Description

Clonazepam

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Generic Name: clonazepam (kloe NAZ e pam)
Brand Names: KlonoPIN

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What is Klonopin?

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Klonopin (Clonazepam) is a medication used to prevent and treat seizures, panic disorder, and for the movement disorder known as akathisia. It is a type of benzodiazepine. It’s a K-shaped perforation containing 0.5 mg of Klonopin (clonazepam) and unscored tablets with a K-shaped perforation containing 1 mg or 2 mg of Klonopin (clonazepam). It begins having an effect within an hour and lasts between six and twelve hours.

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Important information

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You should not use Klonopin if you have severe liver disease, of if you are allergic to clonazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax). Clonazepam may cause harm to an unborn baby, and may cause breathing or feeding problems in a newborn. But having seizures during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Do not start or stop taking this medicine during pregnancy without medical advice.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Klonopin. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Before you take Klonopin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, any breathing problems, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Klonopin. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. Clonazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

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Before taking this medicine

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You should not use Klonopin if you have severe liver disease or narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to clonazepam or other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

To make sure you can safely take Klonopin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney or liver disease;
• glaucoma;
• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
• a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

FDA pregnancy category D. Klonopin may cause harm to an unborn baby, and may cause breathing or feeding problems in a newborn. But having seizures during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Do not start or stop taking clonazepam during pregnancy without medical advice. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of clonazepam on the baby. Clonazepam may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed a baby while taking this medication.

The sedative effects of Klonopin may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking this medicine. Clonazepam may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

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DRUG DESCRIPTION

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Klonopin, a benzodiazepine, is available as scored tablets with a K-shaped perforation containing 0.5 mg of clonazepam and unscored tablets with a K-shaped perforation containing 1 mg or 2 mg of clonazepam. Each tablet also contains lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and corn starch, with the following colorants: 0.5 mg—FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake; 1 mg—FD&C Blue No. 1 Lake and FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake.

Klonopin is also available as an orally disintegrating tablet containing 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg clonazepam. Each orally disintegrating tablet also contains gelatin, mannitol, methylparaben sodium, propylparaben sodium and xanthan gum.

Chemically, clonazepam is 5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-2#-1,4- benzodiazepin-2-one. It is a light yellow crystalline powder. It has a molecular weight of 315.72 and the following structural formula:

 

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What are the possible side effects of clonazepam (Klonopin, Klonopin Wafer)?

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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or…

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What are the precautions when taking clonazepam (Klonopin)?

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Before taking clonazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, lorazepam); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain type of eye problem (narrow-angle glaucoma), liver disease, kidney disease, lung/breathing problems, mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol/other substances.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you…