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Clonazepam: uses, precautions and side effects

Clonazepam: uses, precautions and side effects

March 5, 2024

The use of benzodiazepines as the drug of choice in psychiatric or psychological therapy is more than known. His anxiolytic and sedative properties, among many others, have given him fame; turning it into one of the most consumed psychotropic drugs.

Among them is clonazepam , which will be discussed throughout this article. It describes in detail what it is and what therapeutic properties it has. As well as the possible side effects and precautions that must be taken into account before consuming it.

  • Related article: "Benzodiazepines (psychodrugs): uses, effects and risks"

What is clonazepam?

Clonazepam is a medicine integrated into the group of benzodiazepines . Its main focus of action is the central nervous system (CNS), on which it has the capacity to decrease the electrical activity of this, exerting the following effects:


  • Sedative.
  • Ansiolítico.
  • Anticonvulsant .
  • Myorelaxant
  • Mood stabilizer .

Because of all these properties, clonazepam is prescribed as an antiepileptic , above all, in crisis treatments of absences or atypical absences. Likewise, it is also prescribed, either alone or together with other medications, to soften attacks and panic attacks.

Its action as a stabilizer of the state of mind is capable of provoking in the person, temporarily, the oblivion of certain episodes with a great emotional load,

However, clonazepam can generate an addiction , as well as to cause a high tolerance to medication, so it is recommended that its administration for short periods of time or only in cases of urgency when the patient presents a bipolar disorder.


Disorders where it is used as a psychopharmaceutical

Some of the disorders or conditions in which clonazepam can be helpful are:

  • Anxiety disorders (phobias and panic disorders)
  • Sleep disorders.
  • Absences of epileptic type.
  • Convulsive crisis.
  • Bipolar disorder .
  • Alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Method of administration and dose

The clonazepam it is presented in a tablet format to be taken orally . There are two variants of clonazepam: pills to be taken with liquids and pills soluble in the mouth. The dose that is recommended is usually a pill three times a day, it is recommended that the person ingested every day at the same time, and its consumption always has to depend on the indication of a doctor.


It is advisable to follow the instructions of the medicine and the doctor who has prescribed it. Usually, treatment is initiated by taking lower doses, which are increased progressively every three days.

As mentioned above, clonazepam is capable of generating addiction and tolerance in the person, so that It is highly contraindicated for the person to increase the dose , take it for longer than necessary or disobey the instructions indicated by the medical staff.

The effects of clonazepam can help the person to manage the symptoms produced by the disorder or disease that he / she suffers; However, this will not be sent in full or completely, for this it will be necessary accompany the pharmacological treatment with other medications and some type of psychotherapy .

It is possible that the person does not begin to perceive the effects of clonazepam until a few weeks after the first dose. However, it is necessary that the patient does not increase their dose or stop taking this benzodiazepine unless the doctor indicates it.

Whether you do not notice any improvement, feel completely recovered or experience unwanted side effects, the patient must continue taking the prescribed dose. Otherwise, it could suffer a series of symptoms related to abstinence . These symptoms include:

  • Convulsions
  • Hallucinations .
  • Alterations in behavior.
  • Sweating
  • Tremors .
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Gastric problems
  • Anxiety .
  • Alterations of the dream.

In cases in which the medication is more harmful than beneficial to the person or when the treatment has to be terminated for any reason, the most recommendable procedure will be to gradually reduce doses .

Side effects of clonazepam

Due to its depressant effects of the central nervous system, clonazepam can cause a series of adverse reactions related to these effects. The person may experience a feeling of tiredness, drowsiness or weakness caused by this drug.

On the other hand, there have been cases in which this benzodiazepine has caused paradoxical effects in people. These symptoms range from a greater overexcitement, restlessness or nervousness ; to such adverse effects as violent or aggressive behaviors, panic attacks or sleep disorders.

The list of side effects can be divided into two subgroups: mild side effects or serious side effects.

1. Mild side effects

They can be experienced with greater or lesser intensity, but they are usually temporary and rarely interfere with the development of the treatment.

  • Drowsiness .
  • Vertigo.
  • Emotional ups and downs
  • Alterations of coordination.
  • Memory problems .
  • Increased salivation.
  • Muscle or joint pain.
  • Increase in the need to urinate.
  • Vision problems .
  • Alterations in desire or sexual performance.

2. Serious side effects

If the person perceives any of these symptoms after the use of clonazepam, it is recommended that you contact your doctor to change the dose or change to another type of medication.

  • Acne.
  • Urticaria .
  • Inflammation or irritation of the eyes, lips, tongue or throat.
  • Respiratory problems .
  • Difficulties in swallowing.
  • Hoarseness or aphonia.

It is necessary to know that both elderly patients, such as children or people with weak health or liver disorders are much more susceptible to the effects of benzodiazepines and therefore are more likely to suffer any of these unwanted consequences.

Precautions

Clonazepam is contraindicated in people with a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, as well as in patients with severe liver disease, severe respiratory insufficiency or with acute glaucoma.

Due to the depressant effects of clonazepam, people who operate or manipulate heavy machinery or vehicles they must know the possible risks of this medication; as well as all those patients who in their day to day require a degree of reflexes or alertness.

Treatment with clonazepam is incompatible with the consumption of alcoholic beverages, large quantities of beverages containing caffeine or theine; or with other central nervous system depressants.

Unlike other types of benzodiazepines, The effects of clonazepam in pregnant women are not completely determined . There are investigations that point to a greater frequency of anomalies or deficiencies from birth in the children of women in treatment of antiepileptic medication. However, this relationship has been widely questioned.

In cases in which the patient is during the period of lactation, only the medication will be administered in times of emergency, suspending breastfeeding. The reason is that the medication is able to transfer into breast milk , causing possible adverse effects in the baby such as withdrawal syndrome.


CLONAZEPAM tablets uses /side effect हिन्दी में ALL ABOUT MEDICINE (March 2024).


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