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Brand Name: Klonopin

Generic Name: clonazepam

A benzodiazepine anticonvulsant - It is used to treat certain types of seizures

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What is this medicine?

Klonopin (kloe NA ze pam) is a benzodiazepine. It is used to treat certain types of seizures. It is also used to treat panic disorder.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

an alcohol or drug abuse problem
bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
glaucoma
kidney or liver disease
lung or breathing disease
myasthenia gravis
Parkinson's disease
seizures or a history of seizures
suicidal thoughts
an unusual or allergic reaction to clonazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking or change the dose except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

herbal or dietary supplements
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
medicines for sleep
prescription pain medicines
propantheline
rifampin
sevelamer
some medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your body may become dependent on this medicine. If you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice before increasing or decreasing the dose. Even after you stop taking this medicine it can still affect your body for several days.

If you suffer from several types of seizures, this medicine may increase the chance of grand mal seizures (epilepsy). Let your doctor or health care professional know, he or she may want to prescribe an additional medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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