$Unique_ID{BRK03096}
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$Title{clonazepam}
$Subject{Klonopin Roche Benzodiazepine anticonvulsant clonazepam seizure
disorders convulsions brain}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


clonazepam
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Klonopin (Roche)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Benzodiazepine anticonvulsant

INGREDIENT

     clonazepam

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg)

STORAGE

     Clonazepam should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
light-resistant container.

USES

     This medication is used to treat certain seizure disorders.  It is
unclear exactly how clonazepam works to treat convulsions, but it appears to
prevent the spread of seizures to all parts of the brain.

TREATMENT

     This medication can be ingested either on an empty stomach or with food
or milk.  However, take it only as directed by your doctor.
     Clonazepam works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is
kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced
intervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take three doses a day,
the doses should be spaced eight hours apart.
     Try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss a dose and
remember within an hour, take the dose immediately.  If more than an hour has
passed, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing
schedule.  Do not double the next dose.  If you miss two or more doses,
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased
appetite, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, runny nose, or weight loss or
gain.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     In order to relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your
diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads),
exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do
otherwise).
     To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a
piece of hard candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
behavioral problems, confusion, depression, fever, fluid retention, hair loss,
hallucinations, hysteria, increased or decreased urination, muscle weakness,
palpitations, skin rash, slurred speech, sore gums, tremors, unusual bleeding
or bruising, unusual body movements, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
     Clonazepam can also produce an increase in salivation, so it should be
used cautiously by people who have swallowing difficulties.  Contact your
doctor if salivation becomes a problem.

INTERACTIONS

     Clonazepam interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. Concurrent use of it with other central nervous system depressants
(such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers,
muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine tranquilizers,
and sleeping medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme
drowsiness.
     2. Phenobarbital and phenytoin can decrease the blood levels and
effectiveness of clonazepam.
     3. Concurrent use of clonazepam and valproic acid can lead to increased
seizure activity.
     Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to clonazepam or to other benzodiazepine
tranquilizers (such as alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam,
flurazepam, halazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, prazepam, temazepam, and
triazolam).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had glaucoma,
kidney disease, liver disease, or lung disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.  Children should be careful while playing.
     * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first check with your
doctor.  If you have been taking this medication for several months or longer,
stopping the drug abruptly could lead to a withdrawal reaction and a worsening
of your condition.  Your doctor may, therefore, want to reduce your dosage of
this medication gradually.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although no harmful
effects have been reported during pregnancy, extensive studies have not been
conducted.  The risks and benefits of clonazepam therapy during pregnancy
should be discussed with your doctor.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of clonazepam pass into breast milk
and may cause excessive drowsiness in nursing infants.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.