Clonazepam is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat epilepsy (fits or seizures) in adults and children.
This medicine may also be used to treat panic disorder with or without a fear of places or situations that might cause a feeling of being trapped, helpless, or embarrassed.
Take Clonazepam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Clonazepam is available as a conventional tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, or oral solution.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, swallow it with a glass of water.
If you are taking the orally disintegrating tablet:
- Remove it from the foil only just before you take it. Do not leave the orally disintegrating tablet exposed to air. Do not push the orally disintegrating tablet through the foil as it is fragile and easily broken.
- Remove the orally disintegrating tablet with dry hands by peeling the backing off the foil and tipping the tablet onto your dry hands.
- Place the orally disintegrating tablet directly on your tongue as soon as it is taken out of the foil. The orally disintegrating tablet will immediately start to melt on the tongue. It can then be swallowed with or without water.
If you are taking the oral solution, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Clonazepam must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- severe lung or breathing problems
- sleep apnoea syndrome (sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- severe or significant liver disease
as Clonazepam may not be suitable for you.
Do not give this medicine to individuals who are unconscious or in a coma (a state of loss of consciousness for a long period of time).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of depression
- history of self-harm
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- difficulty in controlling or coordinating movements
- history of alcohol or drug dependence or abuse
- kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Clonazepam to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver and renal function tests) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, or behavioural changes may also be needed.
Clonazepam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired judgment. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, constipation, abdominal pain, tiredness, muscle weakness, hair loss, and difficulty coordinating movements.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- having thoughts of self-harm
- confusion and hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- severe drowsiness with breathing difficulties
- memory loss
- unusual behaviours during sleep that may not be remembered the next morning e.g. sleep-driving, making phone calls, cooking or eating food
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for fits or seizures e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, primidone
- strong painkillers e.g. oxycodone, morphine
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluvoxamine
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. amlodipine, enalapril, losartan
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. amprenavir, ritonavir
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- disulfiram (medicine used as an aid in the management of alcohol dependence)
- levodopa (medicine used for Parkinson's disease [disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Clonazepam.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the drowsiness caused by Clonazepam.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
The conventional tablet and oral solution must be protected from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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