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Clonazepam is a drug that inhibits nerve activity. It is used in the control of seizures and some cases of panic attacks. To understand more about the use and some special things to note when using the drug, please refer to the article below.1. Uses of Clonazepam
Clonazepam is an anticonvulsant drug belonging to the Benzodiazepine group of drugs, with short or intermediate acting. The drug is prepared in the form of tablets clonazepam 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants, thereby causing some effects such as sedation, anticonvulsant.
Clonazepam is indicated in the following cases:
Clonazepam is used alone or in combination to prevent and control seizures. It is also used in the treatment of seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It is also used to treat panic attacks in panic disorder or decreased excitement in bipolar disorder.
2. How to use clonazepam
How to use: Depending on the form of medicine, you have different ways of using the drug, you should read the instructions carefully before taking the medicine. Take this medication only as directed by your doctor, do not take it more or more often, and do not take it for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it can develop dependence. You can refer to the way of use and some notes when taking the drug as follows:
Take the drug orally by swallowing the liquid pill whole. Do not let the tablet get wet when taking it as it may dissolve before you take it. Take the medication as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times a day. Note that you should not suddenly stop taking the drug, because it can cause more severe symptoms. Dosage: Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. For children, the dose is usually based on body weight. Elderly people usually start at a lower dose to reduce the risk of side effects. Here are the dosages you can refer to:
Adults:
Usual Adult Dose for Seizure Prevention for People with Epilepsy: The starting dose should not exceed 1.5mg/day and is recommended divided into three times per day. The dose may then be increased by 0.5 to 1 mg every 3 days until seizures are controlled. Then use the maintenance dose depending on the patient, note not to use more than 20mg per day. Dosage in bipolar disorder: The starting dose should not exceed 1.5mg/day and is divided into three divided doses a day. Dosage may be increased from 0.5 to 1 mg every 3 days until symptoms are controlled and the maintenance dose is responsive but should not exceed 20 mg per day. Usual dose for people with panic disorder: The starting dose is 0.25mg / time and 2 times a day. The dose may be increased from 0.125-0.25 mg once and twice daily, every 3 days until panic disorder is under control. Maintenance dose may vary from person to person, but the maximum dose should not exceed 4 mg/day. Termination of treatment should be gradual by reducing 0.125 mg once daily. Every 3 days until the drug is completely stopped.
Dosage for children:
Children 10 years of age or younger or children weighing less than 30 kg:
Initial dose: to reduce drowsiness, the starting dose should be in the range of 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg/day but be careful not to exceed 0.05 mg/kg/day, divided into 2 or 3 times. Dosage should be increased by no more than 0.25-0.5 mg every 3 days until the daily maintenance dose of Clonazepam 0.10 mg to 0.2 mg/kg body weight is reached. The daily dose should be divided into 3 equal doses. If not equally divided, the largest dose should be taken at bedtime. Children over 10 years old and weighing over 30 kg:
Initial dose: Clonazepam should not exceed 1.5 mg/day divided into 3 times a day. Daily dose may be increased from 0.5-1 mg every 3 days until seizures are completely controlled. Maintenance dose: Depending on individual response, appropriate maintenance dose will be given. but not more than 20 mg.
3. Side effects when taking Clonazepam
When you take this medicine like other medicines, you run the risk of unwanted side effects. Some of the side effects you may experience that have been reported include:
Less serious side effects: Feeling of drowsiness, dizziness, problems with thinking or memory; Feelings of fatigue, weakness, loss of balance or coordination; stuttering, dry mouth, sore gums; Runny or stuffy nose; Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation; Blurred vision, headaches, possibly insomnia, skin rashes, changes in weight.
Some serious side effects may occur.
You should talk to your treating doctor if you notice any of the following: Changes in mood or behavior, depression, anxiety, if you feel you are excitable, easily irritated , aggressive, aggressive, restless, mentally or physically active, or having thoughts about suicidal behavior or hurting oneself. Get medical help right away if you have a very serious side effect such as: Confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior; Weak breathing or shallow rapid breathing; have unusually dangerous behaviors, are not afraid of danger; Unusual or unnatural eye movements; fast heartbeat or a strong fluttering feeling in your chest; Pain or difficulty urinating or urinating less than usual without physiological causes such as: paler skin, easy bruising or bleeding; New or worse seizures. In general, these side effects are possible, but they do not mean that everyone experiences them. Usually, only found in certain subjects.
4. Special notes when taking Clonazepam
When using clonazepam, you should note a few things:
Do not use the drug when there is a history of allergy to any of the ingredients in the drug; severe respiratory failure, sleep apnea syndrome; Severe acute or chronic liver failure; Acute angle-closure glaucoma; Myasthenia gravis. Before taking the drug, it is necessary to inform the doctor about some conditions that may affect the use of the drug, such as a history of glaucoma; renal dysfunction ; respiratory diseases; disorders of porphyrin metabolism; mental problems such as depression or suicidal thoughts,...Personal or family history of stimulant use disorders such as alcohol, drugs,... use in children and the elderly: The drug can affect the physical and mental development of children, it also increases the risk of side effects in the elderly. Therefore, when taking the drug, ask your doctor if taking the medicine for these subjects. Pregnant women and lactating women: These two subjects should not use the drug, because it will adversely affect the health of the fetus and breastfed child. Ideally, consult your doctor for detailed instructions. In addition, good contraception should be used while taking this medicine. Use this medication as often as prescribed for best results, it is recommended to take it at the same time each day for better memory. If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Never stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor. Some symptoms of a new or emerging illness may be worse when you suddenly stop taking the medicine. Clonazepam can cause withdrawal reactions, or special withdrawal syndromes, if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms may occur such as seizures, mental/mood changes, tremors, stomach cramps. To prevent this withdrawal, your doctor may gradually reduce your dose. When taking the drug for a long time, it can cause addiction and the drug may no longer work as well. When you notice that, let your doctor know about it. Your risk of side effects is increased if you use alcohol or have a history of drug or alcohol addiction. Therefore, avoid taking this medicine with alcohol. Avoid operating machinery or dangerous activities requiring alertness until it is known that the medication is causing significant side effects. Because the drug can cause drowsiness and affect alertness to perform dangerous tasks. Drug Interactions: Drug interactions can change the action of a drug or increase the effect of side effects on the drug. Clonazepam may interact with medications such as opioid cough suppressants (such as codeine, hydrocodone), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), sleeping pills or medications for anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, etc., when taken together with clonazepam increases the risk of side effects such as severe drowsiness, dizziness, or increased breathing problems. These are not all drugs that can cause interactions with this drug, you need to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamins or protective foods. health. Overdose can happen when you take a higher dose than recommended. Symptoms of clonazepam overdose include: Excessive drowsiness, confusion, coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time). You should get medical help in the event of a drug overdose. Store Clonazepam at room temperature, away from moisture, away from direct light. Do not store medicine in the bathroom or in the freezer. Keep medicine out of reach of children. Be careful not to throw medicine down the toilet or plumbing unless otherwise directed. Dispose of medication properly when it is past its expiration date or shows signs of damage and cannot be used. You should consult your pharmacist for a safe way to dispose of the medication. Clonazepam is a drug that inhibits nerve activity. It is used in the control of seizures and some cases of panic attacks. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment and avoid unwanted side effects, patients need to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor, professional pharmacist.
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Reference source: drugs.com
