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Overview
Klonopin is an anti-anxiety agent, similar in many respects to Valium. It
belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines.
Once called
minor tranquilizers or sedatives, many such drugs are prescribed to calm jittery
nerves and relieve excessive tension.
Klonopin is prescribed primarily
to control certain types of seizures. It is a relatively long-acting drug.
Side Effects and Interactions
Side effects associated with Ativan include
sedation, dizziness, and unsteadiness. These may fade after a few days or weeks.
Do not drive, operate machinery or undertake any activity that requires
close attention.
Klonopin may make acute narrow angle glaucoma worse and
should not be taken by people diagnosed with this condition.
Other
possible reactions include confusion, depression, amnesia, hallucinations,
shortness of breath, loss of appetite, coated tongue, dry mouth, constipation,
visual problems, rash, hair loss, increased sex drive, urinary difficulties and
palpitations. Report any symptoms to your physician promptly.
Do not
drink alcohol or use any other sedative while on this drug, as the combination
may increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, lack of coordination or
confusion.
Klonopin can affect blood cell counts and may raise liver
enzymes. Periodic tests should be conducted to monitor these.
Many
medicines, including narcotics, barbiturates and other sleeping pills, drugs for
schizophrenia, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and MAO inhibitors (Eldepryl,
Nardil, Parnate) can interact with Klonopin to increase sedation.
Other
possible interactions involve asthma drugs such as theophylline,
AIDS drugs like Crixivan and Norvir, beta blockers metoprolol
and propranlol,
Tagamet,
oral contraceptives, Luvox, tuberculosis treatments isoniazid and rifampin, Prilosec
and Serzone.
Check with your pharmacist and physician to make sure Klonopin is safe
in combination with any other medicines you take.
Special Precautions
The effectiveness of Klonopin may decline after many months on the medication.
Dependence is a possibility with any benzodiazepine. Sudden discontinuation of the drug could trigger status epilepticus in patients taking it as an anticonvulsant.
Other withdrawal symptoms may include nervousness, agitation, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, fatigue, headache and nerve twitching.
Never stop taking Klonopin without medical supervision. This medication may have to be phased out gradually over a period of weeks or months.
Klonopin is not appropriate for those with liver disease. It should not be prescribed for anyone who has had an allergic reaction to another benzodiazepine.
Taking the Medicine
Klonopin is taken three times a day. It may be taken with food, especially if it upsets your
stomach.
Carry identification (Medic-Alert) if you are taking Klonopin as an
anticonvulsant.
My son was prescribed Klonopin for anxiety. However, a new doctor (he recently moved from the west coast to the east coast) wants to take him off it, and prescribed seroquel, which makes him like a zombie and he sleeps all day.
It seems like he is going thru the withdrawal symptoms from Klonopin described in a recent newspaper article in the Hartford Courant in which you were referenced. What is the best way to go to get over the withdrawal of Klonopin and what is the best alternate drug to go to for his anxiety? He says this is the most effective drug, but then we read that you shouldn't be on it long term. Looking for answers.
I have been taking Clonozepam since I have had my first stroke 2003. The stroke left me RLS and also uncontrollable body movement. I was 52 when I started this medication. I had to go on disability due to my strokes. While I was on the Cobra plan I had no trouble getting this Medication. The medicine that usually is given for RLS make me sick. So my neurologist I go to put back on the Clonazepam.
Now that I am on Medicare they refuse to give me the medication. I can have but I have to purchased it myself doesn't seem fair.
To GO. I too have to take Klonopin. I have neurological problems which respond well to this drug. When Medicare changed it's drug coverage, it refused to cover any sedative type drugs. I wrote to my Congressman to no avail. Perhaps the new administration will listen?? Yes, it's costly. I have tried taking the generic forms of it and often have had bad reactions to it or it does not work well and have had to return to the brand which is so expensive. I am looking for a generic form which most folks can take without problems..does anyone know of a few generic types which work and don't cause too many reactions? These generic drugs are a big laugh!! I've had a bad time with most of them. I am very drug sensitive anyway.
Thanks.
I have been struggling with depression and anxiety for over 15 years, (started shortly after a construction accident) Md tried me on a whole host of meds, to no avail now I am taking 1/2 clonazapam in the morning and sometimes 1/2 in the afternoon(1/2 of .50mg tablet) My concern is the long term effects, I have been taking it for over 7 years and would like to get off of it. Any thoughts?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WORK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO REDUCE THE DOSE GRADUALLY. CLONAZEPAM IS A BENZODIAZEPINE LIKE XANAX OR ATIVAN, BUT BECAUSE IT LASTS LONGER, REDUCING THE DOSE GRADUALLY SHOULD BE POSSIBLE AND HELP YOU GET OFF.
Is there a natural herb or supplement that could substitute for clonazepam or it's medication type?