Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved clonazepam oral tablet to treat:
This article describes possible side effects of clonazepam oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for clonazepam.
Clonazepam oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Klonopin. Clonazepam also comes in a tablet that dissolves in your mouth, but this form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about this form, talk with your doctor.
You can explore this overview article to learn more about clonazepam oral tablet, including the drug’s uses, dosage, ways to save on cost, and more.
Boxed warnings
Clonazepam has boxed warnings about the risk of dependence and withdrawal as well as misuse and addiction. It also has a boxed warning about the risk of side effects if taken with opioid drugs. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA.
For more information about the risk of dependence and withdrawal and the risk of misuse and addiction, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, misuse and clonazepam” section below. For details about the risk of side effects if taken with opioid drugs, see the “Side effects of clonazepam in detail” section below.
More common side effects of clonazepam
Clonazepam oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of clonazepam oral tablet include:
Mild side effects of clonazepam
Clonazepam oral tablet may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of clonazepam oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
Clonazepam oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of clonazepam in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of clonazepam
Clonazepam oral tablet may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from clonazepam oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with clonazepam oral tablet.
Serious side effects of clonazepam oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of clonazepam in detail” section below.
† Clonazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, misuse and clonazepam” section below.
‡ Clonazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of clonazepam in detail” section below.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Click here for more links and local resources.
Side effects of clonazepam in children
Doctors prescribe clonazepam oral tablet to treat certain seizure disorders in children of any age.
In general, children are considered at higher risk for side effects of clonazepam oral tablet. This is because the body relies on the liver to break down clonazepam after taking a dose. Children do not have a fully developed liver. So their bodies may not break down the drug as well as they should.
To learn more about side effects in children taking clonazepam oral tablet, talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist.
Common questions about side effects of clonazepam
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of clonazepam oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does clonazepam cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases, clonazepam oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can occur at any time, even if you’ve taken the drug for a long time. They may last for the entire time that you’re taking clonazepam.
Examples of long-term side effects include:
- bladder problems, including difficulty urinating or loss of bladder control, such as bedwetting
- blood disorders, including low platelet count
- central nervous system depression, which may cause problems with balance, coordination, and walking
- mental health side effects, including depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or other changes in mood or behaviors
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- rage
- psychosis (loss of touch with reality)
- sexual side effects, including changes in libido, delayed orgasm, or erectile dysfunction
- vision changes, including blurry vision or double vision
- withdrawal symptoms when stopping treatment*
Although rare, withdrawal symptoms have occurred more than 12 months after stopping clonazepam.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to best manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of clonazepam oral tablet may last.
* Clonazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, misuse and clonazepam” section below.
Can clonazepam cause kidney-related side effects?
No, it’s not expected to. Kidney-related side effects weren’t reported in clonazepam’s studies.
However, people with kidney problems are at higher risk for side effects from taking clonazepam. This is because your body uses your kidneys to clear the drug after you take a dose. If you have a kidney problem, such as chronic kidney disease, your body won’t clear clonazepam as well as it should. This raises your risk for side effects of the drug, including difficulty with balance, coordination, and walking.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a kidney problem before you start taking clonazepam. They may prescribe a lower dose.
How do side effects of clonazepam in older adults compare with those in younger adults?
Side effects of clonazepam in older adults are expected to be the same as those in younger adults. Older adults generally refers to people ages 65 years and older. In clonazepam’s studies, different side effects weren’t reported in older adults compared to younger adults.
However, in general, older adults are at higher risk for side effects from taking clonazepam compared to younger adults. This is due to changes in the body with age. These changes can affect how the body metabolizes (breaks down and clears) drugs like clonazepam.
Because of this, doctors often prescribe a lower clonazepam dose to older adults and monitor them for side effects. They may increase the dose slowly over time if needed to treat your condition.
If you have questions about your risk of side effects from clonazepam considering your age, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Withdrawal, dependence, misuse and clonazepam
Clonazepam has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and addiction as well as dependence and withdrawal. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In addition, clonazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning about the risk of side effects if taken with opioid drugs. For more information on this risk, see the “Side effects of clonazepam in detail” section below.
Clonazepam and the risk of dependence and withdrawal
Taking clonazepam oral tablet, even as prescribed, can lead to drug dependence. With dependence, your body needs a drug to function like usual. It’s possible to be physically dependent on a drug but not be addicted to it. To learn more about clonazepam oral tablet and addiction, see the next section below.
Because the drug can cause physical dependence, stopping clonazepam treatment, especially suddenly, can cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms refer to side effects that occur when you stop taking a drug that your body is dependent on. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur if treatment with clonazepam oral tablet is stopped suddenly. They are also more likely to be serious.
Withdrawal symptoms from stopping clonazepam may be mild or serious. Some examples include:
Because of the risk of withdrawal symptoms, do not change your clonazepam dose unless your doctor advises you to do so. And take the drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It’s also possible to have withdrawal symptoms if you miss doses of clonazepam.
Do not stop taking clonazepam oral tablet without first talking with your doctor. If you both agree that you’ll stop taking clonazepam, your doctor will advise how to slowly lower your dose over time. This is called drug tapering. It helps lower your risk for withdrawal symptoms when you’re stopping treatment.
Clonazepam and the risk of misuse or addiction
Clonazepam oral tablet has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse. With misuse, a drug is used in a way other than how it’s prescribed. An example is taking the drug to get “high.”
Clonazepam misuse can lead to addiction. Addiction involves any of the following:
- an inability to stop taking the drug, even if you want to
- ignoring work, social, or school obligations due to taking the drug
- continuing to take the drug despite negative consequences, such as those affecting work or school activities
Note: Addiction and drug dependence are not the same. See “Clonazepam and the risk of dependence and withdrawal” above for more information.
Clonazepam misuse can also cause serious central nervous system (CNS) depression. The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. It’s responsible for regulating many functions throughout the body.
CNS depression can cause serious side effects. In rare cases, these side effects can be life threatening. Serious side effects of CNS depression include:
Because of these risks, clonazepam is classified as a controlled substance in the United States. Healthcare professionals must follow strict regulations from federal and state governments when prescribing and dispensing a controlled substance. This is to help prevent misuse and addiction.
Prior to prescribing clonazepam, your doctor will ask whether you have a history of substance use disorder, misuse, or addiction. Depending on your medical history, a treatment other than clonazepam may be safer for you.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about clonazepam and misuse or other warnings.
Coupon for clonazepam
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for clonazepam when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Side effects of clonazepam in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of clonazepam oral tablet.
Risk of side effects if taken with opioid drugs
Clonazepam has a boxed warning about the risk of side effects if taken with opioid drugs. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Clonazepam and opioid drugs both depress the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord. It’s responsible for regulating many functions throughout the body. Combining clonazepam with opioid drugs increases your risk for serious CNS depression.
Serious CNS depression can cause severe side effects, including dangerously slow breathing, seizure, and coma. In rare cases, it can be life threatening.
Examples of opioid drugs include:
Ways to manage
Due to the risks described above, doctors will avoid prescribing clonazepam with an opioid drug unless there’s no other suitable treatment option for you. If clonazepam must be taken with an opioid, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible dose of both clonazepam and the opioid drug needed to treat your symptoms. And your doctor will closely monitor you throughout treatment.
Should you develop symptoms of serious CNS depression after taking clonazepam and an opioid drug, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Serious CNS depression caused by using clonazepam with an opioid can be life threatening.
Low blood pressure
In studies, low blood pressure when standing or sitting up was rare in people using clonazepam oral tablet. This side effect may be serious, as it could lead to falls and other injuries, such as broken bones.
Low blood pressure when standing or sitting up is known as orthostatic hypotension. Symptoms may include any of the following:
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- blurry vision
- weakness
- fainting (syncope)
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure while taking clonazepam oral tablet, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend ways to manage this side effect. These include:
- drinking more water or fluids
- standing up slowly
- adding salt to your meals
- lowering your clonazepam dose
- stopping clonazepam and discussing other treatments for your condition
Changes in weight
It’s not known how often changes in weight happened in people taking clonazepam oral tablet in studies. This side effect is usually mild.
Both weight gain and weight loss were reported in these studies. It can be hard to know for certain whether these changes were caused by clonazepam, another factor, or a combination of factors that include clonazepam.
Ways to manage
If you experience or have concerns about weight changes, tell your doctor. They can suggest ways to maintain a body weight that’s healthy for you. They may also suggest treatments other than clonazepam for your condition.
Allergic reaction
For some people, clonazepam oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. But reports of this side effect with clonazepam are rare.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to clonazepam oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for clonazepam
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking clonazepam oral tablet.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of dependence and withdrawal as well as misuse and addiction. It also has a boxed warning about the risk of side effects if taken with opioid drugs. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For more information about the risk of dependence and withdrawal and misuse and addiction, see the “Withdrawal, dependence, misuse and clonazepam” section above. For details about the risk of side effects if taken with opioid drugs, see the “Side effects of clonazepam in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take clonazepam oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether clonazepam oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking clonazepam oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
Clonazepam and pregnancy
It’s not known whether clonazepam oral tablet should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
If you and your doctor decide you’ll take clonazepam during pregnancy, consider joining the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. Pregnancy registries help doctors determine whether a medication is safe to use during pregnancy. You can learn more about this registry or sign up by calling 888-233-2334.
Clonazepam and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether clonazepam oral tablet should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Clonazepam and alcohol
If you drink alcohol, you should not consume it while taking clonazepam. Clonazepam oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol.
Clonazepam and alcohol both slow down your central nervous system (CNS). This is called CNS depression. Combining clonazepam and alcohol raises the risk of serious side effects. In rare cases, serious side effects may be fatal. These include:
If you have concerns about avoiding alcohol, talk with your doctor before starting clonazepam treatment.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of clonazepam oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Am I at higher risk for side effects of clonazepam, based on my medical history?
- If I have side effects from clonazepam, is a lower dose available?
- Are there lifestyle changes I can make to lower my risk for side effects from clonazepam?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
