Klonopin Side Effects

Severe Side Effects of Klonopin

• Difficulty urinating
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in chest
• Hallucinations
• For seizure patients, abrupt withdrawal of the medication might worsen seizures or cause a grand mal seizure.

Common Side Effects of Klonpin

• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Loss of coordination
• Drowsiness
• Interference with concentration
• Headache
• Somnolence

Warnings & Recalls for Klonopin

Warnings

• Klonopin affects alertness and motor skills and should be used with caution while operating dangerous machinery and other hazardous tasks.

• If the patient has a sensitivity to benzodiazepines, Klonopin should be avoided.

• If the patient has evidence of liver disease, Klonopin should be avoided.

• If the patient has acute narrow angle glaucoma then Klonopin should be avoided.

• Alcohol intensifies the effects of Klonopin and should be avoided while using the medication.

• If the patient has suicidal thoughts or has clinical depression, Klonopin can increase the chance of suicidal behavior.

• Avoid Klonopin or use with extreme caution while pregnant.  As with other benzodiazepines,  Klonopin might cause birth defects in an unborn baby and might also harm a baby during breastfeeding.  If the patient becomes pregnant while on Klonopin, she should discuss discontinuing use with her physician.

• Let your physician know if you have any renal problems as Klonopin might cause hepatotoxicity.

Recalls

• On May 20th, 2009, the FDA recalled a single lot of 2mg Klonopin wafers (expiration date March 2010) due to it possibly containing a lower dose than advertised.

Klonopin Treatment and Use

Klonopin | Rivotril  is a benzoadiazepine tablet manufactured by Roche Pharmaceuticals that is primarily used to treat seizures and panic disorder.

What does Klonopin do?

Klonopin interacts with the central nervous system by stimulating neurotransmitters found in the brain, known as GABA receptors. GABA receptors suppress the action of signals in the brain that can cause feelings of stress or anxiety.

Dosage

Klonopin is administered  in both tablet and orally disintegrating wafer forms.  The tablet is available in 0.5mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 doses and the wafer is available in 0.125mg, 0.25mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0mg, and 2.0 mg doses.

Seizure Disorders

• Adults with Seizure Disorders:  The first dosage should not be over 1.5mg a day.  Every 3 days, dosage can increase .5mg to 1.omg until the seizures are under control.  This maintenance dose will vary from patient to patient.  The daily dose must not exceed 20mg a day.
• Pediatric Patients with Seizure Disorders:  For infants and children up to 10 years old or 30 kg weight, the first dose should be between .01mg and .03 mg per kg a day divided into two or three doses, but do not exceed .05mg a day.  Every 3 days, dosage should not be increased more than 0.25mg to 0.5mg until a daily dose of 0.1mg to o.2mg per kg of weight is reached.  Ideally, doses should be divided into three times a day but if there must be one dose, take before bed.

Note: There is currently no clinical trial experience with Clonazepam in Geriatric patients ages 65+.

Panic Disorders

• Adults with Panic Disorders: The first dosage is typically .25mg a day.  Most patients can progress to the optimal dosage of 1.mg a day after the first three days.  If patient does not improve from optimal dosage, then dose can be increased 0.125mg to 0.25mg every 3 days until panic symptoms are under control or until 4.0mg a day is reached.

Caution:  If discontinuing Klonopin, lower dose  0.125mg every 3 days until completely withdrawn.

Note:  There are currently no clinical trials for panic disorder patients under 18 years of age and over 65.

Other Names for Klonopin

• Rivotril

• Clonazepam

Lawsuits & Legal Information for Klonopin