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 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.
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.
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.