Clonazepam is commonly used to treat the following conditions.
Certain types of seizure disorders, also called epilepsy
Panic disorder with or without the fear of open spaces, also called agoraphobia
Clonazepam may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does clonazepam work (mechanism of action)?
Clonazepam produces a calming effect on the brain and nerves, which helps to reduce anxiety, prevent seizures, and promote relaxation.
How is clonazepam supplied (dosage forms)?
Clonazepam is available as Klonopin, Klonopin ODT, and generic clonazepam in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
0.125 mg orally disintegrating tablets
0.25 mg orally disintegrating tablets
0.5 mg orally disintegrating tablets
1 mg orally disintegrating tablets
2 mg orally disintegrating tablets
0.5 mg oral tablets
1 mg oral tablets
2 mg oral tablets
How should I store clonazepam?
Clonazepam should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of clonazepam?
The most common side effects of clonazepam are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
Drowsiness
Problems with walking and coordination
Dizziness
Depression
Fatigue
Problems with memory
There may be other side effects of clonazepam that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of clonazepam?
While less common, the most serious side effects of clonazepam are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Clonazepam can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using clonazepam and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Clonazepam may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you’re about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
Suicide attempt
New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
Risk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing clonazepam can lead to serious side effects like coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take clonazepam exactly as prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel that clonazepam is not working. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following serious symptoms.
Sudden confusion or feeling disoriented
Feeling paranoid
Suicidal thoughts or actions
Seizures
Trouble breathing
Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions. Clonazepam can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine to function properly. If you stop clonazepam suddenly, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be life-threatening. Do not stop taking clonazepam without talking with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to stop clonazepam to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following serious symptoms.
Unusual movements, responses, or expressions
Seizures
Sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes
Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations
An extreme increase in activity or talking
Losing touch with reality
Some people may experience the following symptoms of a withdrawal reaction that can last for several weeks to more than 12 months.
Anxiety
Trouble remembering, learning, or concentrating
Depression
Problems sleeping
Feeling like insects are crawling under the skin
Weakness
Shaking
Muscle twitching
Burning or prickling feeling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
Ringing in the ears
Risk With Opioid Medicines. Taking clonazepam with an opioid medicine, such as codeine, morphine, and oxycodone, may lead to severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death. Get emergency help right away if you experience the following symptoms.
Slow or shallow breathing
Breathing stops (which may lead to the heart stopping)
Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake
Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Clonazepam can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how clonazepam affects you.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use clonazepam?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use clonazepam.
Clonazepam
Klonopin
Any other medicine known as a benzodiazepine, such as alprazolam or lorazepam
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed.
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific clonazepam products they stock.
Liver Problems. Clonazepam should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.
Glaucoma. Do not use clonazepam if you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma. There are different types of glaucoma. If you do not know what type you have, talk with your healthcare provider before taking clonazepam.
What should I know about clonazepam before using it?
Do not take clonazepam unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share clonazepam with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Clonazepam can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how clonazepam affects you.
Keep clonazepam out of the reach of children. Clonazepam is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store clonazepam in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.
