Generic Name:
clonazepam (claw-NAH-zeh-pam)

Brand Names:
Klonopin®, Klonopin Wafer®, Rivotril®

Classification:
Benzodiazepines

Issue Date:
1993

Klonopin is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Klonopin affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause seizures or symptoms of panic disorder. Klonopin is used to treat seizures and panic disorder. Klonopin may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Take Klonopin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each regular oral tablet with a full glass of water. Swallow the tablet whole. The Klonopin orally-disintegrating tablets (Klonopin Wafers) can be taken without water. Using dry hands, peel back the foil on blister. Do not push tablet through the foil as this may damage the tablet. Immediately upon opening the blister, remove the tablet and place it on the tongue. The tablet must be taken immediately after opening the blister and not saved for later use. The tablet will disintegrate rapidly in the mouth and can be easily swallowed with or without liquid.

It is important to take Klonopin regularly to get the most benefit. Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Klonopin to monitor progress and side effects.

Klonopin may be habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking Klonopin suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

Store Klonopin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not take Klonopin if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Klonopin may worsen this condition.

Before taking this medication, talk to your doctor if you have:

• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema, or Another Respiratory Disease
• Are Depressed or Have Suicidal Thoughts

You may not be able to take Klonopin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Klonopin is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Klonopin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment with Klonopin. Do not take Klonopin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a Klonopin overdose may include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• confusion
• a slow heart beat
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty walking and talking
• an appearance of being drunk
• unconsciousness

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Klonopin will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Klonopin. Alcohol may also increase your risk of having a seizure.

Klonopin may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness including:

• antidepressants
• alcohol
• sedatives (used to treat insomnia)
• other seizure medicines
• pain relievers
• anxiety medicines
• muscle relaxants
• antihistamines

Do not drink alcohol and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor while taking Klonopin.

Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Klonopin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• difficulty breathing
• closing of the throat
• swelling of the lips, face, or tongue
• or hives

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Klonopin and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• Drowsiness, Dizziness, Trouble Concentrating
• Depression
• Poor Coordination
• Nervousness
• Dry or Watery Mouth

Klonopin may be habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking Klonopin suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Klonopin may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness including

• alcohol
• sedatives (used to treat insomnia)
• other seizure medicines
• pain relievers
• antidepressants
• anxiety medicines
• muscle relaxants
• antihistamines

Do not drink alcohol and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor while taking Klonopin.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Klonopin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.