Clonazepam belongs to the group of medicines called Benzodiazepines. These drugs primarily function by enhancing the brain activity within the neurotransmitters. It is a drug that is prescribed to prevent seizures and treat panic attacks.
Clonazepam functions by modulating the GABA-A receptors that help in inducing calming effects on the brain and reducing the excitability of neurons. Some of the uses of Clonazepam are:
Consult a physician before taking the medication. This medication is taken orally, 2-3 times a day, as advised by the physician. The medication is to be taken at the same time each day, without fail. The tablet is usually taken with a full glass of water. An orally disintegrating tablet should be placed in the mouth and allowed to dissolve without chewing. The medication should not be taken irregularly and should not be stopped without consulting your doctor.
If the drug causes worsening of the symptoms, the dose is to be adjusted, and this requires consultation with the physician immediately. You can also find the usage instructions on the label. However, it is important you contact your doctor in this regard.
Some of the most common clonazepam side effects are-
There may be other side effects to this drug. If any side effect is persistent, please inform your physician at the earliest.
If a dose of Clonazepam is missed, take the next dose as soon as you remember it. The dose may be skipped if it is too close to the next dose. The medication is to be taken at a regular time.
In case of an overdose, visit your doctor immediately. Also, contact the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Some of the symptoms of overdose include:
More serious side effects include:
The possibility of these side effects is very rare. Consult your doctor to discuss them, especially if they last for a longer period of time.
Store the drug at room temperature. Keep away from light and moisture. Do not keep within reach of children and pets. The medicines should be properly disposed of in case of expiry.
This drug has possible interactions with the following-
If you are taking any of the medications, consult your doctor before taking the Clonazepam. Your doctor will prescribe a better alternative if required.
Clonazepam, taken as a tablet, takes approximately 20-60 min to start working. The drug reaches maximum potency within 1-4 hrs. Clonazepam works very effectively for seizures and panic attacks but must be used with caution as it has a high tendency to get addictive. Consult your physician for any doubts or queries regarding the use of Clonazepam.
|
Clonazepam |
Diazepam |
Common drug name |
Klonopin |
Valium |
Uses |
Panic disorders, seizures |
Anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal, seizures |
Side effects |
Addictive, memory loss, dizziness, confusion, runny nose, sore throat, not advisable in pregnant women |
Not safe in conditions like sleep apnea, liver conditions and also pregnant women, addictive, problems with balance and coordination |
Clonazepam and Diazepam are both benzodiazepine medications used to treat various conditions, including anxiety and seizures. While they belong to the same drug class, they may differ in factors like onset of action, duration, and specific indications. The choice between them depends on the individual's condition and the doctor's recommendation.
Clonazepam is not primarily a sleeping medication, but it may have a sedative effect and is sometimes prescribed for sleep-related issues when other treatments are ineffective. It's not a first-line choice for sleep problems, and its use for sleep should be under medical guidance.
There are no specific foods that you need to avoid when taking Clonazepam. However, it's crucial to avoid alcohol and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Some foods can interact with medications, so it's wise to discuss dietary considerations with your healthcare provider.
It is not advisable to drink alcohol while taking Clonazepam. Alcohol can intensify the sedative effects of Clonazepam, leading to drowsiness, impaired coordination, and an increased risk of accidents or overdose. It's essential to consult your healthcare provider and avoid alcohol when using Clonazepam.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14403-6006/clonazepam-oral/clonazepam-oral/details https://www.drugs.com/clonazepam.html#uses
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556010/#:~:text=Clonazepam%20is%20a%20benzodiazepine%20drug,%2C%20insomnia%2C%20and%20tardive%20dyskinesia
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.