GENERIC NAME: clonazepam

BRAND NAME: Klonopin

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Clonazepam is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine family, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane), and others. Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical that nerve cells use to communicate with each other) which inhibits many of the activities of the brain. It is believed that excessive activity in the brain may lead to anxiety or other psychiatric disorders. Clonazepam also is used to prevent certain types of seizures.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 0.5mg and 1mg, 2mg

STORAGE: Tablets should be kept at room temperature, between 15° and 30°C (59-86°F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Clonazepam is used for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. It is used for certain types of seizures, specifically petit mal seizures, akinetic seizures, and myoclonus, as well as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. For these seizure disorders, clonazepam may use alone or together with other medications.

DOSING: The dose of clonazepam is tailored to the patient's needs.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Clonazepam, and all benzodiazepines, interact with other medications and drugs that slow the brain's processes, such as alcohol, barbiturates, and narcotics.

PREGNANCY: Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines have been associated with fetal damage, including congenital malformations, when taken by pregnant women in their first trimester. Clonazepam is best avoided in the first trimester, and probably throughout pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if clonazepam is secreted in breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associated with clonazepam are sedation, which is reported in approximately 1 in 2 people (one-half of patients), dizziness (one-third of patients), weakness, and unsteadiness. Other side effects include a feeling of depression, loss of orientation, headache, and sleep disturbance.

Like all benzodiazepines, clonazepam can cause physical dependence. Suddenly stopping therapy after a few months of daily therapy may be associated with a feeling of loss of self-worth, agitation, and insomnia. If clonazepam is taken continuously for longer than a few months, stopping therapy suddenly may produce seizures, tremors, muscle cramping, vomiting, and/or sweating. Therefore, discontinuation usually is accomplished by tapering the dose.