Clonazepam

is the generic version of Klonopin/Rivotril. It is a benzodiazepine that works by increasing the activity of a naturally occurring chemical in the brain.

HOW TO USE

Take this medication by mouth 2 or 3 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Before Taking this Medication

Before taking clonazepam,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clonazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; cimetadine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); fluoxetine (Prozac); isoniazide (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid); ketoconazole (Nizoral); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); medications for depression, seizures, pain, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), muscle relaxants; oral contraceptives; phenytoin (Dilantin); probenecid (Benemid); propoxyphene (Darvon); propranolol (Inderal); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene); and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by clonazepam.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking clonazepam, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking clonazepam.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

SIDE EFFECTS

Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle pain, excessive hair growth or loss, change in sexual desire, weight change, increased saliva production, sore gums, or cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: loss of coordination, mental/mood/behavior changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slowed breathing, easy bruising/bleeding, unusual eye movements, unusual fatigue, fast/pounding heartbeat, unusual muscle movement, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, trouble urinating. If you have several different types of seizure disorders, you may experience a worsening of seizure activity at the start of using this medication. Consult your doctor immediately if this happens. The addition or dosage adjustment of other anti-seizure medications may be necessary to keep seizures under control. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist

Drug Interactions:

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: antifungals (eg, fluconazole), disulfiram, nefazodone, omeprazole, or valproic acid because they may increase the risk of Clonazepam's side effects; Sodium oxybate (GHB); because an increase in sleep duration and a decrease in the ability to breathe may occur; Clozapine; because dangerous side effects, such as confusion, sedation, excess salivation, unsteady movements, lightheadedness especially upon standing, difficult or slow breathing, or drowsiness leading to unresponsiveness or coma, may occur; Rifampin, St. John's wort, or valproic acid because they may decrease Clonazepam's effectiveness.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

STORAGE

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Precaution:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; if you have or have ever had alcoholism, substance abuse or dependence, or if you consume more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day; if you have depression or have ever considered or attempted suicide; if you have myasthenia gravis (a condition in which the muscles become progressively weakened); if you have angle-closure glaucoma, liver or kidney problems, or porphyria; if you have chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or other breathing problems. Clonazepam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or difficulty with coordination. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Clonazepam with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Clonazepam may cause you to lose consciousness if you have a history of seizures. Use Clonazepam with caution. Do not perform tasks that could be unsafe for you or others if you should lose consciousness (eg, driving, swimming, running heavy machinery). Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Clonazepam; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness. Carry an ID card at all times that says you take Clonazepam if it is used for seizures. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Clonazepam while you are pregnant. Clonazepam may cause harm to the fetus. Clonazepam is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Clonazepam. When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Clonazepam may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. Talk with your doctor if Clonazepam stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed. When used for longer than a few weeks or at high doses, some people develop a need to continue taking Clonazepam. If you stop taking Clonazepam suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms. These may include abnormal thoughts or behavioral disorder, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, personality changes or loss of contact with reality; convulsions (seizures); insomnia; stomach and muscle cramps; tremor. Do not suddenly stop taking Clonazepam. If you need to stop Clonazepam, your doctor will lower your dose over time.