Clonazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines which is used to prevent and control seizures. It works by works by calming your brain and nerves.
It is used to treat:
- Seizures and certain types of anxiety disorders
- Panic disorder
- Allergic to clonazepam or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
- Allergic other benzodiazepine medicines
- Have breathing problems or lung disease
- Breathing stops when you are asleep (sleep apnoea)
- Have severe liver problems
- Muscles become weak and get tired easily (myasthenia gravis)
- Have any liver, kidney or lung problems
- Have ever had depression
- Have ever tried to harm or kill yourself
- A close friend or relative has recently died
- Are shaky and unsteady, have slurred speech or have rapid eye movements
- Have a rare, inherited blood problem called porphyria
- Are debilitated (weak)
- If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine
- If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine as it may affect the baby
- Older patients taking this medicine have a higher risk of falling and breaking bone
- Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine is not recommended as it may cause side effects or cause your fits to return
- This medicine may slow down your reactions and can affect your ability to drive. If this happens do not drive or operate any machinery
Please inform your doctor in case you are taking any of the following medicines:
- Carbamazepine, Hydantoins, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Primidone or Sodium valproate
- Medicines used to make you sleep (hypnotics)
- Medicines that help with anxiety (tranquillisers)
- Pain killers or Muscle relaxants
- Cimetidine
- Rifampicin
- Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you
- Take this medicine by mouth
- Make sure that everything you are using is dry. This is because the medicine should not be mixed with water before you take it
- Do not use with a tube which is made of PVC or polystyrene
If you forget to take this medicine:
- If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose
If you stop taking this medicine:
- Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. If you do your fits may return and you may get withdrawal symptoms
- Nystagmus
- Somnolence, Slowed reaction, Muscular hypotonia, Dizziness, Ataxia, Light-headedness, Co-ordination disturbances,
- Fatigue and Muscle weakness
- Respiratory depression
- Headache
- Nausea, Gastrointestinal and Epigastric symptoms
- Urticaria, Pruritus, Rash, Transient hair loss, Pigmentation changes and Angioedema
- Urinary incontinence
- Erectile dysfunction, Decrease in sexual drive (loss of libido) and Impotence
- Decreased platelet
- Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
- Do not store above 25°C.
- Store in the original package in order to protect from light
- Do not use 1 month after you first open it. Take it back to the pharmacy
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date
- If it is out of date or you no longer want it, take it back to the pharmacy
- Do not use this medicine if you notice anything wrong with the medicine
- Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use
webmd.com | drugs.com | medicine.org.uk
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