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Klonopin |
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What is Klonopin and why is it prescribed? Klonopin is used alone or along with other medications to treat convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. It is also prescribed for panic disorder. Klonopin belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Klonopin works best when there is a constant amount in the bloodstream. How should you take Klonopin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Klonopin. If you are taking it for panic disorder and you find it makes you sleepy, your doctor may recommend a single dose at bedtime. If you miss a dose and it is within an hour after the missed time, take the dose as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Klonopin at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Are there any Klonopin side effects? Klonopin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Klonopin side effects in seizure disorders may include behavior problems, drowsiness, and lack of muscular coordination. Less common or rare Klonopin side effects in seizure disorders may include abnormal eye movements, anemia, bed wetting, chest congestion, coated tongue, coma, confusion, constipation, dehydration, depression, diarrhea, double vision, dry mouth, excess hair, fever, fluttery or throbbing heartbeat, "glassy-eyed" appearance, hair loss, hallucinations, headache, inability to fall or stay asleep, inability to urinate, increased sex drive, involuntary rapid movement of the eyeballs, loss of or increased appetite, loss of voice, memory loss, muscle and bone pain, muscle weakness, nausea, nighttime urination, painful or difficult urination, partial paralysis, runny nose, shortness of breath, skin rash, slowed breathing, slurred speech, sore gums, speech difficulties, stomach inflammation, swelling of ankles and face, tremor, uncontrolled body movement or twitching, vertigo, and weight loss or gain. Klonopin can also cause aggressive behavior, agitation, anxiety, excitability, hostility, irritability, nervousness, nightmares, sleep disturbances, and vivid dreams. Side effects due to rapid decrease or abrupt withdrawal from Klonopin may include abdominal and muscle cramps, behavior disorders, convulsions, depressed feeling, hallucinations, restlessness, sleeping difficulties, and tremors. More common Klonopin side effects in panic disorder may include allergic reaction, constipation, coordination problems, depression, dizziness, fatigue, inflamed sinuses or nasal passages, flu, memory problems, menstrual problems, nervousness, reduced thinking ability, respiratory infection, sleepiness, and speech problems. Less common or rare Klonopin side effects in panic disorder may include abdominal pain/discomfort, abnormal hunger, acne, aggressive reaction, anxiety, apathy, asthma attack, bleeding from the skin, blood clots, bronchitis, burning sensation, changes in appetite, changes in sex drive, confusion, coughing, difficulty breathing, dizziness when standing, ear problems, emotional changeability, excessive dreaming, excitement, fever, flushing, fluttery or throbbing heartbeat, frequent bowel movements, gas, general feeling of illness, gout, hair loss, hemorrhoids, hoarseness, increased salivation, indigestion, infections, inflamed stomach and intestines, lack of attention, lack of sensation, leg cramps, loss of taste, male sexual problems, migraine, motion sickness, muscle pain/cramps, nightmares, nosebleed, overactivity, pain, paralysis, pneumonia, shivering, skin problems, sleep problems, sneezing, sore throat, swelling with fluid retention, swollen knees, thick tongue, thirst, tingling/pins and needles, tooth problems, tremor, twitching, upset stomach, urinary problems, vertigo, vision problems, weight gain or loss, and yawning. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Klonopin? If Klonopin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Klonopin slows the nervous system and its effects may be intensified by alcohol. Do not drink while taking Klonopin. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Klonopin with Antianxiety drugs (such as Valium), Antidepressant drugs (such as Elavil, Nardil, Parnate, and Tofranil), Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Major tranquilizers (such as Haldol, Navane, and Thorazine), Narcotic pain relievers (such as Demerol and Percocet), Oral antifungal drugs (such as Fungizone, Mycelex, and Mycostatin), Other anticonvulsants (such as Dilantin, Depakene, and Depakote), and Sedatives (such as Halcion). Are there any special warnings about Klonopin? Klonopin may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. If you have several types of seizures, this drug may increase the possibility of grand mal seizures. Inform your doctor if this occurs. Your doctor may wish to prescribe an additional anticonvulsant drug or increase your dose. Klonopin can be habit-forming and can lose its effectiveness as you build up a tolerance to it. You may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as convulsions, hallucinations, tremor, and abdominal and muscle cramps, if you stop using this drug abruptly. Discontinue or change your dose only in consultation with your doctor. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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