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Clonazepam

About

Clonazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.

It's used to control seizures or fits due to epilepsy, involuntary muscle spasms, panic disorder and sometimes restless legs syndrome.

Clonazepam is available on prescription only. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow.

Key facts

  • Clonazepam works by increasing levels of a calming chemical in your brain. This can relieve anxiety, stop seizures and fits or relax tense muscles.
  • The most common side effect is feeling sleepy (drowsy) during the daytime.
  • Clonazepam is not likely to be addictive if you take it for a short time (2 to 4 weeks).
  • If you take clonazepam for more than 2 to 4 weeks, your dose will need to be reduced gradually before you stop taking it.
  • Do not drink alcohol while taking clonazepam. There's a risk you can sleep very deeply and you may have trouble waking up.

Who can and cannot take clonazepam

Clonazepam tablets and liquid can be taken by adults aged 18 years and over.

It can also be taken by children from 1 month old for epilepsy.

It's not suitable for everyone.

To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting clonazepam if you:

  • have had an allergic reaction to clonazepam or any other medicine in the past
  • have myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes muscle weakness
  • have sleep apnoea, a condition that causes breathing problems when you're asleep
  • have lung, liver or kidney problems
  • have spinal or cerebellar ataxia (where you may become shaky and unsteady and have slurred speech)
  • have (or have had) problems with alcohol or drugs
  • have recently had a loss or bereavement, depression or thoughts of harming yourself or suicide
  • have been diagnosed with a personality disorder
  • are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding
  • are going to have a general anaesthetic for an operation or dental treatment

How and when to take it

It's important to take clonazepam exactly as your doctor tells you to.

You'll usually start on a low dose and gradually increase it over 2 to 4 weeks until your doctor thinks the dose is the right dose.

Your doctor will tell you if you need to take clonazepam in 1 dose or split your dose so you take it up to 3 times each day. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure how to take it.

The usual dose for:

  • epilepsy in adults – the starting dose is 1mg taken at night (increasing to 4mg to 8mg over 2 to 4 weeks)
  • epilepsy in children – the dose varies depending on their age. It will be increased gradually over 2 to 4 weeks
  • involuntary muscle spasms (adults) – the starting dose is 1mg taken at night (increasing to 4mg to 8mg over 2 to 4 weeks)
  • panic disorder – 1mg to 2mg each day
  • restless legs syndrome – 500 micrograms to 2mg each day

If you're older than 65 or have kidney, liver or severe breathing problems, your doctor may recommend a lower dose.

Take clonazepam tablets with a drink of water. You can take the tablets or liquid with or without food.

What if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take your clonazepam, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as usual.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.

You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.

What if I take too much?

The amount of clonazepam that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.

If you take too much clonazepam, you may get symptoms including:

  • poor coordination or trouble speaking
  • feeling sleepy
  • a slow or irregular heartbeat
  • uncontrolled eye movements
  • muscle weakness
  • feeling overexcited

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the clonazepam packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.

Side effects

Like all medicines, clonazepam can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones.

Common side effects

These common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people.

If you get these side effects, keep taking the medicine and speak to a doctor if they bother you or do not go away:

  • disturbed sleep (such as vivid dreams)
  • feeling sleepy (drowsy) in the daytime
  • feeling light-headed, unsteady or dizzy
  • muscle weakness

Serious side effects

It happens rarely, but some people can have serious side effects when taking clonazepam.

Tell a doctor straightaway if:

  • your breathing becomes very slow or you have short, shallow breaths
  • your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow – this could be a sign of liver problems
  • you find it difficult to remember things (amnesia) or are confused
  • you see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations) or think things that aren't true (delusions)
  • problems with your coordination or controlling your movements
  • you have swollen ankles, a racing heartbeat, cough and feel tired – this could be a sign of heart problems
  • you bruise easily, feel tired, have nosebleeds and have breathlessness – this can be a sign of blood problems
  • you notice mood changes such as talking too much, feeling overexcited, restless, irritable or aggressive (mood changes can become serious and are more likely in children and people over 65 years old)

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, clonazepam may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

These are not all the side effects of clonazepam. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme.

How to cope with side effects

What to do about:

  • disturbed sleep (such as vivid dreams) – speak to a doctor; they may suggest a different medicine or a lower dose.
  • feeling sleepy (drowsy) in the daytime – this should get better after a week or so but speak to a doctor; they may suggest a lower dose. Do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery or tools until you feel better.
  • feeling lightheaded, unsteady or dizzy – try to lie down or sit down. Do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery or tools until you feel better. If you still have these side effects after a week or they get worse, speak to a doctor.
  • muscle weakness – try to sit down if you feel weak. If you still have these side effects after a week or so, or if they get worse, speak to a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Clonazepam is not usually recommended during pregnancy. There's not enough information to know if it's safe, and it might mean your baby is born with withdrawal side effects.

If you become pregnant while taking clonazepam, speak to a doctor. Do not stop taking clonazepam suddenly if you have been taking it regularly.

Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of taking clonazepam and will help you choose the best treatment for you and your baby.

You may need to keep taking clonazepam during pregnancy as it's important for you to remain well.

Clonazepam and breastfeeding

Clonazepam is not recommended while breastfeeding.

If you're breastfeeding or want to breastfeed, talk to a doctor or pharmacist, as there might be better medicines for you. It will depend on what you're taking clonazepam for.

If your doctor says it's OK to take clonazepam while breastfeeding and you notice that your baby's not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, has unusual breathing, or you have any other concerns about them, talk to your health visitor or doctor as soon as possible.

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines interfere with the way clonazepam works and increase the chance of you having side effects.

Before you start taking clonazepam, tell a doctor if you're taking:

  • anticonvulsants, used to treat epilepsy
  • antipsychotics and antidepressants, used to treat mental health problems and depression
  • hypnotics, used to treat anxiety or sleep problems
  • medicines used to treat muscle spasms, such as baclofen or tizanidine
  • medicines used to lower blood pressure including ACE inhibitors such as enalapril and lisionopril; calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine and felodipine; and diuretics such as indapamide and bendroflumethiazide
  • drowsy (sedating) antihistamines, such as chlorphenamine or promethazine
  • strong painkillers such as codeine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, pethidine or tramadol.
  • cimetidine, a medicine for stomach problems and heartburn
  • rifampicin, (to treat bacterial infections) or antifungal medicines such as fluconazole

Mixing clonazepam with herbal remedies or supplements

There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements with clonazepam.

Do not take herbal medicines for anxiety or insomnia, such as valerian or passionflower, with clonazepam. They can increase the drowsy effects of clonazepam and may also have other side effects.

Important

For safety, tell a doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins, or supplements.

Common questions

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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723 public posts

Clonazepam

Does anyone use Clonazepam 500 micrograms at night for their RLS?
Does anyone use Clonazepam 500 micrograms at night for their RLS?
Kidneyenq
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Clonazepam

Has anyone tried Clonazepam? If so, how are you taking it? Once a day or twice a day and how many mg. I want to talk to my Dr about it and talk him into letting me try it cuz I think he is a little sceptical about the dependency of it.
Has anyone tried Clonazepam? If so, how are you taking it? Once a day or twice a day and how many mg. I want to talk to my Dr about it and talk him into letting me try it cuz I think he is a little sceptical about the dependency of it.
Jojolulu
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Panic Disorder and Depression

Now my psychiatrist has doubled the dose of both Sertraline and clonazepam, i.e. Sertraline 200 mg and Clonazepam 2 mg at night and 1 mg in the morning as soon I wake up.
Now my psychiatrist has doubled the dose of both Sertraline and clonazepam, i.e. Sertraline 200 mg and Clonazepam 2 mg at night and 1 mg in the morning as soon I wake up.
NaseerPDWazir
in Anxiety and Depression Support
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RLS dramatically decreased after Clonazepam removal

More than 2 years ago I started to take clonazepam to treat insomnia. I really think that in those 2 years I had symptoms of RLS everyday. Now, 3 months have passed since I took the last pill of clonazepam. Last month was very good for me.
More than 2 years ago I started to take clonazepam to treat insomnia. I really think that in those 2 years I had symptoms of RLS everyday. Now, 3 months have passed since I took the last pill of clonazepam. Last month was very good for me.
MikeGpe
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Bye Bye Clonazepam!

2 yrs. at 2mg Clonazepam Tapered down 1/4 mg. 3 days, 4 days a few weeks........ After about 5 weeks at 1/2 mg Then tapered 1/8 mg. a week while supply last Started 50 mg. non-addictive Trazadone 1.5 weeks ago At 1/8 mg. Clonazepam for about 6 days Tonight is VERY LAST DOSE of Benzo-Clonazepam!
2 yrs. at 2mg Clonazepam Tapered down 1/4 mg. 3 days, 4 days a few weeks........ After about 5 weeks at 1/2 mg Then tapered 1/8 mg. a week while supply last Started 50 mg. non-addictive Trazadone 1.5 weeks ago At 1/8 mg. Clonazepam for about 6 days Tonight is VERY LAST DOSE of Benzo-Clonazepam!
getdowngetup
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Clonazepam

The doctor recommended Clonazepam Auden for restless legs, which works a treat b ut I spend the next day fighting to stay awake. The problem then is either I have restless legs and don't sleep for nights on end or I take Clonazepam and sleep like the dead but can't stay awake during the day.
The doctor recommended Clonazepam Auden for restless legs, which works a treat b ut I spend the next day fighting to stay awake. The problem then is either I have restless legs and don't sleep for nights on end or I take Clonazepam and sleep like the dead but can't stay awake during the day.
Gardenera
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Benzodiazepines Half Life

I would like to take a low dose clonazepam / Klonopin pill 0.25mg tonight, but the long half life freaks me out. I don’t want to be out of it tomorrow or the next day. Any advice?
I would like to take a low dose clonazepam / Klonopin pill 0.25mg tonight, but the long half life freaks me out. I don’t want to be out of it tomorrow or the next day. Any advice?
hstroller
in Anxiety and Depression Support

anxiety help

need help with anxiety med. that does not have dizziness or vision problems as a side effect. already tried ssri's, snri's, buspar, beta blocker,. on clonazepam now but want to come off[built tollerance] no antidep. seem to help. thanks in advance.
need help with anxiety med. that does not have dizziness or vision problems as a side effect. already tried ssri's, snri's, buspar, beta blocker,. on clonazepam now but want to come off[built tollerance] no antidep. seem to help. thanks in advance.
deanocuch
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Combining medications/effects post surgery/meds not as effective

I had read about the success that others on this site and other RLS sites were having using a low dose of Clonazepam . My doctor gave me a prescription yesterday. I took a combination of Temgesic and Clonazepam last night. I had the best sleep I have had since surgery.
I had read about the success that others on this site and other RLS sites were having using a low dose of Clonazepam . My doctor gave me a prescription yesterday. I took a combination of Temgesic and Clonazepam last night. I had the best sleep I have had since surgery.
Jules1953
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Anyone else on clonazepam?

Major anxiety and panic about heart issue it’s like I can’t have one normal day at all, most days I feel some terrible event will happen to me and cause me to die, well was using diazepam for years on and off now been switched to clonazepam anyone else use this and what are ur opinions on it?
Major anxiety and panic about heart issue it’s like I can’t have one normal day at all, most days I feel some terrible event will happen to me and cause me to die, well was using diazepam for years on and off now been switched to clonazepam anyone else use this and what are ur opinions on it?
Char1985
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Out of the woods

Several weeks now since final teeny tiny .125 mg. dose of clonazepam. 7 week taper off 2mg I feel free BP has returned to my baseline Breathing is normal Palpitations gone Sleeping well Anxiety back to baseline More energy Once again hopeful Downside: Continue having drenching night sweats more than
Several weeks now since final teeny tiny .125 mg. dose of clonazepam. 7 week taper off 2mg I feel free BP has returned to my baseline Breathing is normal Palpitations gone Sleeping well Anxiety back to baseline More energy Once again hopeful Downside: Continue having drenching night sweats more than
getdowngetup
in Anxiety and Depression Support

First day completey off Clonazepam

Okay having said that: I have spoke a lot here about my tapering off Clonazepam after taking it for 2 years. Day one off of it - pretty much like any other day Sleeping better and better with other med changes. A little groggy upon rising. Occasional feelings of very deep tiredness.
Okay having said that: I have spoke a lot here about my tapering off Clonazepam after taking it for 2 years. Day one off of it - pretty much like any other day Sleeping better and better with other med changes. A little groggy upon rising. Occasional feelings of very deep tiredness.
getdowngetup
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Personal Hell

I’m going through withdrawals from hell, slowly tapering off clonazepam. Feeling overwhelmed, sad, sick,lonely, scared, this is very hard to do on my own. I work full time and feel like I’m going crazy. My moods are all over the place and have no one to talk to.
I’m going through withdrawals from hell, slowly tapering off clonazepam. Feeling overwhelmed, sad, sick,lonely, scared, this is very hard to do on my own. I work full time and feel like I’m going crazy. My moods are all over the place and have no one to talk to.
Emoji77
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Clonazepam

Still gtting sleepy side effects from Clonazepam but my doctor thinks ill settle down in couple of weeks? has anyone had exprience with Clonazepam for RLs. any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. mike.
Still gtting sleepy side effects from Clonazepam but my doctor thinks ill settle down in couple of weeks? has anyone had exprience with Clonazepam for RLs. any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. mike.
Mike-tyson
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Doctor visit

She said that Rick is in the last stage and told me to take him off Tramadol and to only give him clonazepam only when needed. She also gave him some new medicine Trazodone 50 mg for his sleeping . It’s so aggravating to know that he’s in the final stage but what does that mean?
She said that Rick is in the last stage and told me to take him off Tramadol and to only give him clonazepam only when needed. She also gave him some new medicine Trazodone 50 mg for his sleeping . It’s so aggravating to know that he’s in the final stage but what does that mean?
penny1956
in PSP Association

Waiting made easier w/Teledoc

I see I'm going to run out of Clonazepam well before then. I've had much experience with medical community and clearly see my choices with this "controlled substance " . A) pay out of pocket to see same doctor ( can't afford that) B) safely taper down off Clonazepam on approved schedule.
I see I'm going to run out of Clonazepam well before then. I've had much experience with medical community and clearly see my choices with this "controlled substance " . A) pay out of pocket to see same doctor ( can't afford that) B) safely taper down off Clonazepam on approved schedule.
getdowngetup
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Wrestless legs/Ropinirol

Given Clonazepam. It works mostly. If I start with it before I take the medication. I have to put up with it for an hour or so. As it comes different times from 2.00pm to 8.00pm daily. I was on 2 mg Ropinirol was getting augmentation by cutting it to 1mg that stopped the Augmentation.
Given Clonazepam. It works mostly. If I start with it before I take the medication. I have to put up with it for an hour or so. As it comes different times from 2.00pm to 8.00pm daily. I was on 2 mg Ropinirol was getting augmentation by cutting it to 1mg that stopped the Augmentation.
Docholiday1
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Gabapentin/Pregabalin - Who is actually finding this helps their RLS?

You see the Clonazepam does not work well with high dose opioids and Co-dydramol is a clever combination of codeine and paracetamol (10/500) whereby you can only take 1000 of Paracetamol at a time, which prevents you from taking more codeine.
You see the Clonazepam does not work well with high dose opioids and Co-dydramol is a clever combination of codeine and paracetamol (10/500) whereby you can only take 1000 of Paracetamol at a time, which prevents you from taking more codeine.
Felicity21
in Restless Legs Syndrome

REM sleep disorder

Of course I’ve tried to make my bedroom as safe as possible, and I can and do use clonazepam on occasion. Thankfully I live alone so I am not concerned about harming someone. I would love to avoid any broken bones. Please share any strategies and insights.
Of course I’ve tried to make my bedroom as safe as possible, and I can and do use clonazepam on occasion. Thankfully I live alone so I am not concerned about harming someone. I would love to avoid any broken bones. Please share any strategies and insights.
Gobbsofjoy
in Cure Parkinson's

Fear of symptoms of chronic illness

I’m on clonazepam for the vertigo and anxiety, I don’t take very much but do take it daily. I take a total of 0.375mgs daily. I know that the vestibular center and anxiety center in the brain are very close to each other so it can cause anxiety as part of it.
I’m on clonazepam for the vertigo and anxiety, I don’t take very much but do take it daily. I take a total of 0.375mgs daily. I know that the vestibular center and anxiety center in the brain are very close to each other so it can cause anxiety as part of it.
flagirl
in Anxiety and Depression Support
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