazepam Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging, before taking clonazepam.
Clonazepam can be taken before, after, or with meals. Swallow clonazepam whole with the help of water. Do not chew, split, or crush the medicine.
If you forget to take medicine, do it immediately if the time lag with the next dose is not too close. If it is close, ignore and do not double the next dose.
Do not increase or decrease the dose that has been prescribed. Avoid stopping the drug suddenly, because it has the potential to make the condition worse.
Check regularly according to the schedule given by the doctor while undergoing treatment with clonazepam. This is necessary so that the doctor can monitor your condition and response to therapy.
If you need to stop taking clonazepam after using it for more than 2–4 weeks, your doctor will reduce the dose gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, mood swings, muscle cramps, and stomach cramps.
Store clonazepam in a place at room temperature, out of moisture, and out of direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Clonazepam Interactions with Other Drugs
Drug interactions that can occur when clonazepam is used with other drugs include:
- Increase the risk of occurrence CNS depression when taken with tricyclic antidepressants, phenobarbital, antipsychotics, tranquilizers, such as diazepam and alprazolam, and opioids such as morphine
- Increase the level of phenytoin in the blood
- Increased risk of side effects when used with amiodarone, desipramine, gingko biloba, ritonavir, or theopgylline.
Clonazepam Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that can occur after taking clonazepam are:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Dizzy
- Memory disorder
- Impaired coordination and balance
- Increased saliva production
If the above side effects get worse, contact your doctor. You are also advised to go to the doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Depression
- Feeling unwell
- Cough
- Difficult to breathe
- Sleep disturbance
- Signs of a respiratory infection, such as a sore throat
- Acting without thinking (impulsivity)
- Mood disorders
- Panic attack
- Excessive anxiety
- Desire for self-harm or suicide