Klonopin Quick Facts

Klonopin belongs to the benzodiazepine family of pharmaceuticals (other examples include Xanax, Rohypnol, and Valium, to name a few). Klonopin works as an anxiolytic (antianxiety) drug, typically used in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders.

Generic Name: Clonazepam

Other Brand Names: Rivotril, Iktorivil, Paxam

Primary Uses:

  • Antianxiety
  • Seizure Control

Other Uses:

  • Restless Limb Syndrome (often caused by antipsychotics)
  • Catatonic States

Availability:

  • Tablets
  • Orally Disintegrating Tablets
  • Oral Solution
  • Injectable Solution

Contraindications:

  • Allergies to any benzodiazepine
  • If you are or may be pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast feeding
  • Children under 18 (particularly very young children), and the elderly

Interactions:

  • Klonopin can interact with a variety of medications and supplements, as well as alcohol and illicit/recreational drugs. All drug, alcohol, and supplement use, including topical antifungals should be discussed in detail with your doctor prior to starting Klonopin.

Side Effects:

Common side effects include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Motor impairment

Less common:

  • Confusion
  • Irritability
  • Demotivation
  • Lowered Sex Drive
  • Cognitive Impairment
    • Hallucinations
    • Short term memory loss
    • Anterograde amnesia
  • New or worsening depression

Uncommon:

  • Serious dysphoria
  • Low blood platelet count (Thrombocytopenia)
  • Increased psychiatric side effects
  • New or increasing numbers of seizures
  • Personality Changes
  • Behavioral Disturbances
  • Loss of motor control and coordination (Ataxia)

Rare:

  • Psychosis
  • Incontinence
  • Liver damage
  • Paradoxical Behavioral Disinhibition
    • Rage
    • Excitement
    • Impuslivity

Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors
  • Exacerbated panic disorder
  • Seizures (associated with long term exposure to high doses)

Additional Information:

As with ALL controlled substances, especially benzodiazepines, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Overdoses or sudden stoppages can create serious side effects, including comas and organ damage. Klonopin interacts with a high number of medications and over the counter remedies, it is important to note everything you may be taking to your doctor.

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000635/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonazepam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_benzodiazepines

 

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