Brand Name: Klonopin

Klonopin Seizure Control Medicine Information

Klonopin is used to control seizures. It is also used to relieve anxiety.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should I use Klonopin?

Klonopin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Klonopin exactly as directed.

Klonopin can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive use, making the drug less effective. This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. Do not skip doses even if you feel that you do not need them. Do not take Klonopin for more than 4 months or stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.

Are there other uses for Klonopin aside from seizure control?

Klonopin is also used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, twitching, schizophrenia, and for pain management. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

What special precautions should I take when on Klonopin for seizures?

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Klonopin, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; cimetadine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); fluoxetine (Prozac); isoniazide (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid); ketoconazole (Nizoral); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); medications for depression, seizures, pain, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), muscle relaxants; oral contraceptives; oral antifungals, phenytoin (Dilantin); probenecid (Benemid); propoxyphene (Darvon); propranolol (Inderal); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene); and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by Klonopin.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Klonopin, call your doctor immediately. You should not nurse a baby while taking Klonopin.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Klonopin.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Klonopin.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose of Klonopin?

What Klonopin side effects can I expect?

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• tiredness
• weakness
• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• changes in appetite

• restlessness or excitement
• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures
• shuffling walk
• persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
• fever
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat

What storage conditions should I use for Klonopin medicine?

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control left at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.