Clonazepam is probably the class of medications called benzodiazepines. In general, benzodiazepines are used being a sedative or to decrease seizures or anxiety. Clonazepam is used to treat seizure disorders. It helps by slowing the activity with the nerves inside brain (i.e., the central nervous system).
This medication could be available under multiple manufacturers and/or in many various forms. Any specific name with this medication might not be available in all of the forms or approved for all from the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms with this medication is probably not used by all from the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor might have suggested this medication for conditions other than those placed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or usually are not sure your purpose in taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without conferring with your doctor.
Do not give medicines to other people, even if they've got the same symptoms when you do. It can be harmful for those to look at prescription drugs if their doctor has not yet prescribed it.
The dose of clonazepam is determined based on how much is necessary to control seizures and varies from person to person. It is important that the dose be individualized for a specific has to avoid decreased coordination or excessive drowsiness.
The recommended adult starting dose of clonazepam should not be in excess of 1.5 mg each day in 3 divided doses. This helps to minimize drowsiness and also other side effects. Your doctor will gradually increase the dose until your seizures are controlled. The recommended maintenance dose for adults is 8 mg to 10 mg per day in 3 divided doses.
For children as much as ten years old or who weigh 30 kilograms or less, the dose is based on weight. The starting dose ought to be calculated as 0.01 mg per kilogram of bodyweight daily to 0.03 mg per kilogram of body mass every day, split into several doses. The maximum starting dose should be no more than 0.05 mg per kilogram of weight per day. The doctor will gradually increase the dose before the child’s seizures are controlled. Generally, the maintenance dose is between 0.1 mg per kilogram and 0.2 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Clonazepam could possibly be taken with food or before eating anything. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while you're taking medicines as it may raise the degrees of clonazepam within your blood.
Many things may affect the dose of your medication which a person needs, for example body mass, other health concerns, along with other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from those listed here, tend not to change the way that you take the medication without consulting your medical professional.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your physician. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your forthcoming dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to generate up to get a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your medical professional or pharmacist for advice.
Store medicines at room temperature, protect it from punctures from light and moisture, and keep out in the reach of kids.
Do not eliminate medications in wastewater (e.g. along the sink or inside the toilet) or perhaps household garbage. Ask the pharmacist how to eliminate medications which might be no longer needed or have expired.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted reaction to a drugs when it's consumed normal doses. Side effects might be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The negative effects listed below aren't seen by everyone who takes this medication. If you're concerned with side effects, discuss the hazards and benefits of this medication using your doctor.
The following side effects are already reported by no less than 1% of folks taking medicines. Many of the negative effects can be managed, plus some might have to go away by themselves over time.
Contact a medical expert should you experience these negative effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist might be able to counsel you on managing side effects.
Although most in the unwanted effects further down don't happen usually, they might cause serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check together with your doctor as quickly as possible if any of the following unwanted effects occur:
Stop utilizing the medication and seek immediate medical assistance if any of the following occur:
Some people may experience unwanted effects aside from those listed. Check along with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Do not use clonazepam in the event you:
Clonazepam could possibly be used by people with open angle glaucoma who're receiving appropriate treatment.
There might be an interaction between clonazepam and then any of the following:
If you're taking any one of these medications, speak using your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may wish that you:
An interaction between two medications does not always mean you have to stop taking one of these. Speak to your doctor about how precisely any drug interactions are now being managed or ought to be managed.
Medications aside from those listed above may connect to this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you're taking. Also let them know about any supplements you're taking. Since caffeine, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs may affect the action of many medications; you need to let your prescriber know should you use them.
Before you start taking a drugs, make sure you inform your medical professional of any medical ailments or allergies you could possibly have, any medications you take, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, as well as any other significant information about your quality of life. These factors may affect the way you should take this medication.
Alcohol: People taking prescription drugs should not consume alcohol since doing so is able to reduce the effectiveness on this medication and increase the likelihood of negative effects.
People who come with an obsession with alcohol or another drugs shouldn't take clonazepam except in rare situations under medical supervision.
Breathing: Clonazepam can suppress breathing. This effect on breathing may be more pronounced for those with breathing problems, brain damage, or that are taking other medications that suppress breathing (e.g., codeine, morphine). If you have severe breathing problems, discuss the risks and advantages of taking medicines your doctor.
Coordination problems: If you have a condition that affects coordination (e.g., spinal or cerebellar ataxia, discuss using your doctor how prescription drugs may affect your medical problem, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of the medication, and whether any special monitoring is required.
Dependence and withdrawal: Physical dependence (a desire to consider regular doses in order to avoid physical symptoms) has been associated with benzodiazepines including clonazepam. Severe withdrawal symptoms may occur when the dose is really a lot reduced or suddenly stopped. These symptoms include seizures, irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, agitation, tremors, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, memory impairment, headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, and confusion. Reducing the dose gradually under medical supervision may help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms. Do not suddenly stop taking medicines without speaking with your physician.
Depression: Clonazepam, like other benzodiazepines, has been known to cause mood swings and signs and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a good reputation for depression, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your condition may modify the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you go through symptoms of depression for example poor concentration, adjustments to weight, alterations in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in the loved one that's taking this medication contact a medical expert at the earliest opportunity.
Clonazepam is just not recommended to be used by those with depression or psychosis or who have attempted suicide.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Because clonazepam causes drowsiness and sedation, avoid activities requiring mental alertness, judgment, and physical coordination (such as driving or operating machinery) while taking it. This is particularly true when first using the medication and until you have established how clonazepam affects you. Alcohol can boost the drowsiness effects and should be avoided.
Grapefruit juice: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking medicines as it can raise the levels of clonazepam with your blood.
Kidney function: Decreased kidney function or kidney disease could potentially cause this medication to build up inside body, causing side effects. If you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, check with your physician how medicines may affect your medical problem, how your medical problem may affect the dosing and effectiveness with this medication, and whether any special monitoring should be used.
Lactose intolerance: Lactose is one with the ingredients with this medication. If you have a hereditary condition which makes you intolerant to lactose, discuss other alternatives together with your doctor.
Liver function: If you have liver disease or decreased liver function, discuss using your doctor how this medication may affect your condition, how your problem may customize the dosing and effectiveness with this medication, and whether any special monitoring should be used. People with severe liver problems ought not take medicines.
Memory: This medication may impair recent memory. If you experience this while taking medicines, contact your doctor.
Porphyria: If you have porphyria, discuss along with your doctor how medicines may affect your medical problem, how your medical condition may modify the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is required.
Seizures: For some people taking medicines, seizures may worsen or possibly a new form of seizure can happen. If you experience worsening seizures or even the frequency of your seizures won't decrease while using this medication, contact your doctor.
Pregnancy: Taking clonazepam in pregnancy can boost the likelihood of certain birth defects. This medication should simply be used when pregnant in the event the benefits outweigh the hazards. If you get pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking prescription drugs suddenly, because this may result in withdrawal symptoms. Discuss the choices together with your doctor and follow their instructions closely.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you're a breast-feeding mother and take clonazepam, it could affect your infant. Talk to a medical expert about whether you must continue breast-feeding.
Children: If long-term using clonazepam is being considered to get a child, discuss together with your child's doctor the advantages and also the risks of clonazepam use. Long-term use could possibly have an effect on your child’s physical and mental development.
Seniors: Seniors could be at increased risk to the sedative and impaired coordination effects of this medication. This can raise the probability of falls and fractures. Seniors may require lower doses of prescription drugs.
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