How to Take Clonazepam

Clonazepam is a medication prescribed for both seizure disorders and panic disorder. It has a calming effect on the nerves and brain which can be used to treat both these conditions. It carries with it some risk as many treatments for nervous system disorders are somewhat ephemeral. Here is how to take Clonazepam.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Clonazepam
• Doctor's advice

1. Determine what form you are taking. Clonazepam is administered in either a tablet taken with water or in an orally disintegrating tablet that dissolves on the tongue.
2. Know what it is for. To treat seizure disorders, Conazepam is taken in an initial dose no larger than one and a half milligrams spread over three doses on the first day and should not be increased to more than 20 milligrams per day. The use of multiple anticonvulsants is okay with Conazepam but may increase the risk of adverse side effects.
3. Determine why you are taking it. To treat panic disorder the initial dose should be one quarter of a milligram twice a day and should not be increased to more than one milligram per day. Studies show that in most cases doses of two, three or four milligrams per day are less effective and have an increased risk of adverse effects.
4. Watch out for side effects. Side effects to watch for include: decreased motor and mental skills, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle pain, excessive hair growth or loss, change in sexual desire, weight change, increased saliva production, sore gums and cough.
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• Due to the habit forming nature of Clonazepam, consult with a doctor before abruptly changing dosage or discontinuing usage.
• The effects of Clonazepam have not been clinically studied for patients younger than 18 or older than 65 for panic disorder, and they have not been studied for patients of 65 for seizure disorders.
• If you miss a dose of Clonazepam you should take the doe as soon as you remember. If you are close to the time for your next dose, you should skip the dose and continue the prescription normally.
• Clonazepam should be stored at room temperature and kept dry.
• See your doctor regularly to monitor the side effects of Clonazepam.
• Be careful when consuming alcohol while taking Clonazepam.
• Clonazepam may cause a decrease in mental and motor skills and therefore should not be taken before operating machinery or driving until you determine how you react to Clonazepam.
• Avoid alcohol while on Clonazepam.
• Inform your physician if you become pregnant while on Clonazepam. Discontinue Clonazepam while breast feeding.
• Do not operate heavy machinery and be careful while driving while using Clonazepam.
• Clonazepam can be habit forming. Do not stop using Clonazepam suddenly or you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms.
• Consult your doctor if you are taking Clonazepam if you wish to take sedatives, seizure medicines, pain relievers, antidepressants, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants or antihistamines.