Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). It works by affecting chemicals in the human brain that may be unbalanced. This FDA-approved drug is also known as a seizure medicine. Clonazepam is used to treat certain types of seizures or fits. Clonazepam is also used to treat panic and anxiety attacks. If you want to know what clonazepam dosage for anxiety or any other issue should be taken, then keep reading this article.

What is Clonazepam?

Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine medication used to treat seizure disorders, panic and anxiety attacks. It is also known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug and is sold under the brand names Klonopin and Rivotril.It works by slowing down the central nervous system and increasing the amount of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve transmission. Clonazepam is a generic drug prescribed for the short-term treatment of anxiety and seizure disorders.

Clonazepam may also cause dependency and withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped suddenly.

Uses of Clonazepam?

Clonazepam is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It is used to treat seizure disorders or panic disorders. This drug is used to treat health problems, including:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Panic disorder
  • Seizure disorders
  • Insomnia

Dosage:

This medication comes in both tablet and liquid form. Usually, it is taken two or three times a day. Clonazepam dosage for anxiety and other issues starts from 0.5 mg to 1 mg daily. This dose may be increased to 4mg in some patients by their healthcare provider as needed to control symptoms. The maximum recommended strength is 4 mg per day, but such high strength of clonazepam should not be taken without speaking to your doctor. If you are taking clonazepam for anxiety, it may take several weeks for the medication to work. For this reason, it is essential to keep taking the medication even if you do not feel immediate relief from your symptoms. You are advised not to stop taking clonazepam suddenly or reduce your dose without talking to your healthcare provider first, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms or make your condition even worse. Children above 10 or 30 kg of body weight can be given the lowest dose of this medication.

If you are going through any health disorder like seizure disorder or anxiety attacks, then consult with your doctor and do not take clonazepam on your own because it may not be suitable for everyone.

How to take Clonazepam?

Clonazepam can be swallowed with or without food. However, taking it with food or milk is better for decreasing stomach upset. Remember, it may take several weeks for the full effects of clonazepam to be seen. So you have to be patient while you are taking this medication. Always handle it exactly as your healthcare provider has prescribed.

Side Effects:

Clonazepam may cause some side effects. The most common side effects are:

  1. drowsiness,
  2. lightheadedness,
  3. fatigue,
  4. nausea,
  5. dry mouth,
  6. diarrhoea,
  7. constipation,
  8. blurred vision, and
  9. trouble concentrating.

Other Side Effects Include:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Aggressiveness
  • Restlessness
  • Unusual behaviour
  • Thoughts of suicide

Clonazepam can cause a risk of severe breathing problems, coma, or sedation if taken with certain drugs. So do not take it without talking to your doctor. If you get any side effects mentioned above, visit your doctor immediately.

Who Should not use Clonazepam?

Everyone should not take clonazepam. There are certain groups of people who should avoid taking this drug or use it with caution. This includes pregnant women, children, elderly adults, and people with certain medical conditions.

Pregnant women should avoid taking clonazepam because it can increase the risk of birth defects. Children and elderly adults are also more susceptible to the side effects of this drug, so they should only take it under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

People with certain medical conditions should also use caution when taking clonazepam. This includes those with liver or kidney disease, lung disease, and mental health disorders. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor before starting clonazepam.

Conclusion

Clonazepam is one of the most used and prescribed medications to treat such health issues discussed above. Clonazepam dosage for anxiety or panic attacks can vary from person to person, so it’s necessary to take it as per your doctor’s prescription. Moreover, it may not work the same for every individual, so always talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication.