Learn All About Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Clonazepam, often known as Klonopin, is a widely used drug. It affects the way the central nervous system works. In this article, we will analyze when to take it, the effect of it and what precautions you should take if your doctor prescribes it for you.

What is clonazepam?

Clonazepam, which is sold under the brand name Klonopin, is a benzodiazepine. It is mostly used as an antiepileptic treatment for children, teenagers and adults.

You can find this medicine in many different forms on the market. You will see it as anything from a pill to an oral drop or an intravenous or intramuscular injection.

The intravenous forms of this medicine are common for the treatment of status epilepticus. You will mostly use the intramuscular injection in extreme circumstances.

What is it used for?

As we mentioned above, clonazepam is a benzodiazepine. This means that it has anti-epileptic, sedative, muscle relaxing and anxiety-reducing effects. That said, it is most commonly used to treat epilepsy.

This medicine should be taken in cases of:

• Epilepsy in infants and children, especially:
  • Typical and atypical cases.
  • Frequent tonic-clonic episodes.
• Epilepsy in adults, especially:
  • Focal seizures.
  • Status epilepticus.

This medicine also helps treat absenteeism and atypical absenteeism. It is also effective in treating panic attacks in some cases. On top of that, it can be used as a mood stabilizer. A doctor may prescribe it for himself or in combination with other medications.

Mechanism of action of clonazepam

Like other benzodiazepines , clonazepam works by increasing GABA neurotransmissions. GABA, or gamma aminobutyric acid, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. What this medicine does is activate your GABA receptors, which increase the effect of the neurotransmitter by causing your brain to release more of it.

As we mentioned above, GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that relaxes your brain and slows down neuronal activity. It is related to other conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy, bipolar disorder and many more.

By increasing the inhibitory effects of GABA in your brain, clonazepam slows down the activity of the central nervous system. One thing this does is prevent seizures.

Side effects of clonazepam

Here are some of the most common side effects of this medicine:

• Allergic reactions.
• Changes in mood and emotional state.
• Confusion and disorientation.
• Depression.
• Drowsiness.
• A reduced ability to concentrate.
• Eye problems such as nystagmus.
• Exhaustion.

Paradoxical reactions such as:

• Restlessness and irritability.
• Aggressive behavior.
• Nervousness and restlessness.
• Hostility.
• Anxiety.
• Sleep disorders.
• Delirium and hallucinations.

• Changes in behavior.
• Psychosis.

If you notice any side effects while taking this medicine, talk to your doctor. They will decide whether to stick to the treatment, change the dosages or change the medication. Proper dosage and medication vary from person to person and that is why this is often a trial and error process.

You should never stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval. This medicine can cause addiction and lead to abstinence if you suddenly stop taking it. Although it is mostly a problem with long-term treatment and high doses, it can happen if you stop the medication abruptly.

Here are the withdrawal symptoms of this medicine:

• Behavior change.
• Anxiety.
• Sleep disorders.
• Gastrointestinal problems.
• Tremors and convulsions.
• Hallucinations.
• Seizures.

If you want to stop treatment, talk to your doctor. This will help you avoid these symptoms. Your doctor will tell you how to gradually lower the dose until you can completely stop taking the medicine. We can not repeat this enough: Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor if you have problems.

Overdose

It is also worth talking about what happens when you take too much clonazepam. In case of overdose, you may suffer from drowsiness, nystagmus, lack of coordination and difficulty speaking. You may need treatment to fight the symptoms. In some cases, you must take flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist.

You can never forget that clonazepam is a central nervous system depressant. Because of this, it can increase the effect of other substances such as alcohol. You should also avoid combining it with strong caffeinated beverages.