Klonopin (clonazepam) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain types of seizure disorder and panic disorder. The drug comes as oral tablets that you usually take two to three times daily.

Klonopin is used to treat:

The active ingredient in Klonopin is clonazepam. Klonopin belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.

This article describes the dosages of Klonopin, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Klonopin, see this in-depth article.

Note: Klonopin comes only as oral tablets. But clonazepam (the generic version of Klonopin) comes in orally disintegrating tablets (ODT). The ODT is a tablet that dissolves on or under your tongue.

The table below highlights the basics of Klonopin’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).

ConditionTypical starting dosage for adultsMaximum dosage for adults
seizure disorder0.5 mg three times daily20 mg daily
panic disorder0.25 mg two times daily4 mg daily

Keep reading for more details about Klonopin’s dosage.

What are Klonopin’s forms?

Klonopin comes only as oral tablets.

But clonazepam (the generic version of Klonopin) comes in orally disintegrating tablets (ODT). The ODT is a tablet that dissolves on or under your tongue.

What strengths does Klonopin come in?

Klonopin’s oral tablet comes in three strengths:

  • 0.5 mg
  • 1 mg
  • 2 mg

What are the usual dosages of Klonopin in adults?

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

Dosage for seizure disorder

For adults with seizure disorder, your doctor will prescribe a low dose when you first start Klonopin. The recommended starting dosage of Klonopin is 0.5 mg three times daily.

Your doctor will increase your dose slowly every 3 days until your seizures are managed. The maximum dosage of Klonopin for seizure disorder is 20 mg daily.

Dosage for panic disorder

For adults with panic disorder, the typical starting dosage of Klonopin is 0.25 mg two times daily. After 3 days, your doctor may increase your dosage to 0.5 mg two times daily. In most cases, this dosage manages panic disorder. If so, you’ll continue to take this dosage throughout treatment.

If your panic disorder isn’t managed with this dosage, your doctor may increase your dose. The maximum dosage of Klonopin for panic disorder is 4 mg daily.

What’s the dosage of Klonopin for children?

Klonopin is used to help treat certain types of seizure disorder in children of all ages. It is not approved to treat panic disorder in children.

Your child’s doctor will prescribe a dosage of Klonopin based on your child’s age and body weight.

  • Children ages 10 years and older
    • The dosage is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Klonopin in adults?” section above.
  • Infants and children up to age 10 years or 30 kilograms (about 66 pounds [lb] of body weight) (For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 lb.)
    • The recommended initial dose is 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg daily, divided into two or three doses throughout the day. The maximum dosage is 0.05 mg/kg daily.
    • Your child’s doctor will increase the dosage by 0.25 to 0.5 mg every third day. This is to attain a maintenance (routine) dosage of 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg daily. They’ll increase the dosage unless seizures are controlled or side effects prevent further increase.
    • As an example, assume a doctor prescribes an initial dose of 0.02 mg/kg daily for a child who weighs 25 kg (about 55 lb). Their dosage would be 0.5 mg daily, divided into two or three doses throughout the day.

Your child’s doctor may be able to prescribe an oral solution for very young children who are unable to swallow tablets. Or they may prescribe the ODT in the generic version of Klonopin (clonazepam).

For more information about Klonopin’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.

How to take Klonopin

Klonopin comes as an oral tablet that you take with or without food. You take your dose two or three times daily, as prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow Klonopin oral tablets whole with water. The drugmaker hasn’t specified whether it’s safe to crush, split, or chew Klonopin oral tablets.

If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, talk with your pharmacist. The generic version of Klonopin is clonazepam, which comes in ODT form. The ODT dissolves when placed on or under the tongue. Doctors may prescribe this form for very young children, babies, or adults who aren’t able to swallow tablets. You should not chew or tear the ODT.

Is Klonopin taken long term?

Klonopin may be taken as a short-term or long-term treatment.

You and your doctor can determine whether it’s safe and effective for your condition. If you agree that it is and that it’s needed, you’ll likely take it long term.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Klonopin’s dosage.

What’s considered a high dose of Klonopin?

It depends. The recommended maximum dosage of Klonopin is 20 mg daily for seizure disorder. But the recommended maximum dosage of Klonopin is 4 mg daily for panic disorder.

Regardless of the condition Klonopin is treating, it’s important to take it exactly as prescribed. Taking doses higher than prescribed can increase your risk of serious side effects, including drug dependence and withdrawal.

Ask your doctor or your child’s doctor about the right dosage of Klonopin.

Is 1 mg of clonazepam (Klonopin’s generic version) considered a high dose?

It might be. Klonopin is a brand-name drug, and its generic version is clonazepam. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.

For seizure disorder, the typical starting dose of Klonopin is 0.5 mg, which is taken three times daily (1.5 mg daily total). Your doctor may increase this dosage every 3 days until your seizures are managed. For some people, their seizure disorder may be managed with 0.5 mg three times daily. Also, for these people, taking a dose of 1 mg three times daily (3 mg daily total) may be too high and cause more side effects. For reference, the recommended maximum dosage of Klonopin for seizure disorder is 20 mg daily.

For panic disorder, the recommended starting dose of Klonopin is 0.25 mg, which is taken two times daily (0.5 mg daily total). If your condition is managed at this dosage, a dose of 1 mg of Klonopin taken two times daily (2 mg daily total) may be too high and increase your risk of side effects. The recommended maximum dosage of Klonopin for panic disorder is 4 mg daily.

If you have questions about your Klonopin dosage, talk with your doctor.

Can Klonopin be taken for anxiety? If so, what’s the dosage?

Klonopin is not approved for treating anxiety. But in some cases, your doctor may prescribe it off-label for this use. (With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved to treat or help prevent.)

Because Klonopin isn’t approved for anxiety, the drugmaker doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use. If your doctor prescribes this drug for anxiety, they’ll determine the dosage that’s right for you.

To learn more about treatment options for anxiety, talk with your doctor.

Do not take more Klonopin than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

What to do in case you take too much Klonopin

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Klonopin. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.