Review Drug

Brand name Rivotril

Used in the following combined preparations None

GENERAL INFORMATION

Clonazepam belongs to a group of drugs known as the benzodiazepines, which are mainly used in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia . However, clonazepam is used almost exclusively as an anticonvulsant to prevent and treat epileptic fits. It is particularly useful for the prevention of brief muscle spasms and absence seizures (petit mal) in children but other forms of epilepsy, such as sudden flaccidity or fits induced by bright lights, also respond to clonazepam treatment. Being a benzodiazepine, the drug also has tranquillizing and sedative effects. 

Clonazepam is used either alone or together with other anticonvulsant drugs. Its anticonvulsant effect may begin to wear off after a few months.

INFORMATION FOR USERS

Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.

How taken

Tablets, injection.

Frequency and timing of doses

1-4 x daily.

Dosage range

Adults 1 mg daily (starting dose), increased gradually to 4-8 mg daily (maintenance dose). Children Reduced dose according to age and weight.

Onset of effect

Within 1 hour.

Duration of action

Approximately 30 hours.

Diet advice

None.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Missed dose

No cause for concern, but take as soon as you remember. Take your next dose when it is due.

Stopping the drug

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor because symptoms may recur.

Exceeding the dose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Larger overdoses may cause unusual drowsiness and confusion. Notify your doctor.

POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS

The principal adverse effects of this drug are related to its sedative and tranquillizing properties. These effects normally diminish after the first few days of treatment and can often be reduced by medically supervised adjustment of dosage.

INTERACTIONS

Sedatives

All drugs that have a sedative effect on the central nervous system are likely to increase the sedative properties of clonazepam. Such drugs include antianxiety and sleeping drugs, antihistamines, opioid analgesics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.

Other anticonvulsants Clonazepam may alter the effects of other anticonvulsants you are taking, and adjustment of dosage or change of drug may be necessary.

QUICK REFERENCE

Drug group Benzodiazepine anticonvulsant drug

Overdose danger rating Medium

Dependence rating Medium

Prescription needed Yes

Available as generic No

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Be sure to tell your doctor if:

You have severe respiratory disease. You have long-term liver or kidney problems. You are taking other medications.

Pregnancy

Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.

Breast-feeding

The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby adversely. Discuss with your doctor.

Infants and children

Reduced dose necessary.

Over 60

Reduced dose may be necessary.

Driving and hazardous work

Your underlying condition, as well as the possibility of drowsiness while taking clonazepam, may make such activities inadvisable. Discuss with your doctor.

Alcohol

Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this drug.

PROLONGED USE

Both beneficial and adverse effects of clonazepam may become less marked during prolonged treatment as the body adapts.