Clonazepam, Clonazepam Odt
Generic Klonopin
Clonazepam (kloe NAZ e pam) oral tablet is prescribed to treat specific seizure disorders in adults and children. It’s also prescribed for panic disorder in adults. Clonazepam is a generic version of the brand-name drug Klonopin. Clonazepam belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.
Clonazepam (kloe NAZ e pam) oral tablet is prescribed to treat specific seizure disorders in adults and children. It’s also prescribed for panic disorder in adults. Clonazepam is a generic version of the brand-name drug Klonopin. Clonazepam belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • .5mg
- • 60 Tablets
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Introduction
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD on April 7, 2023
Written by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
This article describes clonazepam oral tablet’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Below you’ll find coupon options for clonazepam.
This article doesn’t describe or provide coupons for all forms of clonazepam. To find out more about clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Boxed warnings
Clonazepam has boxed warnings about the risk of misuse and addiction, as well as risk of dependence and withdrawal. It also has a boxed warning about the risk of serious side effects if taken with opioids. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For more information about the risk of misuse and addiction, as well as risk of dependence and withdrawal, see the “Misuse, dependence, or withdrawal of clonazepam” section below. For details about the risk of serious side effects if taken with opioids, see the “Warnings for clonazepam” section below.
Uses of clonazepam
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as clonazepam for certain conditions. Approved uses for clonazepam oral tablet are described below.
Use for seizures
Doctors may prescribe clonazepam oral tablet for treating certain seizure disorders. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children. Clonazepam is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
Specifically, the drug is used to treat:
- absence seizures (previously known as petit mal seizures) due to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a type of epilepsy that usually begins in early childhood)
- atonic seizures
- myoclonic seizures
With a seizure disorder, you have seizures that keep coming back. The symptoms of a seizure can vary but may include:
- convulsions or shaking
- twitching or jerking movements
- body stiffening
- staring
- loss of muscle tone, which may cause sudden falls
- loss of consciousness
For this purpose, clonazepam may be prescribed alone or together with other seizure medications.
Use for panic disorder
Doctors may prescribe clonazepam oral tablet for treating panic disorder. It’s used for this purpose in adults. Clonazepam is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment for panic disorder.
With panic disorder, you have sudden episodes of intense fear that keep coming back. These episodes are called panic attacks.
Symptoms during a panic attack may include:
- extreme anxiety (feelings of fear and worry)
- chest tightness or pain
- sweating
- trembling
- feeling as though your heart is pounding or skipping beats
- hyperventilation (rapid breathing pattern that leaves you feeling breathless)
- confusion
Because panic attacks can be unpredictable, people with panic disorder may experience anxiety symptoms even when they aren’t having a panic attack. This anxiety is often related to worrying about when the next episode might occur.
Side effects of clonazepam
Clonazepam may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of clonazepam oral tablet and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age and overall health and any other medications you take.
To learn more about clonazepam oral tablet’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information for clonazepam oral tablet.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with clonazepam oral tablet are listed below.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Clonazepam oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- fatigue (low energy)
- problems with balance and coordination
- trouble with memory
- blurry vision
- sexual side effects, such as decreased libido (sexual desire) and erectile dysfunction (inability to get an erection)
- increased saliva production
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for clonazepam” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of clonazepam oral tablet are listed below. With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common.
If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Clonazepam oral tablet’s serious side effects include:
- severe drowsiness
- respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing)
- depression
- risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- boxed warning: risk of misuse and addiction*
- boxed warning: risk of dependence and withdrawal*
- boxed warning: risk of serious side effects if taken with opioids†
- severe allergic reaction†
* For details about these side effects, see the “Misuse, dependence, or withdrawal of clonazepam” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Warnings for clonazepam” 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 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours per day when you call 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 800-273-8255.
Common questions about clonazepam
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about clonazepam oral tablet.
Can clonazepam be used for anxiety, sleep, or depression?
Clonazepam isn’t specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety, trouble sleeping, or depression. Instead, the drug is FDA-approved for treating specific seizure disorders and panic disorder. (To learn more, see the “Uses of clonazepam” section above.)
Anxiety is a common symptom of panic disorder, and clonazepam is used to treat this condition. So the drug should help ease anxiety symptoms that are related to panic disorder.
Drowsiness is a common side effect of clonazepam. This side effect may help people fall asleep. But the drug is not meant to be a long-term treatment for trouble sleeping.
Clonazepam is unlikely to help with depression. In rare cases, the drug can cause depression or increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors as side effects. (To learn more about the side effects of clonazepam, see the “Side effects of clonazepam” section above.)
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about clonazepam’s uses.
Is clonazepam similar to lorazepam or diazepam?
Yes, clonazepam belongs to the same group of drugs as lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium). This group of drugs is called benzodiazepines.
They work in a similar way and are used to treat some of the same conditions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about how clonazepam compares with other drugs.
How does clonazepam work? And how long does it take to start working?
It isn’t completely clear how clonazepam works to treat seizure disorder or panic disorder. Clonazepam is thought to work by enhancing the effects of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA helps calm overstimulation in the brain and nervous system. Through this action, clonazepam can produce calming effects.
Clonazepam starts working soon after you take your first dose. You may begin to notice the drug’s calming effects within 1 to 4 hours after taking it. It may take a few days or weeks before the drug helps to ease the symptoms of your condition. Your doctor may also need to adjust your dosage over the first few days or weeks before they find the amount that’s right for you.
Clonazepam has a half-life of 30 to 40 hours. This is the amount of time it takes for your body to clear half of a dose of medication. After taking your last dose, it will take 6 to 8 days for clonazepam to be completely removed from your body.
If you have questions about what to expect with clonazepam treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is there a best time of day to take clonazepam? What should I do if I miss a dose of clonazepam?
The best time of day depends on the dosage of clonazepam your doctor prescribes. For example, if they prescribe the drug once daily, it’s best to take it at bedtime. This is because the drug may cause drowsiness, especially when you first start taking it.
If you miss a dose of clonazepam, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose of the drug, just skip the missed dose. Continue taking your regular dose at the next scheduled time.
If you’re unsure what to do after missing a dose of clonazepam, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can clonazepam tablets be crushed, split, or chewed?
Clonazepam 0.5-milligram (mg) tablets may be split in half. These tablets are scored, which means they have a line down the middle that allows you to easily break them in half. The other strengths of clonazepam oral tablets are not scored. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before splitting them.
If you have trouble swallowing clonazepam oral tablet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest you take the clonazepam orally dissolving tablet instead. You can also view this article to learn more if you have difficulty swallowing tablets.
Clonazepam is not meant to be chewed. If you have questions about how to take the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does clonazepam cause long-term side effects?
Possibly. Taking clonazepam may lead to long-term side effects, including misuse, withdrawal, or dependence. In fact, clonazepam has boxed warnings about these side effects. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see the “Misuse, withdrawal, or dependence of clonazepam” section just below.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about long-term side effects of clonazepam treatment.
Misuse, withdrawal, or dependence of clonazepam
Clonazepam is considered a Schedule IV (four) controlled substance. This means it is regulated by the government due to its risks for misuse and addiction. In fact, the drug comes with boxed warnings about these risks as well as the potential for dependence and withdrawal. These risks are explained below. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Misuse and addiction with clonazepam
Some people may use clonazepam in a way other than how their doctor prescribes it. This is known as drug misuse. Clonazepam can also cause addiction. With addiction, a drug is taken even if it causes harm. Misuse and addiction increase the risk of overdose from clonazepam and, in rare cases, death.
If you’ve ever had drug misuse or addiction, be sure to tell your doctor before you start taking clonazepam. They’ll monitor you more closely during treatment. If you experience misuse or addiction during treatment with clonazepam, tell your doctor. They’ll likely have you stop taking the drug.
Note: If you and your doctor decide that you’ll stop clonazepam, they’ll guide you on how to stop it. This will likely involve tapering (slowly reducing) your dosage over several weeks or months before you stop the drug completely.
Dependence and withdrawal with clonazepam
Even if you take clonazepam exactly as your doctor prescribes it, drug dependence may occur. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function like usual. Talk with your doctor if you feel like you are becoming dependent on clonazepam. They may suggest a different treatment plan for your condition.
Any drug that carries a risk of dependence also has the potential to cause withdrawal. Withdrawal refers to bothersome or serious symptoms that may occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. Withdrawal symptoms can also happen if you suddenly take a lower dose of clonazepam than usual.
You should not suddenly stop taking clonazepam. Suddenly stopping the drug may cause serious withdrawal reactions, which may be life threatening. Symptoms of withdrawal may include:
- tremors
- anxiety
- mood changes
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- low appetite
- weight loss
- headache
- panic attacks
- seizures
The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase the longer you take clonazepam. These risks also increase with higher doses of the drug.
If you and your doctor decide that you’ll stop this medication, they’ll guide you on how to stop it. This will likely involve tapering (slowly reducing) your dosage over several weeks or months before you stop the drug completely.
Interactions of clonazepam
For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol* or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
It’s important to note that taking opioid medications with clonazepam can increase serious risks. In fact, the drug has a boxed warning about these risks. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Warnings for clonazepam” section below.
Before you take clonazepam, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. They can check for interactions these items may cause with clonazepam. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- medications, such as opioids
- over-the-counter medications
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for clonazepam” section below.
* It’s recommended that you do not consume alcohol while taking clonazepam oral tablet. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about avoiding alcohol during clonazepam treatment.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and clonazepam
Information about clonazepam and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Clonazepam and pregnancy
Your doctor will likely not recommend taking clonazepam during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options during treatment with clonazepam.
A pregnancy registry is available for people who take clonazepam while pregnant. This registry collects information on the safety of taking clonazepam during pregnancy. If you’d like more information about the registry, talk with your doctor. You can also visit the registry website or call 888-233-2334.
Clonazepam and breastfeeding
Clonazepam oral tablet should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with clonazepam.
Dosage of clonazepam
The dosage of clonazepam oral tablet your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take.
Taking clonazepam
Clonazepam oral tablet is swallowed by mouth. It can be taken with or without food.
See the “Common questions about clonazepam” section for information on missed doses and the best time to take this drug.
Your doctor will talk with you about how to take clonazepam oral tablet. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.
Overdose of clonazepam
You should not take more clonazepam than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much clonazepam, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Warnings for clonazepam
Clonazepam should not be taken by certain people. Precautions for taking this drug are described below.
Boxed warnings
Clonazepam has boxed warnings about several risks that are explained below. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Risk of misuse and addiction. For more information about the risks of misuse and addiction, see the “Misuse, dependence, or withdrawal of clonazepam” section above.
Risk of dependence and withdrawal. For more information about the risks of dependence and withdrawal, see the “Misuse, dependence, or withdrawal of clonazepam” section above.
Risk of serious side effects if taken with opioids. Opioids are a group of drugs. Examples include prescription pain relievers, such as oxycodone, and illegal drugs, such as heroin. Taking clonazepam in combination with opioids may cause serious harm.
Possible side effects of taking these drugs together include severe drowsiness, respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing), and coma. And in rare cases, it can be fatal. Before starting clonazepam treatment, it’s important to tell your doctor if you’ve ever experienced opioid use disorder (formerly called opioid abuse) or addiction. Also tell them about everything you’re taking, especially if you’re taking any opioids.
To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other warnings
Clonazepam could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether clonazepam oral tablet is a safe option for you.
Tell your doctor about your overall health and any past health conditions before you take clonazepam oral tablet. Health conditions and other factors you and your doctor should discuss include:
- liver problems
- narrow-angle glaucoma
- kidney problems
- depression, mood disorder, or if you’ve ever had suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- breathing problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or sleep apnea
- group of rare genetic blood disorders
Allergic reaction
Clonazepam can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to clonazepam or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe clonazepam. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to clonazepam, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Clonazepam coupon
You may be able to save money on your prescription for clonazepam oral tablet by using our Perks discount coupons. These can be found at the end of this article.
If you have questions about how to pay for clonazepam, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also learn more about the cost of clonazepam in this article.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes clonazepam oral tablet’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about clonazepam or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Should I continue taking my other medications while taking clonazepam?
- How can I reduce my risk of side effects from clonazepam?
- Will taking clonazepam at bedtime help me fall asleep?
Article resources
- Clonazepam- clonazepam tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/28675dd6-b952-4e71-b0a3-b701ad6b6344/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2018). Drug scheduling. https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling
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.
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