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