Clonazepam Drug

Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine drug and hence its mode of action is similar to the other benzodiazepine drugs. Clonazepam binds to the GABA A receptor thereby enhancing the activity of the GABA. Gamma amino butyric acid or GABA is a neurotransmitter in the brain which has a suppressant action on the central nervous system. Thus it is useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic attacks and certain types of seizure disorders.

Clonazepam is available in the tablet form with doses 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg and 2.0 mg. It is also available as dispersible tablets and injections.

Clonazepam 0.5 mg is the initial dose given thrice daily in the treatment of seizures and anxiety disorders. Thus the total dose per day will come around 1.5 mg. It can then be increased to upto 20 mg depending upon the patients’ needs and response. For panic attacks the dose of Clonazepam is 0.5 mg per day given in two divided doses.

The side effects of Clonazepam 0.5 mg are drowsiness, decreased motor and cognitive performance, hallucinations, short term memory loss or amnesia, impaired motor functions like coordination, balance and dizziness. Because Clonazepam is a long acting drug, it may sometimes have its effect even in the morning when the drug is taken before bed. It may produce hang over like symptoms with headache and irritability.

When Clonazepam is used for more than six months, it may cause depression, disinhibition and sexual dysfunction.

Clonazepam is not to be used in pregnant and lactating patients because of its adverse effects on the fetus and the newborn.