Clonazepam
About
Clonazepam belongs to the group of medications called benzodiazepines, primarily used to treat seizures or fits due to epilepsy, panic disorder and involuntary muscle spasms. Clonazepam may also be used to treat restless leg syndrome. Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that produces recurrent seizures. Seizures occur due to a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain that disrupts its normal functioning. Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterised by frequent episodes of panic or fear.
Clonazepam contains clonazepam, which works by increasing the level of a calming chemical known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This helps relieve anxiety and seizures (fits). It also helps relax the tense muscles. Thereby, Clonazepam aids in the treatment of seizures, panic disorder, and involuntary muscle spasms.
Your doctor will advise you on how often you need to take this medicine based on your medical condition. In some cases, Clonazepam may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and problems with memory, walking, and coordination. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, please contact your doctor if the side effects are persistent.
Clonazepam is a habit-forming drug. Therefore, before stopping this medicine, consult your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like seizures that do not stop, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there), shaking, and stomach and muscle cramps. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Clonazepam. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Clonazepam as it may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness. It is recommended not to drive or operate any machinery as Clonazepam may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and problems with walking and coordination.
Uses of Clonazepam
Medicinal Benefits
Clonazepam belongs to the group of medications called benzodiazepines, primarily used to treat seizures or fits due to epilepsy, panic disorder and involuntary muscle spasms. Clonazepam may also be used to treat restless leg syndrome. Clonazepam contains clonazepam, which works by increasing the level of a calming chemical known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. It decreases the feeling of nervousness, stress, and anxiety, which leads to a state of calmness and relaxation. Clonazepam benefits people who struggle with anxiety and worries in daily life. Regular intake of the prescribed dose of Clonazepam improves social life and the ability and performance at work, and general wellbeing.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Clonazepam
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Problems with memory, walking, and coordination
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Clonazepam if you are allergic to clonazepam or any benzodiazepine class of drugs (diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, bromazepam, or flurazepam). Inform your doctor if you have lung disease, glaucoma, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), sleep apnoea (difficulty in sleeping), depression, mood problems, suicidal behaviour/thoughts, liver or kidney problems. Taking Clonazepam with opioid medicines can cause severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death. Clonazepam should be taken with extreme caution in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Do not stop taking Clonazepam suddenly as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Clonazepam may interact with opioid analgesic medications (alfentanil, buprenorphine, codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone), antipsychotic medications (droperidol, olanzapine), anaesthesia medications (ketamine), antidepressant medications (sodium oxybate), medicines used to lower blood pressure (enalapril, amlodipine, felodipine, indapamide), acidity medicine (cimetidine), antibiotic medications (rifampicin, fluconazole) and anticonvulsants (diazepam, lorazepam).
Drug-Food Interactions: Limit or avoid the consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have acute alcohol intoxication, closed-angle glaucoma, drug dependence, respiratory depression, renal/liver disease, suicidal tendency, depression, obesity and paradoxical reactions.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Clonazepam to avoid unpleasant side-effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or sleepiness.
Pregnancy
unsafeClonazepam belongs to pregnancy Category D. It is usually not recommended during pregnancy. However, consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while on treatment with Clonazepam.
Driving
unsafeClonazepam may cause dizziness, drowsiness and visual disturbances which may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel sleepy or dizzy after taking Clonazepam.
Liver
cautionClonazepam to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionClonazepam to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disorders. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeIt is not known whether Clonazepam is safe or effective in treating conditions like panic disorder in children younger than 18 years. So, your doctor will decide whether Clonazepam can be given to children less than 18 years of age or not.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do regular exercise, which can help lower anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving your sleep and self-image.
- Find humor in your daily life. Try to watch light-hearted shows to help relieve stress.
- You can increase your mindfulness by including yoga, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated, and limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine to relieve anxiety.
- Include a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
- Herbs like turmeric, ginger, and chamomile contain anti-inflammatory properties. Including this stuff in meals can reduce inflammation caused due to anxiety disorder.
- Reduce alcohol, caffeine, added sugar, high salt, and high fat intake. Especially trans-fat may also help reduce inflammation.
- You can include antioxidants in your daily diet like ashwagandha, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea and lemon.
- Try to spend time with your friends and family. Having a strong social network may help you lower the risk of anxiety.
Special Advise
- Clonazepam can cause dependance and abuse. Therefore, take Clonazepam only in prescribed doses and as directed by your doctor. Do not self-medicate.
- Clonazepam may cause suicidal thoughts. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice suicidal behaviour.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Seizures: Fits/Seizure is a sudden rush of electrical activity in the brain. It is of two types: Generalized seizure (affects the entire brain) and Partial seizures (affects one part of the brain). A mild seizure might be difficult to recognize as it lasts for only a few seconds, during which one lacks awareness. Stronger seizures cause uncontrollable muscle twitches and spasms, lasting for a few seconds to several minutes. Lack of sleep, high fever, stress, bright lights, caffeine, certain medicines, alcohol, and skipping meals/overeating are a few of the most common triggers for seizures.
Panic disorder: Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterised by frequent episodes of panic or dread. At times, everyone feels sensations of anxiety and panic. It is a natural reaction to stressful or potentially harmful conditions. However, someone suffering from panic disorder experiences worries, stress, and panic on a regular basis and at any moment, frequently for no apparent cause.
Involuntary muscle spasm: When the nerve impulses that control muscle movements are damaged or interrupted, it could lead to muscle spasms. The sudden involuntary contractions of the muscle can be painful and uncomfortable. Symptoms include muscle tightness, joint stiffness, unusual posture, difficulty in movement, and pain in affected muscles and joints. Fatigue (weakness), stress, extreme heat or cold, infection and tight clothing can trigger muscle spasms.
Restless leg syndrome: Restless leg syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom illness, is a common nervous system disorder characterised by an intense, irresistible urge to move the legs. The primary symptom of restless leg syndrome is a strong need to move the legs. It can also induce a creeping or crawling sensation in the feet, calves, and thighs. The sensation is frequently exacerbated in the evening or at night. The arms are occasionally affected as well.
FAQs
Clonazepam boosts gamma-aminobutyric acid levels (GABA) in the brain, which helps to ease anxiety, stop seizures (fits), and relax tense muscles.
Elderly patients (aged more than 65 years) are more likely to have confusion and sleepiness, or age-related health issues, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose. Consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Clonazepam is a controlled and habit-forming drug. It is not likely to be addictive if you take it for 2-4 weeks. However, if Clonazepam is prescribed for more than 2-4 weeks, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually before completely stopping it to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Do not stop taking Clonazepam until instructed by your doctor. Stopping Clonazepam may cause withdrawal symptoms like seizures that do not stop, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there), shaking, and stomach and muscle cramps. Your doctor may lower the dose gradually to prevent this.
Caffeine is a stimulant that may reduce the calming effects of Clonazepam. So, it is advisable to avoid consuming caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate containing caffeine.
