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KLONOPIN (Clonazepam) Info
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Generic Name:
Clonazepam
Classification: Anticonvulsant (Benzodiazepines)
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Other Names: Klonopin
Used to treat:
Epilepsy (Seizure disorders) Panic Disorders
(These are common indications for this medication. There
may be additional conditions not listed here. Check
with your doctor if you have questions about your specific
condition).
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General
Directions for Taking Medication:
Take only as directed. This medication must be kept
at a certain level in your blood stream to control seizure
activity. If you miss a dose, take the medicine within
1 hour or skip the dose. If it is time for your next
dose, take only 1 dose. DO NOT double up the doses.
You may crush the tablets and mix with food if you have
difficulty swallowing. Take medicine with food to limit
upset stomach symptoms. If dizzy, rise slowly from sitting
or lying positions. Tell all healthcare providers that
you are taking this medicine prior to any treatment.
Talk to your doctor about the need to wear a medical
alert pendant or bracelet. There are many products that
provide information to health care providers about your
medicines and specific condition in case of an emergency.
See your doctor regularly to monitor the effectiveness
of this medication with lab tests, neurological tests
like CT scans or MRI scans and a physical exam. Your
dosage is based on seizure control and blood levels
of this medication.
Teach family, friends and other caregivers about
safe responses to seizure activity:
Position the convulsing patient on a flat, comfortable
area such as a carpeted floor. If possible, lay the
patient on one side to prevent aspiration if vomiting
occurs. Remove obstacles from around the patient to
prevent further injury. DO NOT restrain patient's arms,
legs or body.
DO NOT put anything in the patient's mouth. Remain with
the patient at all times. Keep a mental note as to the
characteristics of the seizure, duration, activity prior
to seizure, and time of last dose of medicine.
Contact the patient's doctor for further instructions
following the seizure. The doctor may want to examine
the patient. If the patient continues to have a seizure
without interruption, or fails to awaken after a seizure,
this is an emergency situation! Get medical assistance
immediately!
Contraindications:
Allergies - Hypersensitivity to this medication or its
components Patients with liver disease or acute narrow
angle glaucoma Children less than 18 years old
Use with caution in:
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding - May not be safe for your
baby. Talk to your doctor about risks and benefits.
Patients with chronic respiratory disorders, open angle
glaucoma receiving treatment, or kidney disease
Common Side Effects:
May occur during the first few days after beginning
therapy, but usually resolve:
Seizures, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, fatigue,
behavioral changes, unusual hair growth or loss, problems
with vision, dry mouth, sore gums, increased sex drive,
weight changes, abdominal iscomfort, loss of appetite,
or nausea
Serious Side Effects: Notify your doctor immediately
if you experience any of the following:
A fever; a pounding, fast heart rhythm; difficulty breathing
or speaking; unusual swelling especially in hands, feet
or face; excessive salivation and chest congestion;
double vision and uncoordinated eye movements; hallucinations;
constipation, diarrhea, or jaundice (yellowing of skin
and eyes); urinary retention and difficulty with urination;
clay colored stools or bleeding Allergic reaction symptoms
such as a red skin rash; itching; swelling of the face,
lips, tongue, and throat; wheezing; chest pain; and
difficulty breathing
Interactions:
Drug - There are many medications, both over-the-counter
and prescription, which will alter the action of this
medication. Some include antidepressants, antihistamines,
ulcer medications, birth control pills, heart medications,
sedatives, narcotic pain medications, other seizure
medicines, anti-fungals, and asthma medications.
It is extremely important that you consult with your
doctor about dosing schedules if you take a variety
of medications along with this medication. DO NOT take
any new medication without talking with your doctor
first.
Warnings:
Overdose - Can lead to somnolence, confusion, diminished
reflexes, respiratory depression, coma and even death.
DO NOT drive or operate machinery until you can determine
the extent of drowsiness side effects. Your doctor may
need to adjust your dose to help limit side effects.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. May increase drowsiness side
effects. Sudden withdrawal of this medication may provoke
status epilepticus (prolonged, uninterrupted seizure
activity), muscle tremors, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal
cramps.
Keep this medication and all others out of reach of
children and pets.
General Dosage Information:
Dosing is individually based. Talk to your doctor about
your specific dosing schedule:
Storage:
Keep at room temperature.
Protect from sunlight, room light and moisture. |
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