Generic name: Clonazepam Tablets [ kloe-NAZ-e-pam ]
Brand name: Klonopin
Drug classes: Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, Benzodiazepines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 11, 2024.

Uses of Clonazepam Tablets:

• It is used to treat seizures.
• It is used to treat panic attacks.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Clonazepam Tablets?

• If you have an allergy to clonazepam or any other part of this medicine (clonazepam tablets).
• If you are allergic to this medicine (clonazepam tablets); any part of this medicine (clonazepam tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Glaucoma or liver disease.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this medicine (clonazepam tablets).

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (clonazepam tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (clonazepam tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Clonazepam Tablets?

For all uses of this medicine (clonazepam tablets):

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (clonazepam tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
• Do not stop taking this medicine (clonazepam tablets) all of a sudden without calling your doctor. You may have a greater risk of side effects. If you need to stop this medicine (clonazepam tablets), you will want to slowly stop it as ordered by your doctor.
• Have your blood work checked if you are on this medicine (clonazepam tablets) for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine (clonazepam tablets) affects you.
• If you have had seizures in the past, this medicine (clonazepam tablets) may cause you to pass out. Use with care. Do not do activities that may be unsafe to you or others if you pass out, like driving or swimming.
• If you have lung disease, talk with your doctor. You may be more sensitive to this medicine (clonazepam tablets).
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine (clonazepam tablets).
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
• Talk with your doctor if this medicine (clonazepam tablets) stops working well. Do not take more than ordered.
• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (clonazepam tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant, especially in the first trimester.
• Taking this medicine (clonazepam tablets) late in pregnancy may raise the chance of breathing or feeding problems, low body temperature, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Talk with the doctor.
• If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking this medicine (clonazepam tablets), call your doctor right away.

For seizures:

• Do not change the dose or stop this medicine (clonazepam tablets). This could cause seizures. Talk with your doctor.

How is this medicine (Clonazepam Tablets) best taken?

Use this medicine (clonazepam tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Swallow whole with a full glass of water.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

For all uses of this medicine (clonazepam tablets):

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Change in balance.
• Feeling confused.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Memory problems or loss.
• Period (menstrual) pain.
• Bad dreams.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Patients who take this medicine (clonazepam tablets) may be at a greater risk of having thoughts or actions of suicide. The risk may be greater in people who have had these thoughts or actions in the past. Call the doctor right away if signs like low mood (depression), nervousness, restlessness, grouchiness, panic attacks, or changes in mood or actions are new or worse. Call the doctor right away if any thoughts or actions of suicide occur.

For seizures:

• If seizures are new or worse after starting this medicine (clonazepam tablets).

What are some other side effects of Clonazepam Tablets?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling sleepy.
• Constipation.
• More saliva.
• Dizziness.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Signs of a common cold.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Clonazepam Tablets?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this medicine (clonazepam tablets) is refilled. If you have any questions about this medicine (clonazepam tablets), please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Is clonazepam a controlled substance?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer