clonazepam

Brand names: Clonazepam

# Clonazepam: What You Should Know Clonazepam is a prescription medicine used to treat seizures and anxiety disorders. It works by calming overactive brain activity that causes seizures or panic attacks. Doctors prescribe it to help people feel less anxious and to prevent seizures from happening. The medication belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are commonly used for these types of conditions. There are important safety things to know about clonazepam. This medicine can make you drowsy or dizzy, so you shouldn't drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Never mix clonazepam with opioid painkillers (like codeine or morphine) without talking to your doctor first, because this combination can cause serious breathing problems. Also, don't suddenly stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval, as your body may become dependent on it. Always take clonazepam exactly as your doctor prescribes and tell your doctor about any other medicines you're taking, especially pain medications, sleeping pills, or other drugs that make you drowsy.

Known Interactions

Drug Interactions: Effect of Concomitant Use of Benzodiazepines and Opioids: The concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression because of actions at different receptor sites in the CNS that control respiration. Benzodiazepines interact at GABAA sites, and opioids interact primarily at mu receptors. When benzodiazepines and opioids are combined, the potential for benzodiazepines to significantly worsen opioid-related respiratory depression exists. Limit dosage and duration of concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids, and follow patients closely for respiratory depression and sedation. Effect of Clonazepam on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs: Clonazepam does not appear to alter the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine or phenobarbital. Clonazepam has the potential to influence concentrations of phenytoin. Monitoring of phenytoin concentration is recommended when clonazepam is co-administrated with phenytoin. The effect of clonazepam on

Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA

Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)

  • DRUG INEFFECTIVE13,610 reports
  • FATIGUE10,236 reports
  • NAUSEA9,566 reports
  • ANXIETY8,733 reports
  • HEADACHE8,593 reports
  • DEPRESSION8,119 reports
  • PAIN8,035 reports
  • OFF LABEL USE7,662 reports
  • DIZZINESS7,245 reports
  • INSOMNIA7,008 reports

Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.

Check interactions with clonazepam:

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.