Clonazepam

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Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative with highly potent anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and anxiolytic properties and was used mainly for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. However, its main use to date is as an anticonvulsant in the treatment of Epileptic fits. Being a benzodiazepine, It is particularly useful for the prevention of brief muscle spasms (myoclonus) and absence seizures (petit mal) in children, but other forms of epilepsy such as sudden flaccidity or fits induced by flashing lights also respond well to clonazepam treatment. It can be used on its own or with other medication of this group, it also has sedative effects. Its anticonvulsant properties will wear off after a some months.

You could be prescribed this medication if you suffer from: Epilepsy, Anxiety disorders, Panic disorder, Initial treatment of mania or acute psychosis together with first-line drugs such as lithium, haloperidol or risperidone, Hyperekplexia, Bruxism, Restless legs syndrome, Rapid eye movement, behaviour disorder, hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. The treatment of acute and chronic akathisia (inner restlessness, often in response to taking certain types of medications).

If you own a car or depend on one for getting around then you should be aware of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) guidelines. Patients suffering from epilepsy may drive a motor vehicle (but not a heavy goods or public service vehicle) provided that they have had a seizure-free period of one year or, if subject to attacks only while asleep, have established a 3-year period of asleep attacks without awake attacks. Patients affected by drowsiness should not drive or operate machinery. Guidance issued by the Drivers Medical Unit of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) recommends that patients should be advised not to drive during withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs, or for 6 months afterwards.

Quick Guide

• Anticonvulsant danger of overdose – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – MEDIUM.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – NO (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase sedative effect of clonazepam.

Side Effects

You may if on Clonazepam suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Altered Behaviour, Daytime Drowsiness, Dizziness, Increased Saliva, co-ordination disturbances.
Rare: Confusion, Forgetful, Headaches, Muscle Weakness, gastro-intestinal symptoms, sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence.

Possible dysarthria (speech disorder), and visual disturbances on long-term treatment.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

Sedative effects of this drug normally diminish over the first few days. Regular use of this drug may also diminish its effect as the body adapts.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Alcohol may increase the sedative effect of this drug. Avoid driving/hazardous work until you know how the drug will affect you. Clonazepam may cause drowsiness, as well as the feeling of dizziness. This would make it unsafe to drive or operate machinery, if you are taking this drug.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

It is not yet known how safe this drug is during pregnancy. The drug passes into the breast milk which may/would cause concern for the baby. Consult your doctor on both issues.

Clonazepam is classified as a pregnancy Category D medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category D… There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Tell Your Doctor Or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include for example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary/alternative preparations (over-the-counter).

Over 60′s & Children

Reduced Dosage. may need to be given to the over sixties as adverse effects may be likely. Dosage would be low then slowly increasing. Reduced dosage would also be necessary for infants/children.

Overdose

Take clonazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. An unintentional extra dose should not cause a problem. If a large overdose has been taken it may cause excessive drowsiness and confusion. Notify your doctor immediately or go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital taking the container with you. Even if it is empty.

Other Medication Reactions

All drugs that have a sedative effect on the nervous system will more likely than not increase the the sedative properties of this drug This drug may also alter the effects of other anti-convulsants the person may be taking.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking Clonazepam without consulting your doctor. There is every possibility that the symptoms will recur.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

Effects of this drug may be felt within 1 to 3 hours. It has a lasting effect of approximately 30 hours.

Storage and Safety

• Keep clonazepam in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take clonazepam if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist.

If clonazepam has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.

Natural Remedy

Depression can be a natural response to a period of crisis/emotional upset. Sleeping habits often become upset during this period the sufferer getting either to little or to much. If you find yourself in this corner then the Aromatherapist would recommend one or more of these essential oils, mixed in a base oil: Citrus Essences, Clary Sage, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Sandal Wood. Consistant depression, Chronic depression needs professional help. Arrange to see your GP he may be able to put you in touch with a counsellor or a psychotherapist. Mild depression can be helped by aromatherapy.