Side effects of Klonopin (clonazepam)
Klonopin (clonazepam) are usually prescribed for the treatment of such conditions as panic disorder, anxiety and certain types of seizures. You can develop a physical dependence on Klonopin if you take the drug for two or more weeks. Therefore, this drug must be prescribed with caution and gradually withdrawn when treatment is no longer required.
If you were prescribed Klonopin, you should take the time to learn about the possible side effects, withdrawal and overdose symptoms. Rivotril is a Canadian trademark of the drug.
Klonopin belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It is available in both pills and dissolve tablet form. The drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of some types of seizure disorders in adults and children and panic disorders with or without agoraphobia (fear of open spaces).
Klonopin can also be used for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal, sleep problems caused by antipsychotics and anxiety associated with bipolar disorder or other mood disorders.
In combination with opioids or alcohol, benzodiazepines can cause serious side effects, including extreme sedation, labored breathing, coma and even death. To avoid serious complications, you must tell your doctor about all non-prescription, prescription, traditional, naturopathic, dietary or homeopathic medicines you are taking.
Some side effects can develop during the first injection of Klonopin, many of which will disappear on their own as your body starts to adjust to the treatment.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, you should call your doctor if any of these common side effects are serious or persistent:
More rarely, Klonopin can cause chest congestion, runny nose, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, hair loss, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), skin rash, covered tongue, constipation, dry mouth, inflammation of guns, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) and anemia.
If you experience these or any other unusual side effects, call your doctor immediately.
In rare cases, the side effects can develop quickly and become potentially life-threatening. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
All these are the symptoms of severe allergic reaction of the whole body, known as anaphylaxis. If not treated, anaphylaxis can lead to respiratory or heart failure, seizures, coma and death.
Withdrawal syndrome
You should never stop taking Klonopin suddenly without the doctor’s permission if you have taken this drug for more than three months or use it to control seizures. If you need to stop the treatment, your doctor will gradually wean you from it.
Some of the most widespread withdrawal symptoms include:
These symptoms are relatively manageable. They will disappear after the reduction of the daily dose.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following (more serious) withdrawal symptoms:
If you think that someone overdosed on Klonopin, contact the nearest emergency room. Symptoms of Klonopin overdose include:
The treatment can include gastric lavage (emptying of the stomach), intravenous fluid therapy, artificial ventilation, flumazenil to prevent sedation and levarterenol (norepinephrine) or auramine (metaraminol) for the treatment of dangerous drop in blood pressure.
North Carolina Association for Hospital Central Service Professionals
Secretary – Sacha Galloway
813 Durwood Drive
Fayetteville NC 28311
Sgalloway.ncahcsp@gmail.com