Clonazepam

Clonazepam is available in Canada only by prescription.

Known as

Clonapam, Klonopin, Rivotril

Uses

Clonazepam may be used alone or with other antiepileptic drugs to treat absence seizures and myoclonic seizures in children.

How to Use

Take clonazepam as prescribed. Do not increase or decrease dosage or stop taking it abruptly without your doctor’s approval.

Side Effects

Common reactions to clonazepam include drowsiness, fatigue, ataxia (uncoordinated muscles), irritability and behavioural problems. Less common side effects may include an allergic skin rash.

Precautions

Inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney or respiratory disease or glaucoma. Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should also tell their doctors of this prior to using this clonazepam. Tolerance may develop after one to six months of administration. Some patients cease to respond to it. Caution is advised in giving this drug to children under 12 years.

Interactions

Inform your doctor if you use alcohol, narcotics, barbiturates, or any over-the-counter medications. Some combinations of these may increase sedation.

Missed Dose

Take the next dose of it is within one hour of the correct dose time. Otherwise, skip that dose. In either case, resume your regular medication schedule.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Keep away from children, heat, light and moisture.

Usual Dose

  • 8 to 10 mg in 3 doses per day for adults
  • 0.2 mg/kg per day in three equal doses for children

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DisclaimerExpand Disclaimer Section

The material offered at this site is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Although all material presented at this site has been thoroughly researched and is believed to be correct, Epilepsy Ontario accepts no liability. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have. People with epilepsy should never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.