Clonazepam Side Effects Medications
Clonazepam is classified in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which produce a calming effect on the central nervous system. Clonazepam is available in generic form and as the brand Klonopin. It has anti-convulsant and muscle relaxant properties, and is primarily prescribed to treat seizure disorders and panic disorder. Many side effects are possible.
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Most Common Effects
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In clinical trials with clonazepam, as detailed by eMedTV, the most common side effect was drowsiness, experienced by up to half of people in some studies. Coordination problems, behavior changes and dizziness also were relatively common side effects.
Other Side Effects
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Many other clonazepam side effects were reported by 1 percent to 10 percent of study participants. These included confusion, decreased sex drive and other sexual problems, fatigue, menstrual cramps, runny nose, sinus or upper respiratory tract infections, sore throat and speech problems. Additional side effects have been reported since the drug was approved for public use, such as blurred vision, coughing, hair growth or loss, increased saliva, muscle aches, sore gums and weight changes.
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Serious Physical Effects
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Many serious physical side effects, although unlikely, may occur with clonazepam use. Patients have reported unusual bleeding or bruising, slowed breathing, rapid or pounding heartbeat, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, unusual muscle movements, problems urinating, and problems with balance, including falling. Rarely, people experience an allergic reaction to clonazepam, with side effects of rash or hives, itching and swelling.
Serious Psychological Effects
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Serious psychological side effects should be reported to a doctor. These include anxiety, agitation, aggression, hostility or rage, depression or worsening depression, insomnia, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, mood changes and memory problems.
Seizures
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Some patients with seizure disorders may experience a worsening of seizures when they begin using clonazepam. The doctor may prescribe an additional anti-seizure medication if this occurs.
Drug Interactions
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Many other medications interact with clonazepam. These include certain types of antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-fungal drugs, antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Clonazepam also interacts with amiodarone, nefazodone, anxiety medications, pain medications, seizure medications, muscle relaxants, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers and the herbal remedy St. John's wort.
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