About clonazepam
Benzodiazepine anticonvulsant
Used for
- Treats certain seizure disorders
- May treat panic disorder in some countries
Usual adult dose
Seizures: commonly started at 0.5 mg three times daily, then adjusted; dosing varies by condition and country.
Usual dose in children
Seizures: dose is weight-based, usually started low and increased gradually under specialist supervision.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness and dizziness
- Poor coordination or unsteadiness
- Fatigue and slowed thinking
- Increased saliva, especially in children
Important warnings
- Can cause dependence and withdrawal; stopping suddenly may trigger seizures.
- May slow breathing, especially with opioids, alcohol, or other sedatives.
- Can impair alertness and coordination; avoid driving if affected.
- Use extra caution with breathing problems, liver disease, or a history of substance misuse.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby, particularly with use late in pregnancy; treatment decisions require specialist review.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk and may cause infant sleepiness or poor feeding; monitor closely with healthcare guidance.
Interactions
- Opioids, alcohol, and sedatives increase drowsiness and breathing risks.
- Some seizure medicines and rifampicin can alter clonazepam effects.
- Medications that suppress the central nervous system can increase sedation.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.