Overview Of The Product
Clonazepam is marketed under the brand name Klonopin and is used to cure, control, and prevent seizures, and treat panic attacks, anxiety, and akathisia (movement disorder). The class of drugs to which this medicine belongs is known as benzodiazepines; it also serves as a tranquillizer. It calms your brain and nerves as well as enhancing the efficiency of various neurotransmitters in your brain. Anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs are other names given to this medicine. This medicine can be taken orally, but it will take almost one hour to effect that will remain for 6-12 hours depending on the patient’s condition. It’s so beneficial and the most commonly recommended medication, but in this blog, we will talk about clonazepam’s side effects and precautions. It’s so important to discuss the details with your doctor before you start any medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Always remember that your breath can slow or stop if you take this medicine right after using alcohol, opioid medication, or any other medicine that can slow your breathing. Additionally, the misuse of this medicine can cause addiction or even lead to death, so store it in a place where no one else but you can get it. Don’t share it with anybody else, as selling or suggesting it to others is prohibited by law. Meanwhile, suicidal thoughts can storm your mind after taking this medicine, so if this is the case, you are required to immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist to avoid clonazepam side effects
You are also required to consult your doctor before stopping this medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
You can experience these symptoms after leaving this medication:
- Unusual muscle movements
- Sudden/severe changes in mood/behaviour
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Suicidal thoughts
- Confusion
- More active & talkative behaviour
Thus, don’t stop this medication without your doctor’s approval, especially if you have been taking this medicine for a long time, as this may lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, these symptoms can last for more than a year, if not longer.
Who Should Not Take This Medicine?
There are certain reasons that must be considered before starting this medicine: Don’t take it if:
- You are allergic to clonazepam or any of its ingredients;
- You have liver disease;
- You have an account of allergic reactions after taking any benzodiazepine; and
- You have narrow-angle glaucoma.
You must inform your doctor if you have been a kidney or liver disease patient in the past or have breathing issues. In the event of experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, mood swings porphyria-a genetic enzyme disorder- don’t start this medication yourself until your doctor recommends this to you. It is important to note that a person must be aware of its mood changes as the use of this drug can prompt suicidal thoughts.
Pregnant females must tell their doctor about their pregnancy before taking this medicine as their baby can be born with severe withdrawal symptoms and may need special treatment for a long time. Having a seizure can affect a pregnant mother and baby so consult your doctor if you are planning to be pregnant. A breastfeeding mother should take their healthcare provider’s guidelines before starting or stopping this medicine. You must be aware that Clonazepam is not designed to treat panic disorders in children and adolescents below 18 years of age.
Side Effects of Clonazepam
You can minimize the side effects of clonazepam by following your doctor’s advice carefully. Though various medicines offer a lot of benefits, they also come with some side effects. Immediately visit emergency service in case of noticing the signs of allergic reactions after taking clonazepam such as swelling on the face, tongue, throat or lips as well as breathing issues and hives. Intake of clonazepam with alcohol or opioid medicine can slow or even stop your breath and you may need emergency medical attention. In the event you suddenly become more talkative or active than usual, feel restless, short-tempered and have trouble sleeping, contact your pharmacist or specialized healthcare provider.
How To Avoid Its Side Effects
You can avoid the side effects of clonazepam by following the instructions of your doctor carefully.
Concluding Remarks
Clonazepam is generally prescribed to treat panic attacks, different types of seizures and anxiety. However, you should not take this medicine until your doctor or pharmacist advises you to avoid clonazepam’s side effects. Moreover, don’t rely on the information available on the internet about the benefits and side effects of any particular medicine but seek the services of medical experts to confirm whether a specific medicine suits your need. Finally, if you want to avoid the hassle of physically visiting a pharmacy, go to the SuperMeds website and look into the options for placing an order online.
