IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT KLONOPIN (CLONAZEPAM)
To manage anxiety and panic disorders doctors regularly prescribe various anti-anxiety medications. In this article you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Klonopin (clonazepam) – an anti-anxiety remedy used in the treatment of panic disorder and other conditons.
WHAT IS KLONOPIN?
Klonopin, also known as clonazepam, belongs to the group of medications that medics call benzodiazepines. Among other frequently prescribed benzodiazepines, there are Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam). These other drugs and Klonopin have sedative and tranquilizing effect on the brain and for this reason they can help in managing panic attacks, anxiety and other symptoms of panic disorder.
Doctors prescribe Klonopin to treat panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia). Klonopin also helps to alleviate apoplectic seizures and other convulsive attacks. In addition, medical practitioners have recently started to use Klonopin in patients with anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and other illnesses.
HOW DOES KLONOPIN AFFECT PANIC DISORDER?
Klonopin affects the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in brain, that partly control emotions, anxiety and abilities of body to relax and sleep. When influencing the GABA receptors, Klonopin slows down the central nervous system (CNS); as a result, it reduces feelings of worry and stress and creates peaceful and quite sensation. This also helps to manage intense anxiety and panic attacks.
Klonopin start to affect your body system very quickly. It also stops affecting you quiet fast, so it is possible that you may need to take the medication several times a day.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS TO KLONOPIN?
Sometimes patients experience adverse reactions when taking Klonopin. Some of them include:
- Drowsiness
- Giddiness and faintness
- Lack of coordination and unsteadiness
These adverse reactions may disappear or decrease after a while. Inform your prescribing doctor if you experience any problems that you cannot manage when taking Klonopin.
DOES KLONOPIN LEAD TO ADDICTION?
Klonopin and other benzodiazepines can be sold only after doctor’s prescription. That is because these remedies can cause physical and psychological dependence. For an addicted patient it can be hard to discontinue the drug because of withdrawal symptoms that may appear. The most frequent withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, convulsive attacks, trembling, nausea and irritability.
Your prescribing doctor will likely talk to you about probable risks of addiction and how to prevent them. Never change your dosage without your doctor’s approval first. To avoid the probability of withdrawal symptoms, you doctor may terminate your prescription by reducing your dosage little by little.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN TAKING KLONOPIN?
There are several precautions to consider when taking Klonopin:
Medical History: Before starting treatment with the use of Klonopin make sure you do not have any contraindications to this drug.
Tell your doctor if you have any of these diagnoses:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Drug or alcohol addiction
- Depression
Allergic Reaction: As with any drug, it is likely for you to have an allergic reaction to Klonopin. If you have previously been allergic or sensitive to benzodiazepines, you should not take Klonopin. Ask for medical assistance right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Rash
- Breathing or swallowing problems
- Tingle
- Swelling of the face, tongue, mouth, or throat
Drug Interactions: Klonopin and other benzodiazepines affect on the brain in such a way that slows down the central nervous system. You should avoid consuming alcohol and other certain drugs that have a similar effect on the CNS. Inform your doctor about all the medications you take on a regular basis.
Drowsiness: Feeling tired and sleepy are the most common side effects of Klonopin. You may need some time to adapt and see how this medication affects you, so be careful when driving or doing other tasks where your full concentration is needed.
Pregnancy and Nursing: Klonopin can be passed to a child from a lactating mother or during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor the risk of taking Klonopin during pregnancy or nursing.
Older Adults: Aged adults are usually more sensitive to the effects of Klonopin compared to other people. Your doctor may prescribe you a different dosage to avoid undesirable consequences.
Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide answers to some of the FAQs about Klonopin use for panic disorder. This overview does not include every possible scenario, such as potential side effects, outcomes, complications, or precautions and contraindications. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about your prescription.