Medication Monday: Klonopin

Today's drug is Klonopin
Generic name: clonazepam
Classification: benzodiazepine

Klonopin (clonazepam) is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Clonazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Klonopin is used to treat seizure disorders or panic disorder.

You should not use Klonopin if you have severe liver disease, of if you are allergic to clonazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax). Klonopin may cause harm to an unborn baby, and may cause breathing or feeding problems in a newborn. But having seizures during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Do not start or stop taking Klonopin during pregnancy without medical advice.You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Klonopin. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Before you take Klonopin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, any breathing problems, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Klonopin. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. Klonopin may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

You should not use Klonopin if you have severe liver disease or narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to clonazepam or other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

To make sure you can safely take Klonopin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney or liver disease;
• glaucoma;
• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
• a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

FDA pregnancy category D. Klonopin may cause harm to an unborn baby, and may cause breathing or feeding problems in a newborn. But having seizures during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Do not start or stop taking Klonopin during pregnancy without medical advice. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of Klonopin on the baby. Clonazepam may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed a baby while taking this medication.

The sedative effects of Klonopin may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking Klonopin. Clonazepam may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share Klonopin with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Klonopin. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.