Uses

Klonopin is used for controlling certain types of seizures and for the treatment of panic disorders. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to take

Take Klonopin by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. Swallow tablet whole with a full glass of water.
If you are taking Klonopin for the prevention of seizures, taking Klonopin at the same times each day will help you remember to take it. Continue to take Klonopin even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Klonopin works best when there is a constant level of it in your body.

Side effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
Bed wetting, clumsiness or unsteadiness; coated tongue, confusion, constipation, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, excessive daytime drowsiness, feeling of a whirling motion; frequent urination at night; headache, increased saliva (spit), lightheadedness, loss of appetite, runny nose, unusual weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior, attempted suicide, bizarre behavior, chest congestion, excessive upper respiratory tract secretions; hallucinations, hostility, hysteria, interrupted breathing, memory loss, pounding in the chest; shortness of breath, tremor.
Symptoms of overdose may include clumsiness, confusion, difficult or slow breathing; dizziness, light-headedness especially upon standing; drowsiness leading to unresponsiveness or coma; loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose of Klonopin, seek medical attention immediately.

Precaution

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; if you have or have ever had alcoholism, substance abuse or dependence, or if you consume more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day; if you have depression or have ever considered or attempted suicide; if you have myasthenia gravis (a condition in which the muscles become progressively weakened); if you have angle-closure glaucoma, liver or kidney problems, or porphyria; if you have chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or other breathing problems.
Klonopin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or difficulty with coordination. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Klonopin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Klonopin may cause you to lose consciousness if you have a history of seizures. Use Klonopin with caution. Do not perform tasks that could be unsafe for you or others if you should lose consciousness (eg, driving, swimming, running heavy machinery).
Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Klonopin; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
Carry an ID card at all times that says you take Klonopin if it is used for seizures.
If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Klonopin while you are pregnant. Klonopin may cause harm to the fetus. Klonopin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Klonopin.
When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Klonopin may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. Talk with your doctor if Klonopin stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.
When used for longer than a few weeks or at high doses, some people develop a need to continue taking Klonopin. If you stop taking Klonopin suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms. These may include abnormal thoughts or behavioral disorder, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, personality changes or loss of contact with reality; convulsions (seizures); insomnia; stomach and muscle cramps; tremor. Do not suddenly stop taking Klonopin. If you need to stop Klonopin, your doctor will lower your dose over time.

Drug interactions

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: antifungals (eg, fluconazole), disulfiram, nefazodone, omeprazole, or valproic acid because they may increase the risk of Klonopin's side effects; Sodium oxybate (GHB); because an increase in sleep duration and a decrease in the ability to breathe may occur; Clozapine; because dangerous side effects, such as confusion, sedation, excess salivation, unsteady movements, lightheadedness especially upon standing, difficult or slow breathing, or drowsiness leading to unresponsiveness or coma, may occur; Rifampin, St. John's wort, or valproic acid because they may decrease Klonopin's effectiveness.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Klonopin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Klonopin and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Klonopin at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Klonopin out of the reach of children and away from pets.