Description

Clonazepam – Klonopin 0.5mg

Clonazepam – Klonopin is a prescription medication used to treat seizure disorders, panic disorders, and certain types of anxiety. It belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines, which act on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. Clonazepam works by enhancing the activity of a natural neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA, which helps reduce the brain’s excessive electrical activity, preventing seizures and alleviating anxiety symptoms.

Klonopin is commonly prescribed for conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attacks, and restless leg syndrome, among others. Available in tablet form, Klonopin is typically taken in small, individualized doses, and it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage carefully to minimize the risk of dependence or withdrawal symptoms. It is important to use this medication under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

what is klonopin

• Klonopin is useful alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic, and myoclonic seizures. In patients with absence seizures (petit mal) who have failed to respond to succinimides, Klonopin may be useful.
• Klonopin is indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, as defined in DSM-V. Panic disorder is characterized by the occurrence of unexpected panic attacks and associated concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications or consequences of the attacks, and/or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks. The efficacy of Klonopin was established in two 6- to 9-week trials in panic disorder patients whose diagnoses corresponded to the DSM-IIIR category of panic disorder

The effectiveness of Klonopin in long-term use, that is, for more than 9 weeks, has not been systematically studied in controlled clinical trials. The physician who elects to use Klonopin for extended periods should periodically reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient

Warnings!!!

MISUSE OF CLONAZEPAM CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Never share clonazepam with another person. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking clonazepam. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.

Get medical help right away if you stop using clonazepam and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

Do not stop using clonazepam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

How should I take clonazepam?

Take clonazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never use this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Do not stop using clonazepam suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions about tapering your dose.

Swallow the regular tablet whole, with a full glass of water.

Clonazepam doses are based on weight in children. Your child’s dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

Call your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your seizures or panic attacks.

Seizures are often treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor’s advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.

Clonazepam Dosage

Applies to the following strengths: 1 mg; 0.5 mg; 2 mg; 0.25 mg; 0.125 mg

1.5 mg orally per day divided into 3 doses; this may be increased in increments of 0.5 mg to 1 mg every 3 days until seizures are adequately controlled or until side effects preclude any further increase.

• Maximum dose: 20 mg/day

Comments:

• The use of multiple anticonvulsants may result in an increase of depressant adverse effects.
• Maintenance doses should be determined by patient response.
• Some loss of effect may occur during the course of treatment; dose adjustments may reestablish efficacy in some patients.

Use: Alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic and myoclonic seizures

Usual Adult Dose for Panic Disorder

Initial dose: 0.25 mg orally 2 times per day
Maintenance dose: 1 mg orally per day
Maximum dose: 4 mg/day

Comments:

• An increase to the target dose for most patients of 1 mg/day may be made after 3 days.
• The dose may be increased in increments of 0.125 mg to 0.25 mg 2 times per day every 3 days until panic disorder is controlled or until side effects make further increases undesired.
• Administration of one dose at bedtime may be desired, to reduce the inconvenience of somnolence.
• Treatment should be discontinued gradually, with a decrease of 0.125 mg 2 times per day every 3 days, until the drug is completely withdrawn.
• Efficacy was established in clinical trials with patients diagnosed with panic disorder given over 6- or 9-weeks; efficacy in long-term use (e.g., greater than 9 weeks) has not been established. Patients who require long-term use should be periodically reevaluated for usefulness.