Clonazepam Drug

Clonazepam like the other benzodiazepines binds to the GABA A receptors and thereby activates the gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter in the brain which has a suppressant action in the central nervous system. Hence Clonazepam is used as an anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant.

Clonazepam is the drug which is used in the short term treatment of some of the types of seizures like petit mal seizures, myoclonus, akinetic seizures and Lennoux- Gastaut syndrome. It is also used in the initial treatment of mania along with the other drugs; Clonazepam is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic disorders.

The available dosages of Clonazepam are o.5 mg, 1.0 mg and 2.0 mg. tablets. It is available as dispersible tablets with the dosage ranging from 0.125 to 2.0 mg. In certain countries Clonazepam is available in the injectable form too.

The dosing of Clonazepam varies from person to person and it is different for different conditions. For example in the treatment of seizures, the initial dose of Clonazepam is 1.5 mg given in three divided doses per day. It may be increased upto 20 mg depending upon the compliance if the patient. Similarly in the treatment of panic disorders, the dose of Clonazepam is 0.25 mg given twice daily. It is then gradually increased to 1.0 mg after three days.

Clonazepam, like any other benzodiazepine is contraindicated in pregnant women and in patients who are lactating. There are studies which prove its potency for teratogenicity if used during the first trimester of pregnancy.