Drug Details
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Brand Name
Novo-Clonazepam
Common Name
clonazepam
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Clonazepam belongs to the class of medications called benzodiazepines.
In general, benzodiazepines are used as a sedative or to decrease seizures
or anxiety.
Clonazepam is used to treat seizure disorders. It helps by slowing
the activity of the nerves in the brain (i.e., the central nervous system).
Your doctor may choose to use this medication for conditions other than the
ones listed in these drug information articles. If you are unsure why you
are taking this medication, contact your doctor.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult starting dose of clonazepam ranges from 0.5 mg to 2 mg daily in divided doses, with or without food. It is important that the dose be individualized to your specific needs to avoid excessive sedation or motor impairment. Your doctor may increase this dose to as high as 20 mg per day in two to four divided doses. The dose is usually started low and increased if necessary by your doctor.
Children who are more than 10 years old or who weigh more than 30 kg have their doses based on weight (0.01 mg per kg of body weight per day - 0.03 mg per kg of body weight per day) and need to be monitored carefully.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Clonazepam may be habit forming when taken for long periods of time. If you have been taking this medication regularly for a long period of time (i.e., more than one month), do not stop taking the medication without speaking with your doctor. To avoid withdrawal effects, a gradual reduction in dose is recommended when stopping this medication.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If your next dose is in less than 4 hours, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
0.5 mg
Each orange-coloured, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edge, compressed tablet, engraved modified N over N on one side and 0.5 on the reverse, contains clonazepam 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Yellow No. 6, glycerin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and polysorbate 20.
2 mg
Each white, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edge, compressed tablet, engraved modified N over N on one side and 2 on the reverse, contains clonazepam 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, glycerin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and polysorbate 20.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Clonazepam should not be taken by anyone with:
- an allergy to clonazepam, any other benzodiazepine, or any ingredient of
this medication
- severe breathing problems
- myasthenia gravis
- significant liver disease
- acute narrow or closed angle glaucoma
Clonazepam may be used by people with open angle glaucoma who are receiving
appropriate treatment.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes
this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks
and benefits of this medication with your health professional. They may be able
to help you to deal with some of the effects.
The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the
medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.
More common
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- drowsiness
- slurred speech
Less common or rare
- abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
- blurred vision or other changes in vision
- changes in sexual desire or ability
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dryness of mouth or increased thirst
- false sense of well-being
- headache
- increased watering of mouth
- muscle spasm
- nausea or vomiting
- problems urinating
- trembling or shaking
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side
effects occur:
Less common
- anxiety
- confusion
- depression
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- lack of memory
Rare
- abnormal thinking (disorientation, delusions, or loss of sense of reality)
- agitation
- behavioural changes, including:
- aggressiveness
- bizarre conduct
- decreased inhibition
- angry outbursts
- convulsions (seizures)
- hallucinations
- hypotension (low blood pressure)
- muscle weakness
- skin rash or itching
- sore throat, fever, and chills
- trouble sleeping
- ulcers or sores in mouth or throat
- uncontrolled movements of body, including the eyes
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability
- unusual tiredness or weakness (severe)
- yellow eyes or skin
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check
with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking
this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Dependence and withdrawal: Physical dependence (a need to take regular
doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with benzodiazepines
such as clonazepam. Severe withdrawal symptoms may occur if the dose is significantly
reduced or suddenly discontinued. These symptoms include seizures,
irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, agitation, tremors, diarrhea,
abdominal cramps, vomiting,
memory impairment, headache,
muscle pain, extreme anxiety,
tension, restlessness, and confusion. Reducing the dose gradually under medical
supervision can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms.
Medical conditions: Clonazepam is not recommended for use by people
with depression or psychosis.
People who have an addiction to alcohol
or other drugs should not take clonazepam
except in rare situations under medical supervision.
Occupational hazards: Because clonazepam causes drowsiness and sedation,
do not engage in activities requiring mental alertness, judgment, and physical
coordination (such as driving or operating machinery) while taking it. This
is particularly true when first taking the medication and until you have established
that clonazepam does not affect you this way. Alcohol can increase the drowsiness
effects and should be avoided.
Pregnancy: If clonazepam is used to prevent major seizures, its use
should not be discontinued. If it is taken for minor seizures, the risks posed
by seizures need to be weighed against the risks posed by the medication. Women
who have epilepsy should notify their
doctor promptly if they become pregnant.
Breast-feeding: Clonazepam may pass into breast milk and is not recommended
for use by nursing mothers. Mothers who take clonazepam should not breast-feed
their infants.
Children: If long-term use of clonazepam is being considered for a
child, the benefits needs to be weighed against the risks.
Seniors: Seniors may be at increased risk for the sedative and impaired
coordination effects of this medication. They need to use extra caution, for
example, when getting up during the night.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
The following medications may affect how clonazepam works or increase the
risk of side effects:
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must
stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are
managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions
are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription),
and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements
you take. Since caffeine, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can
affect the action of many medications; you should let your prescriber know if
you use them.
Disclaimer
The information within this website is for Canadian audiences only. This content is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. It should not be relied upon or interpreted as a recommendation for any specific treatment plan, product or course of action. The information on the site is not intended as a substitute of any kind for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak to your healthcare professional before taking any product, changing your lifestyle, or beginning or discontinuing any course of treatment. If you suspect that you are ill or may have a medical emergency, contact a physician, a health professional or call 911 immediately.
