Drug Notes

Clonazepam (By mouth)

Clonazepam (kloe-NAZ-e-pam)

Treats seizures and panic disorder.

Brand Name(s):

KlonoPIN

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Dissolving Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Disintegrating tablet: Dry your hands before you handle the tablet. Place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve.
• Tablet: Swallow whole with water.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how clonazepam works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Medicine to treat depression or mental health problems, including MAO inhibitors
  • Medicine to treat fungal infections
  • Phenothiazine medicine
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, lung problems, porphyria, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction, depression, or mental health problems.
• This medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourself.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Confusion, memory problems
• Depression, unusual moods or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself
• Extreme tiredness or weakness, slow heartbeat, problems with coordination or walking
• Worsening seizures

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness, tiredness
• Increased saliva

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017