Generic Name: clonazepam

Brand Names: Klonopin Wafer, Klonopin

What is this medicine?

CLONAZEPAM (kloe NA ze pam) is a benzodiazepine. It is used to treat certain types of seizures. It is also used to treat panic disorder.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an alcohol or drug abuse problem
• bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
• glaucoma
• kidney or liver disease
• lung or breathing disease
• myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson's disease
• seizures or a history of seizures
• suicidal thoughts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to clonazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking or change the dose except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• herbal or dietary supplements
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
• medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
• medicines for sleep
• prescription pain medicines
• propantheline
• rifampin
• sevelamer
• some medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your body may become dependent on this medicine. If you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice before increasing or decreasing the dose. Even after you stop taking this medicine it can still affect your body for several days.

If you suffer from several types of seizures, this medicine may increase the chance of grand mal seizures (epilepsy). Let your doctor or health care professional know, he or she may want to prescribe an additional medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision
• confusion
• depression
• hallucinations
• mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior
• movement difficulty, staggering or jerky movements
• muscle cramps, weakness
• tremors
• unusual eye movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation or diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• dizziness, drowsiness
• headache
• increased saliva from your mouth
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.