What is clonazepam? Examining the uses and side effects of the pill

Clonazepam is one of the sedative drugs belonging to the benzodiazepine family, which is used as an effective drug in the treatment of anxiety disorders and nervous disorders. Due to its direct effect on the central nervous system, this drug is widely used to manage anxiety symptoms and reduce muscle tension. Considering the importance of the topic and the positive effects that this drug has in improving the mental and physical health of people, this article reviews the scientific and practical reviews of this drug and we hope that the information presented in this article will lead to a better understanding of the importance of clonazepam tablets in the field. Medicine and public health help.

Clonazepam dosage forms

Chemical and herbal medicines available in pharmacies are produced in different forms depending on the needs of doctors and patients. Your doctor should prescribe different forms of this medicine according to your physical condition, medical records and type of disease. clonazepam in pharmaceutical forms including dispersible tablets 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg, and of course its regular tablet 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg is produced. The doctor can prescribe different types of this product by checking the amount needed for the treatment and health of the patient.

Uses of clonazepam tablets

Clonazepam is used to prevent and control seizures, it is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug. This drug works by calming your brain and nerves and belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. The uses and uses of clonazepam tablets are very wide. This drug is used in panic disorder, seizure disorders, essential tremor (off label), REM sleep behavior disorder (off label), burning mouth syndrome (off label), tardive dyskinesia, hyperplexy (orphan), etc. .

Clonazepam uses in adults

1. panic disorder
2. Seizure disorders
3. Basic vibration (off label)
4. REM sleep behavior disorder (off label)
5. Burning Mouth Syndrome (off label)
6. Tardive dyskinesia
7. Hyperplexy (orphan)

Uses of clonazepam in children

1. Seizure disorders
2. In some other cases, it can be consumed with the approval and prescription of a doctor.

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of clonazepam tablets

The mechanism of action of clonazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine that increases presynaptic GABA inhibition and decreases monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes. It also suppresses muscle contractions by facilitating the inhibitory neurotransmission of GABA and other inhibitory transmitters. By inhibiting the nerve transmission in the motor cortex, this drug suppresses the wave and spike discharges in absent seizures. Absorption of this drug is 90% bioavailability and 85% limited protein distribution. This drug is metabolized by CYP3A4 (minor), glucuronic acid conjugation, and its excretion is through urine.

Dosage of clonazepam

Before using clonazepam, patients should read the drug information of the product and consult with their doctor if necessary. Take this medication orally as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times a day. Dosage is determined by your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. For children, the dose is also based on weight. Older people usually start with a lower dose to reduce the risk of side effects. Take this medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it at the same time every day to help you remember.

Dosage of clonazepam tablets in adults

1. To treat panic disorder, initially 25 mg every 12 hours and after 3 days increase to 1 mg per day. (in some patients up to 4 mg per day)
2. In convulsive disorders, 5 mg per day every 8 hours and until the therapeutic effect is reached, the dose can be increased by 0.5-1 mg every 3 days.
3. Basic tremor (off-label) 5 mg at bedtime and if necessary increase the dose by 0.5 mg every 3-4 days. Note that the amount of medicine used should not be more than 6 mg per day.
4. REM sleep behavior disorder (off label) 2-25 mg 30 minutes before bedtime, which should not exceed 4 mg daily.
5. Burning mouth syndrome (off-label) 25 mg at bedtime for one week, which can be increased by 0.25 mg per week if needed.
6. For use in burning mouth, use 1 mg topically three times a day after each meal. Suck the tablet, hold the saliva near the painful area without swallowing for 3 minutes, then spit out the saliva.
7. Finally, for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (off-label), the use of clonazepam for 3 months is allowed to reduce symptoms.

Time to take Clonazepam tablets

Take clonazepam tablets by mouth, usually 2 or 3 times a day. Do not remove the medicine from the package until you are ready to use it. Put the amount and dose determined by the doctor in your mouth so that it dissolves quickly. After placement, you can swallow it with mouth saliva or water, it is not mandatory to use water with this medicine. Also for the treatment of seizure disorders in children under 6 years 0.05 mg/kg, children under 10 years or less than 30 kg 0.01-0.03 mg every 8 hours and children over 10 years and weighing more than 30 kg 1.5 mg per day can be prescribed.

Precautions

Before taking clonazepam medicine, if you are allergic to it or other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, lorazepam), be sure to tell your doctor. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Taking this drug with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness or breathing problems (especially narcotic drugs such as codeine, hydrocodone). Some of the most important precautions for this drug are explained below.

1. Use caution in COPD (pulmonary disease), kidney or liver disease, open-angle glaucoma (problem), depression with suicidal thoughts.
2. It is not recommended in patients with depressive neuroses, psychotic reactions, severe respiratory depression, myasthenia gravis (allowed under limited conditions), acute alcohol poisoning.
3. May cause CNS depression and impair ability to perform hazardous tasks.
4. Hyperactive or aggressive behavior with benzodiazepines has been reported in pediatric or adolescent patients and in patients with mental problems.
5. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior reported, monitor patient for suicidal behavior and notify health care provider immediately.
6. Use with caution in patients with a history of drug abuse or acute alcoholism.
7. Use with caution in patients with respiratory dysfunction.
8. It may have a porphyrogenic effect. Use caution in patients with porphyria.
9. Abrupt discontinuation, especially in patients on long-term, high-dose therapy, may precipitate status epilepticus.
10. The use of the drug, especially in patients at risk, requires counseling about the risks and correct use of the drug along with monitoring for signs and symptoms of abuse and addiction.

Clonazepam tablets contraindications

Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound respiratory depression, coma, and death. When there is no alternative option, it should be used in full compliance with the dosage and principles. Some of the contraindications of clonazepam include the following:

1. In September 2020, the FDA reviewed the serious addiction risks of this product. Physical dependence occurs when this drug is used continuously for several days to several weeks.
2. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dose reduction can lead to withdrawal reactions, including seizures, which can be life-threatening.
3. The abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines usually involves the concomitant use of other drugs, alcohol, or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes.
4. Assess the risk of using this drug in each patient and monitor regularly for the development of these conditions. The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer duration of treatment and higher daily dose.

Clonazepam side effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, loss of coordination, increased saliva production, etc. have been observed after taking this medicine. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has determined that the benefits to you are greater than the risk of side effects. A small number of people who take anticonvulsants (clonazepam) for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental and mood problems.

• Drowsiness and depression
• Abnormal dissonance
• ataxia
• depression
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Memory impairment and confusion
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Dysarthritis
• Cough
• Frequent urination
• Impotence and decreased libido

Clonazepam drug interactions

Before going to the doctor, patients should prepare a list of the chemical and herbal medicines they use and show it to the doctor. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. Painkillers or cough medicines (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), sleeping or anxiety medicines (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, orlistat, sodium oxybate, etc. may cause drug interactions with clonazepam. Check the label on all your medications (such as allergy or cough and cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.

Taking clonazepam tablets during pregnancy and breastfeeding

There are no adequate, controlled studies of Klonopin in pregnant women. Available human data are inconclusive regarding the risk of teratogenicity. There is insufficient evidence in humans to assess the effect of benzodiazepine exposure during pregnancy on neurodevelopment. Administering benzodiazepines (sedatives) immediately before or during labor can lead to hypothermia syndrome, hypotonia, respiratory depression, and difficulty in feeding. Monitor infants exposed to this drug during pregnancy for various symptoms.

The effect of Clonazepam tablets during breastfeeding

There have been reports of sedation, poor feeding, and poor weight gain in infants exposed to benzodiazepines through breast milk. Infants exposed to this drug through breast milk should be monitored for sedation, poor feeding, and poor weight gain. However, its effects on the nursing infant are unknown. Note that the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding must be weighed against the mother’s clinical need for treatment and any possible side effects on the nursing infant caused by medication or the mother’s underlying disease. Be considered.

Clonazepam storage conditions

Keep all chemical and herbal medicines at home out of the reach of children and animals. Clonazepam tablets should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Dispose of this product properly when it has expired or is no longer needed. Avoid pouring various medicines into the street, sewers and toilets.

The last word of Clonazepam tablets

Considering the positive and harmful effects of clonazepam, according to what we described in this article from the online pharmacy magazine, the decision about the use of this drug should be made carefully and in consultation with the doctor. Also, more research in the field of long-term effects and correct management of the use of this drug can help improve the quality of life of patients with mental and neurological disorders. In general, clonazepam is used as a valuable and effective tool in the collection of psychiatric drugs, which can help improve people’s mental health by following the usage instructions carefully.

Site source: Medscape

Frequently asked questions about clonazepam tablets