Clonazepam Information
Clonazepam is used alone or with other medications to treat convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. It is also prescribed for panic disorder – unexpected attacks of overwhelming panic accompanied by fear of repetition. Clonazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Take this medicine as directed. It can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you take other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Clonazepam, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs. Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; cimetadine (Tagamet), digoxin (Lanoxin) Disulfiram (Antabuse) Fluoxetine (Prozac), isoniazid (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid) Ketoconazole (Nizoral) ; levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet), antidepressants, seizures, pain, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds or allergies; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), muscle relaxants, oral contraceptives , phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), propoxyphene (Darvon), propranolol (Inderal), rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives sleeping pills, theophylline (Theo-Dur), tranquilizers, valproic acid (Depakene), and certain vitamins. These medicines may add to the drowsiness caused by Clonazepam. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Clonazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide at (Librium, Librax), clorazepate at (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam at (ProSom), flurazepam in (Dalmane), the lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam at (Serax), the prazepam (Centrax), temazepam at (Restoril), triazolam at (Halcion), or any other drugs.
Clonazepam is to be avoided during the first 3 months of pregnancy as there is a risk of birth defects. Once taken later in pregnancy, the drug can cause other problems such as withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Clonazepam appears in breast milk and could affect a young child care. Mothers taking this medicine should not breastfeed.
Clonazepam slows the nervous system and its effects can be intensified by alcohol. Do not drink while taking this drug. Do not drive a car or do not operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local command center or regional poison. In case of a missed dose, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.