Drugs On Review

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is Roche’s trade name for clonazepam, a nitrobenzodiazepine used as an anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and anxiolytic. It is used to treat panic disorders and seizures is sometimes used in the treatment of epilepsy. It has a half-life of up to 50 hours, making it one of the most long-acting benzodiazepines.

Klonopin inhibits transmission across the synaptic gap in the central nervous system by binding to the benzodiazepine site of GABA receptors. Like all benzodiazepines it has no effect on GABA levels in the brain.

What does Klonopin look like?

Klonopin is sold as round pills with a “K” shaped perforation in strengths of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg. These are respectively orange with the imprint “K Roche 1 K Klonopin”, blue with the imprint “K Roche 1 K Klonopin” and white with the imprint “K Roche 2 K Klonopin”. It is also available as round white wafers in strengths of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg. These are imprinted with 1/8, 1, 1, and 1 respectively

Klonopin dosing and administration

The standard starting dosage for Klonopin when treating seizures in adults is a maximum of 0.5 mg three times daily. Your doctor may increase this dose up to a total of 20 mg total per day split into three smaller doses. For panic disorder the standard initial dos is 0.25 mg twice daily. Klonopin may be taken with or without food. Elderly patients are more sensitive to Klonopin and should begin treatment with this drug on a lower dosage.

Common adverse effects from Klonopin

Klonopin may cause lethargy in as many as 50 per cent of people. Other common side effects are coordination and behavior problems, dizziness and upper respiratory tract infections. Less common are aphasia, decreased libido, confusion, sinus infections, post-nasal drip, painful menstrual cramping and sexual problems which may include changes in libido, inability to ejaculate and erectile dysfunction. These sexual side effects are rare and are reversible on stopping treatment. Serious side effects which may occur infrequently are depression, loss of balance, suicidal ideation, dyspnea, memory problems, anxiety, agitation, aggression, insomnia, hallucinations and allergic reactions. Other possible side effects include weight fluctuations, edema of the feet or ankles, twitching, toothache increased salivation, hemorrhoids, motion sickness back pain and muscle cramps.

Klonopin warnings and precautions

Before taking Klonopin you should inform your doctor if you have glaucoma, a history of any substance abuse including alcohol, depression, respiratory problems, live or kidney disease or any allergies. You should also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or may become pregnant or if you are a nursing mother. Klonopin may cause physical dependence and this risk increases with the length of time the drug is taken. Because of this it may also cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.