Description
What is Klonopin 2mg (Clonazepam)?
Klonopin 2mg (Clonazepam) is an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug in the benzodiazepine class used for short-term relief of symptoms of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia in adults. Klonopin is also useful alone or in tandem with other medications to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, plus akinetic and myoclonic seizures in adults and children. Benzodiazepines, including Klonopin, are often referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers due to their calming, sedating, and tranquilizing effects. Other common benzodiazepines include Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam). Klonopin 2mg (Clonazepam) and these other benzodiazepines can assist in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks and anxiety.
Klonopin (Clonazepam) Dosage
As with all medications, follow your Klonopin prescription instructions exactly. Klonopin is taken orally two to three times daily with water or another liquid. Tablets are available in 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg doses.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
The maximum dosage is typically 4mg daily for treatment of panic disorders. Treatment of seizure disorders may require a higher dosage, up to 20mg per day. When taking a higher dosage, you should meet with your doctor regularly to consider dosage reduction and long-term usefulness. Doctors may recommend a lower starting dosage for elderly patients or patients with certain medical conditions who may be particularly sensitive to benzodiazepines.
The optimal dosage varies by patient and condition treated. Your doctor may increase your dosage by 0.5mg to 1mg every three days until symptoms are adequately controlled.
When discontinuing treatment, or decreasing dosage, patients should work with a doctor to gradually taper the level of medication by no more than .125mg every three days. Stopping Klonopin suddenly can create withdrawal symptoms, and seizures can occur. Some patients may need to decrease dosage at an even slower rate.
Side Effects Associated with Klonopin 2mg (Clonazepam)
The most common side effects associated with Klonopin 2mg (Clonazepam) are: drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, depression, memory problems, loss of coordination, and symptoms of dependence/withdrawal with long-term usage.
There is a chance that Klonopin used to treat a seizure disorder can make seizures happen more often, or get worse. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if this occurs.
If you stop taking Klonopin suddenly, it can cause seizures that will not stop, hallucinations, shaking, and cramps.
Taking Klonopin may impair your ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially dangerous tasks. This side effect usually wears off with time. If side effects are bothersome, or do not go away, talk to your doctor.
Most people taking this medication do not experience any of these side effects.
Disclose to your physician all mental health issues including any family history of suicide or depression. In a small number of people, Klonopin may cause suicidal thoughts or actions. Panic disorder is often comorbid with major depressive disorders, which can increase risk for suicide.
Is Klonopin 2mg (Clonazepam) Addictive?
All benzodiazepines, including Klonopin 2mg (Clonazepam), are classified as controlled substances. Therefore, these medications have the potential to become both physically and emotionally addictive and abused. If a person develops dependence to Klonopin, discontinuing the drug can become difficult as withdrawal symptoms may occur. Common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, seizures, tremors, vomiting, and irritability.
