Klonopin Dangers
Klonopin is a prescription medication that is used to treat a number of physical and psychiatric illnesses. Years of study and clinical research reveal a strong history of both positive treatment results and serious dangers. Patients considering taking Klonopin and those currently taking it should be aware of the associated risks. Physicians can provide additional information.
Deadly complications might arise as a result of pre-existing conditions, drug interactions, alcohol use, misuse or altered mood. Klonopin is a member of the benzodiazepine family of medications and should not be used by anyone intolerant of other benzodiazepines. Its generic equivalent, clonazepam, carries the same warnings.
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Suicide
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Roche Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of Klonopin, warns that patients should be monitored for suicidal tendencies while taking the medication. Roche's own analysis indicates Klonopin therapy nearly doubles an individual's likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Roche further reports that four individuals treated with Klonopin died by suicide during clinical trials of the medication. There were no suicides among trial participants receiving a placebo.
Depression
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Depression might occur as a result of Klonopin therapy. Depression risk exists at all stages of treatment, including withdrawal from the medication. Roche Pharmaceuticals reports 7 percent of clinical trial participants experienced onset of depression while taking Klonopin, and 4 percent experienced the effect after treatment ended.
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Pregnancy and Nursing
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Klonopin is a pregnancy category D medication, which carries strong warnings for pregnant women. MayoClinic.com reports risk is posed to the unborn at all trimesters of pregnancy, and advises pregnant women to refrain from its use unless the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the child. Roche Pharmaceuticals warns against its use when breastfeeding. Roche also discourages use of Klonopin in women who might become pregnant. Studies show decreased pregnancy and offspring survival rates among women treated with Klonopin.
Dependence and Addiction
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Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that both physical dependence and psychological addiction to Klonopin may occur. Klonopin is not recommended for people with histories of substance abuse. Individuals taking this medication for an extended period of time are at highest risk of developing dependence and addiction.
Alcohol
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Alcohol consumption is strongly discouraged for those taking Klonopin. Dangers associated with interaction between alcohol and this medication can be life-threatening. EMedTV.com reports that alcohol and Klonopin, both depressants that act on the central nervous system, can slow respiration and heart rate, adversely effect coordination, impair memory and cognitive function, and cause abnormal behavior. Combining these depressants can result in death. Risk of irreversible liver damage while taking Klonopin is elevated when an individual also consumes alcohol.
Interactions
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Serious risk is associated with interaction between Klonopin and many medications. WebMD.com advises that Klonopin is not appropriate for individuals taking sodium oxybate (Xyrem) due to possible severe complications from drug interactions. Patients should discuss their current medication regimens with their doctors prior to starting Klonopin.
Liver and Kidneys
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Roche Pharmaceuticals warns that individuals with pre-existing liver damage, disease or impairment should not take Klonopin. Liver function should be monitored in cases of extended use.
Klonopin is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. People with kidney disorders or renal impairment should be treated with low doses. Renal function should be tested to determine the most suitable dose to prevent Klonopin buildup.
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