Clonazepam (Klonopin® and generic) is a benzodiazepine that is used as an anxiolytic. Here is basic information about this medication.
FDA-approved indications
1. Treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia
2. Seizure disorders: Alone or as an adjunct in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic and myoclonic seizures
Dosage
Panic disorder (adults)
Initial: 0.25 mg twice a day
An increase to the target dose for most patients of 1 mg/day may be made after 3 days
Maximum: 4 mg/day (increments of 0.125–0.25 mg bid every 3 days until panic disorder is controlled or until side effects preclude further increase)
Elderly: No clinical trial experience with the elderly. Start with the lowest dose.
Dose Taper: Gradually, with a decrease of 0.125 mg bid every 3 days, until the drug is completely withdrawn
Instructions
Oral tablets should be swallowed whole and administered with water.
Orally disintegrating tablets (Wafers) should be administered by opening the pouch, peeling back the foil on the blister, and using dry hands, carefully removing the tablet and placing it in the mouth.
Dosage forms and strengths
Tablets (Klonopin® and generic): 0.5 mg (scored), 1 mg, 2 mg
Oral disintegrating tablets (generic): 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
Related Pages
Benzodiazepines—General Articles
Three important pieces of information about benzodiazepines
Practical tips on using hypnotics: benzodiazepines
Viewpoint: Has the pendulum swung too far against the use of benzodiazepines?
Cytochrome P450 drug interactions with benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines in the elderly and in liver disease
Should we consider a benzodiazepine for persons with major depressive disorder?
Clonazepam
Clonazepam (Klonopin®): Basic Information
Potential side effects of clonazepam (Klonopin®)
Tips on using clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs)
References
Clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets (Prescribing Information). Available at this link.
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