Clonazepam (Klonopin®, Klonopin® Wafers ODT, 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
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 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Dose Taper: Gradually, with a decrease of 0.125 mg bid every 3 days, until the drug is completely withdrawn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 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
Alprazolam (Xanax® or Xanax® XR): Basic Information
Three important pieces of information about benzodiazepines
Relaxation Practice: A Simple and Powerful Tool for Anxiety, Tension, and Insomnia
References
Clonazepam Tablets (Klonopin®) and Clonazepam Orally Disintegrating Tablets (Klonopin® Wafers) Prescribing Information
Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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