Clonazepam
Also sold as: Rivotril, Clonotril
Prescription neededAnxiety and sleep (sedatives)
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor. For panic disorder it is usually 0.25 mg to 1 mg twice a day; for seizures it is started low and raised slowly. Do not stop it suddenly — this can cause seizures.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- drowsiness
- tiredness
- unsteady walking
- poor memory
- mood changes
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- slow or shallow breathing
- severe confusion
- thoughts of suicide
- dependence and seizures if stopped suddenly
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Severe breathing problems or sleep apnoea
- Severe liver disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Use of alcohol or opioid medicines
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (ask your doctor)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious2 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine lowers clonazepam levels.
- Phenytoin
Phenytoin lowers clonazepam levels; seizure control should be watched.