Klonopin is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed to treat certain seizure disorders, panic disorder and agoraphobia in adults. It contains the active drug clonazepam and belongs to the benzodiazepine drug class. It also comes in a generic form, which your doctor may prescribe instead. The generic version costs less than the brand-name drug.
Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually adjust it to reach the best therapeutic level. The dosage depends on your medical condition and whether you have any other health conditions. For example, people who have other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can build a tolerance to Klonopin. Your doctor will test your blood to determine if you have liver or kidney problems that could interfere with how well it works.
The FDA has given Klonopin a “boxed warning” because of the risk of misuse and addiction. Taking this medication more often or for longer than your doctor prescribed can lead to dependence. If you stop Klonopin suddenly, it can cause withdrawal symptoms. These can be severe and even life-threatening if you’ve been taking high doses of the medication for a long period of time.
People who use Klonopin as prescribed are at very little risk of addiction, but it’s important to take it precisely as directed. Taking higher doses than your doctor prescribed can increase the chances of addiction and other side effects, including respiratory depression (slowed breathing), coma and death. Mixing Klonopin with alcohol or other drugs can also increase your chances of addiction and make it harder to quit.
Klonopin interacts with some medications, including opioids. Taking Klonopin with opioids can cause serious side effects, including drowsiness, respiratory depression (slowed breathing) and a coma. It can also raise your risk of seizures. Your doctor will monitor you closely if you take the two medications together.
The recommended Klonopin dosage for anxiety in adults is 0.25 mg taken two or three times per day. Your doctor will likely increase your dosage if it doesn’t work for you. For children, your doctor will start you on a lower dosage and will increase it based on weight.
You should never mix Klonopin with other sedatives or depressants, such as alcohol and many recreational drugs. These can cause a dangerous imbalance in your brain’s chemical balance, resulting in dangerous side effects, including coma and respiratory depression.
Klonopin is a controlled substance, which means it’s illegal to possess or distribute without a prescription. Taking Klonopin with other substances can lead to dangerous side effects, including overdose and death. If you’re addicted to Klonopin, you should attend a detox program that provides medical supervision and support during the withdrawal process. This can help you quit Klonopin safely and avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. It can also help you learn coping skills to stay sober once you’re finished with detox. In the long term, you should also seek treatment for drug addiction and counseling for mental health issues.
