Klonopin (Clonazepam)
Brand Names: Klonopin
Related Medications: Acetazolamide Injection, Banzel, Buspar, Carbatrol, Celontin, Dilantin, Felbatol, Fycompa, Librax, Librium, Niravam, Onfi, Orap, Peganone, Potiga, Sabril, Spritam, Tegretol, Thorazine, Tranxene, Tridione, Vimpat, Xenazine, Xeomin, Zarontin
Side Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms of Klonopin
These days Klonopin is often taken by people to treat such medical conditions as panic disorder, anxiety, specific types of seizures, including akinetic
and petit mal and a few others. Before patients start this treatment, they should get more information about this medicine and its uses.
Its Drug Class and Functions
Klonopin is an anti-anxiety medicine that belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, and it works by improving the effects of GABA in the brain.
This means that its intake affects these neurotransmitters that inhibit certain brain activities, thus, treating seizures, anxiety and panic attacks. The
use of this medication was approved by the FDA more than 40 years ago.
Unwanted Side Effects
There are some common adverse effects that are associated with the intake of Klonopin, including:
Besides, some patients in rare cases may develop more serious symptoms, such as the following:
Another important detail is that the intake of all antiepileptic meds, including Klonopin, is associated with an increased risk of developing suicidal
thoughts and actions. That’s why patients who take them must be closely observed by their doctors for any suicidal ideas, clinical worsening and other
unusual changes in their behavior.
Withdrawal Symptoms
There are some withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced by people while stopping this treatment because Klonopin may result in their physical
dependence. When they stop its use abruptly, they may develop agitation, insomnia and lose their self-worth. Moreover, if they take this medicine for a few
months, stopping this treatment abruptly may lead to the following withdrawal symptoms:
That’s why all doctors advise their patients to stop taking Klonopin gradually by lowering their regular dosage.
Recommended Doses and Drug Interactions
The right dosage of this medication is based on the needs of a particular patient, and it depends on a specific health condition. To treat seizures, adult
patients should start with taking 1.5 mg in divided doses on a daily basis. It’s possible to increase this dosage, but they shouldn’t take more than 20 mg
daily.
Finally, Klonopin shouldn’t be combined with certain meds because of possible drug interactions. They include pills that work by slowing different brain
processes and increasing sedation, including barbiturates, alcoholic beverages and narcotics. People always need to inform their doctors about other meds
that they are taking.