Klonopin

Klonopin Uses, Doses and Precautions

Klonopin is known as an effective medication taken to control and prevent seizures. It belongs to antiepileptic drugs and anticonvulsants, and it’s also taken to treat panic attacks. That’s because this medicine works by calming nerves and the brain, and it belongs to a group of meds called benzodiazepines.

How to Take Klonopin Correctly

It’s necessary to take this medication orally, and doctors usually prescribe their patients to take it 2-3 times a day. Their correct doses depend on such important factors as their age, health condition, individual response and others.

When it comes to kids, their dosage often depends on their weight. Klonopin may result in specific withdrawal reactions, especially if patients take it in higher doses and for longer than needed.

Some of the most widespread withdrawal symptoms include muscle cramps, shaking, mood and mental changes, seizures, stomach pain and others. To prevent them successfully, people need to decrease their regular dose gradually.

Besides, Klonopin is responsible for causing drug-seeking behavior or addiction, and this risk is increased if people have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

Mild and Serious Side Effects

This medication rarely leads to such mild side effects as:

• Loss of coordination;
• Dizziness and drowsiness;
• Unusual tiredness;
• Increased saliva production.

A few patients who also take anticonvulsants for any medical condition may end up with such serious side effects as:

• Suicidal ideas and behaviors;
• Depression;
• Mood and mental problems;
• Memory complications;
• Confusion.

In very rare cases, people may develop such dangerous symptoms as:

• New signs of infection;
• Easy bleeding and bruising;
• Allergic reactions.

Precautions and Warnings before Taking Klonopin

Before starting this therapy, patients are required to tell their doctors if they have any allergies and such health conditions as different eye problems, kidney and liver diseases, mental and mood problems, breathing and lung complications, regular abuse of alcohol and drugs, etc.

They need to understand that the intake of Klonopin can make them feel drowsy and dizzy, and that’s why they shouldn’t drive or do other activities that demand full alertness. People should avoid alcoholic beverages when taking this medication, too.

List of Medications That Should Be Avoided

When using Klonopin, there are certain medications that should be avoided to prevent the risk of having drug interactions.

That’s because they change its effectiveness and lead to more serious adverse effects. For instance, this treatment shouldn’t be combined with antihistamines, alcoholic beverages, pills for anxiety and sleep, narcotic pain killers, muscle relaxants, sodium oxybate and some others.

It’s always necessary to read the labels of any pharmaceutical products you want to use and discuss them with your doctors, especially if they may cause drowsiness.