Clonazepam: What is it, and what is it used For?

Introduction

Clonazepam- Due to the hectic pace of life and the problems of daily life. More and more people are experiencing depression and anxiety. In these conditions, psychiatrists or psychologists often indicate benzodiazepines.

These drugs’ anxiolytic and sedative properties have given them a lot of fame. Among them is clonazepam, which began to be use five decades ago to treat diseases such as epilepsy. Over time, it began to be use in depression, panic attacks, and anxiety patients.

Throughout this article. The therapeutic properties of clonazepam will be discusse, as well as the possible side effects and precautions to consider before consuming it.

What is Clonazepam?

Clonazepam Formula

Formula : C15H10ClN3O3

Molar mass : 315.715 g/mol

CAS number : 1622-61-3

Trade name : Coquan, Clonagin, Clonex, Diocam, Klonopin, Kriadex, Linotril, Paxam, Rivotril , Zatrix

Half life: 18 to 50 hours

Metabolism: hepatic, via cytochrome P450 3A4

Bioavailability: 90%

Clonazepam is a drug belonging to the benzodiazepine family, a medicine that helps reduce irritability and anxiety levels, has a calming and relaxing effect, and can even help you fall asleep.

This medicine acts on the chief nervous system and can decrease its electrical activity. Which is why it behaves as a sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant. In addition, since it can potentiate the inhibitory neurotransmitter effect of GABA, it can suppress the spread of seizure activity produced by an epileptic focus.

Uses Clonazepam

Alone or in a mixture with other medications, clonazepam is often used to control certain types of seizures since, as a member of the benzodiazepine family of drugs, it works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. For this reason, clonazepam is prescribe as an antiepileptic, especially in the treatment of absence or atypical absence seizures.

However, it can also relieve panic attacks, which are often sudden and unexpecte. Its action as a good stabilizer consists of causing the person to forget some episodes with a significant emotional charge, at least temporarily.

Other disorders or conditions in which clonazepam can be helpful are phobias, seizures, bipolar disorder, and alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

However, it must remember that the effects produce by this medication, although it can help a patient to manage the symptoms generated by the disease they suffer from, do not guarantee that the disorder they suffer from will completely subside, so it is necessary to accompany the administration of clonazepam with other medications and some form of psychotherapy.

What dose Should I Take of Clonazepam?

In the case of a drug for controlled use, it is advisable to follow the instructions of the laboratory that manufactures it and the doctor who has prescribed it. Generally, health professionals indicate that clonazepam treatment is start at low doses, which are progressively increase.

Clonazepam is a tablet to take orally, both as pills to take with liquids and as orally disintegrating tablets.

Regarding the orally disintegrating tablet, pushing it through the aluminum is not advisable. Still, it is better to peel off the aluminum package with dry hands, immediately remove the tablet and place it directly in the mouth so that it dissolves quickly and can be swallow with or without liquid.

The dose usually recommended by doctors is one pill three times a day, which is suggest to be taken every day at almost a similar time, strictly following medical instructions.

Precautions While Using Clonazepam

Clonazepam is likely to generate addiction in the person. Therefore, the patient cannot increase the indicated dose. Take it for longer than essential, or ignore the instructions of the medical staff. It is significant to keep this in mind because it is likely that whoever uses it will not begin to perceive its effects until a few weeks after the first dose.

Given its depressant effects, people who operate heavy machinery or vehicles should be aware of the risks involved in their medication and anyone whose job requires a degree of reflexes or staying alert.

On the other hand, treatment with clonazepam is incompatible with the consumption of alcoholic beverages, with other sedatives of the central nervous system, or with a high intake of beverages containing caffeine.

Clonazepam, on the other hand, is contraindicated in people with a history of allergy to benzodiazepines and patients with severe liver conditions, severe respiratory failure, or acute glaucoma.

Finally, in cases where a woman is breastfeeding, this medication will only be administered in times of emergency, suspending breastfeeding. At the same time, it is used to prevent possible adverse effects on the baby.

Clonazepam Side Effects

Because of its central nervous system sedative effects, clonazepam can make people feel tired, drowsy, or weak. However, there have also stood cases in which this drug has produced greater overexcitement, restlessness, or a feeling of nervousness; on occasions, it has triggered aggressive behavior, panic attacks, or sleep disorders.

Dr. Koppmann of the German Clinic maintains that “when its consumption is high, it can produce a progressive and irreversible cognitive deterioration, a kind of premature aging of the brain.”

Mild side effects that clonazepam can cause include:

Drowsiness

dizziness

Coordination disturbances

Memory problems

increased salivation

Muscle or joint pain

Vision problems

However, they also produce serious side effects, which require immediate medical intervention, such as:

Rashes

Swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue, or throat

Respiratory problems

Swallowing difficulties

Hoarseness or aphonia.