Clonazepam+escitalopram
About
Clonazepam+escitalopram belongs to a group of medications called ‘antianxiety medications used to treat anxiety disorders. Anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of intense, excessive and persistent worry or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. Anxiety symptoms include rapid breathing, increased heart rate, restlessness, trouble concentrating, and difficulty falling asleep.
Clonazepam+escitalopram is a combination of two drugs: clonazepam and escitalopram. Clonazepam produces a calming effect by suppressing the abnormal activity of nerve cells. Escitalopram increases the serotonin hormone levels that improve mood, behaviour, and cognition in patients with anxiety.
Clonazepam+escitalopram should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Common side-effects of Clonazepam+escitalopram are nausea, headache, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, fatigue, sleeping problems, breathlessness, poor coordination of movements, stomach upset, decreased libido (low sexual desire), and memory problems. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Clonazepam+escitalopram if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have seizures, liver problems, sleep disorders, lung problems, and alcohol or drug abuse. Do not consume alcohol, as it can increase the risk of side effects. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medicine. Clonazepam+escitalopram may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so avoid driving vehicles or operating machinery unless you are alert.
Uses of Clonazepam+escitalopram
Medicinal Benefits
Clonazepam+escitalopram is a combination of two medicines: clonazepam and escitalopram. It is used to treat anxiety disorders. Clonazepam increases the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and produces a calming effect by suppressing the abnormal activity of nerve cells. Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI); it increases the serotonin levels in the brain, thereby improving mood and behaviour.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Clonazepam+escitalopram
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Uncoordinated body movements
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Delayed ejaculation
- Decreased libido (low sexual desire)
- Memory problems
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Clonazepam+escitalopram if you are allergic to any ingredients. Tell your doctor if you are taking antidepressants, antipsychotic medication, antihypertensives, or antibiotics. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of seizures, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Patients with liver diseases, diabetes, heart disease, and bleeding disorders should use the Clonazepam+escitalopram with caution. Please do not stop taking Clonazepam+escitalopram abruptly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. Clonazepam+escitalopram may cause suicidal thoughts and worsen anxiety.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Clonazepam+escitalopram may interact with other antianxiety drugs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (selegiline and moclobemide), opioids or strong pain killers, sedatives, anti-arrhythmic drugs, a medication used to treat heartburn (cimetidine) and antibiotics (rifampicin and linezolid).
Drug-food interactions: Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects when taken along with Clonazepam+escitalopram.
Drug-disease interactions: Clonazepam+escitalopram should be used with caution in patients with seizures, schizophrenia, liver diseases, diabetes, heart diseases, sleep disorders and bleeding disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDo not take alcohol as it can increase the risk of side-effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeClonazepam+escitalopram may show toxic effects on the fetus. So, it is not recommended for use in women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Consult your doctor for further advice.
Breast Feeding
cautionClonazepam+escitalopram should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. Your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding while taking this medication.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate heavy machinery as Clonazepam+escitalopram may cause drowsiness.
Liver
cautionClonazepam+escitalopram should be used with caution in patients with severe liver impairment. Dose adjustments may be required in such cases.
Kidney
cautionClonazepam+escitalopram should be used with caution in patients with kidney failure.
Children
cautionClonazepam+escitalopram should not be used in children unless prescribed by a child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Attend therapy sessions regularly.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Try to stay active and exercise regularly.
- Take ample rest. Get enough sleep.
- Meditate regularly as it helps in easing anxiety.
- Avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol consumption.
- Foods and drinks like salmon, chamomile, turmeric, dark chocolate, green tea, and yoghurt may help with anxiety.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise regular eye checkups as using Clonazepam+escitalopram may worsen the symptoms in patients with open-angle glaucoma.
- Consult your doctor immediately if there is any change in behaviour or if you have any suicidal thoughts.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anxiety: Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry or uneasiness. It is usually a normal emotion. However, if a person experiences repeated episodes of anxiety that worsen over time or interfere with daily activities, the condition is called anxiety disorder. Symptoms include irritability, lack of concentration, nervousness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat and trembling.
FAQs
Clonazepam+escitalopram decreases the activity in the brain producing a calming effect. It improves mood, behavior and cognition in patients with anxiety.
Long-term use of Clonazepam+escitalopram may cause suicidal thoughts in some cases. So, use Clonazepam+escitalopram as prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any behavioural changes during the use of Clonazepam+escitalopram.
Clonazepam+escitalopram can affect mood or behaviour. However, you should not take this medication without a doctor’s advice.
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry or uneasiness. Symptoms include irritability, lack of concentration, fatigue, trembling and rapid heartbeat. If you experience repeated episodes of anxiety, consult a doctor immediately.
Clonazepam+escitalopram may cause a decrease in sexual desire (libido) in men and women. Men can also experience erectile dysfunction. Consult a doctor if you experience any change in sexual desire after taking Clonazepam+escitalopram.
Clonazepam+escitalopram may cause drowsiness. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking Clonazepam+escitalopram.
Yes, Clonazepam+escitalopram may cause hair loss in few people, if you experience excessive hair loss please consult your doctor.
