Clonazepam: what is it for and how to take

Clonazepam is a medication used to treat psychological and neurological disorders, such as seizures or anxiety, due to its anticonvulsant action, muscle relaxation and tranquilizer.

This drug is well known under the trade name Rivotril from the Roche laboratory and is found in prescription pharmacies in the form of tablets, sublingual tablets and drops. However, it can also be purchased in the form of generic or with other names like Clonatril, Clopam, Navotrax or Clonasun.

Although widely used, this medication should only be taken with a doctor's appointment because it has many side effects and when used excessively it can lead to dependence and frequent epileptic seizures. The price of Clonazepam can vary from 2 to 10 reais depending on the trade name, form of presentation and dose of the medicine.

What is it for

Clonazepam is indicated for treating epileptic seizures and infantile spasms in West syndrome. In addition, it is also suitable for:

1. Anxiety Disorders

• As anxiolytic in general;
• Panic disorder with or without fear of open spaces;
• Social phobia.

2. Mood disorders

• Bipolar affective disorder and manic treatment;
• Major depression associated with antidepressants in anxiety depression and early treatment.

3. Psychotic syndromes

• Akathisia, which is characterized by extreme restlessness, usually caused by psychiatric medications.

4. Restless legs syndrome

5. Vertigo and disturbances of balance : nausea, vomiting, fainting, falls, tinnitus and hearing disorders.

6. Burning mouth syndrome, characterized by a burning sensation in the inner part of the mouth.

How to take

The dose of Clonazepam should be doctor-oriented and adjusted for each patient, according to the disease to be treated and age.

Generally, the initial dose should not exceed 1.5 mg / day, divided into 3 equal doses, and the dose may be increased by 0.5 mg every 3 days to a maximum dose of 20 mg until the to be controlled.

This medicine should not be taken with alcoholic beverages or with medicines that can depress the central nervous system.

Main side effects

The most common side effects include drowsiness, headache, tiredness, flu, depression, dizziness, irritability, insomnia, difficulty coordinating movement or walking, loss of balance, nausea, and difficulty concentrating.

In addition, Clonazepam can cause physical and psychological dependence and cause epileptic seizures in rapid sequence, when used excessively and incorrectly.

Several disorders have also been reported with the use of this medication:

• Immune system: allergic reactions and very few cases of anaphylaxis;
• Endocrine system: isolated, reversible cases of incomplete precocious puberty in children;
• Psychiatric disorders : amnesia, hallucinations, hysteria, sexual appetite changes, insomnia, psychosis, suicide attempt, depersonalization, dysphoria, emotional instability, organic disinhibition, lamentations, decreased concentration, restlessness, confusional state and disorientation, excitability, irritability, agitation, nervousness, anxiety and sleep disorders;
• Nervous system: drowsiness, dizziness, muscular hypotonia, dizziness, ataxia, difficulty articulating speech, incoordination of movements and gait, abnormal movement of the eyes, forgetfulness of recent events, behavioral changes, increased seizures in certain forms of epilepsy, loss of voice, coarse and uncoordinated movements, coma, tremor, loss of strength on one side of the body, lightheaded sensation, lack of energy and tingling, and altered sensation in the extremities.
• Eyepieces: double vision, "vitreous eye" appearance;
• Cardiovascular: palpitations, chest pain, heart failure, including cardiac arrest;
• Respiratory system: pulmonary and nasal congestion, hypersecretion, cough, shortness of breath, bronchitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis and respiratory depression;
• Gastrointestinal: loss of appetite, tongue blistering, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, fecal incontinence, gastritis, increased liver, increased appetite, sore gums, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal inflammation, toothache.
• Skin: urticaria, itching, rash, transient hair loss, abnormal growth of hair, swelling of the face and ankle;
• Musculoskeletal: muscle weakness, frequent and usually transient, muscular pain, back pain, traumatic fracture, neck pain, dislocations and tensions;
• Urinary disorders: difficulty urinating, urinary loss during sleep, nocturia, urinary retention, urinary tract infection.
• Reproductive system: menstrual cramps, decreased sexual interest;

Decreased white blood cells and anemia, abnormal liver function tests, otitis, dizziness, dehydration, general deterioration, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, weight gain or loss, and viral infection may occur.

Who should not take

Clonazepam is contraindicated in patients with benzodiazepine allergy or any other component of the formula, and in patients with severe lung or liver disease, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.

The use of Clonazepam in pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney, lung or liver disease, porphyria, galactose intolerance or lactase deficiency, cerebellar or spinal ataxia, regular use or acute alcohol or drug intoxication should only be done under guidance doctor.