Clonazepam
Clonazepam is a drug that doctors can prescribe to control and prevent seizures that occur due to epilepsy.
This drug belongs to the benzodiazepine group of drugs which work by increasing the activity of a natural substance in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which functions to reduce excessive electrical activity in the brain and balance it.
This drug, which is available in tablet form, can treat seizures due to epilepsy and panic disorders.
Use of this drug must be based on a prescription and under the supervision of a doctor.
Cautions in Using Clonazepam
Before taking this medicine, there are several important factors that you should pay attention to in order to avoid unwanted effects.
Here are things you should pay attention to:
- Avoid taking this drug if you have an allergy to the ingredients in Clonazepam or other types of benzodiazepine drugs, such as diazepam and lorazepam.
- Consult a doctor if you have or have a history of glaucoma, kidney disease, sleep apnea, movement disorders that affect balance, or liver disease before using this medication.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor about it to consider the risks that may occur. Because it may interfere with the fetus or affect breast milk.
- Consult a doctor if this medicine will be used for the elderly or children.
- Avoid consuming alcohol while undergoing treatment with Clonazepam.
- Avoid activities or activities that require alertness after using this medicine.
Because these things are very important to pay attention to, consulting a doctor first before using this drug is a wise step.
Benefits of Clonazepam
This drug can be used to treat symptoms of seizures due to epilepsy and panic disorders that cause fear due to feeling trapped and unable to ask for help from others or agoraphobia.
Clonazepam Side Effects
Some common side effects that occur during use of this drug are:
- The feeling of drowsiness arises.
- Easily tired.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Dizzy.
- Easy to forget.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Fever.
- It’s hard to concentrate.
In addition, in more serious side effects, this drug can cause:
- Stomach cramps.
- The joints feel very painful.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Heart beating fast.
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat occurs.
If you experience common side effects that do not go away or if serious side effects appear, contact your doctor immediately for proper care and treatment.
Clonazepam Dosage
This medicine can be consumed by adults or children. As for the dosage of this medicine, the doctor will adjust it to the age and purpose of using the medicine, namely:
- For seizures due to epilepsy
- Adults and children 10 years and older: 0.5 mg taken 3 times a day. The doctor may increase the dose, but it will not exceed 20 mg per day.
- Children aged 10 years or younger and weighing less than 30 kg: The dosage should be adjusted according to body weight and should be determined by a doctor. Typically, the dosage ranges from 0.01-0.03 mg per kg of body weight and is given 2 or 3 times a day.
- For panic disorder
- Adults: 0.25 mg as a starting dose and taken twice a day. You can increase the dose according to your doctor’s advice, but usually it will not exceed 4 mg per day.
- Children: If you are using this medication to treat disorders in children, you should first consult your doctor to determine the dosage to be used.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and do not double your dose.
You need to remember, in order to avoid unwanted side effects, it is very important to first consult a doctor before using this drug.
Later, the doctor will determine the right dose according to the condition and various factors experienced.
How to Use Clonazepam
Clonazepam is available in tablet form and is taken orally. This medication can be taken before or after meals.
Here’s how to use Clonazepam:
- Follow the dosage that your doctor has recommended.
- To maximize the effectiveness of the treatment, you need to take Cymbalta at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, it is better to skip the missed dose and not double the next dose.
- Do not change the dose or stop taking this medication suddenly without first consulting your doctor.
- Store Clonazepam in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Keep the medication away from direct sunlight and be sure to store it out of the reach of children.
Clonazepam Interactions
The following are potential drug interactions that may occur when Cymbalta is used together with other medicines:
- Clonazepam is not recommended for you to take together with flumazenil.
- There is an increase or decrease in phenytoin levels in the blood.
- Using this medication together with valproic acid may increase the risk of loss of consciousness due to prolonged absence seizures.
- Increased risk of decreased consciousness, decreased respiratory function, and even coma can potentially occur if you use Clonazepam together with opioid analgesics.
- If you take Clonazepam together with other anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, sleeping pills, barbiturates, tranquilizers, antihistamines, antipsychotics, anesthetics, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), it is possible that the depressant effect on brain function will increase. This can result in symptoms such as decreased consciousness, cognitive impairment, or other side effects related to the central nervous system.
Clonazepam Contraindications
Do not use this medicine if you have the following conditions:
- Acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Acute pulmonary insufficiency.
- Severe respiratory insufficiency.
- Sleep apnea.
- Myasthenia gravis or autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness.
- Have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
- Severe liver disease or disorders.
