Clonazepam: Uses, Precautions, and Side Effects

The use of benzodiazepines as the drug of choice in psychiatric or psychological therapy is more than known. Its anxiolytic and sedative properties, among many others, have made it famous; making it one of the most widely used psychotropic drugs.

Among them is clonazepam, which will be discussed throughout this article. It describes in detail what it is and what therapeutic properties it has. As well as the possible side effects and the precautions that should be taken into account before consuming it.

• Related article: "Benzodiazepines (psychotropic): uses, effects and risks"

What is clonazepam?

Clonazepam is a medicine integrated into the group of benzodiazepines. Its main focus of action is the central nervous system (CNS), on which it has the ability to reduce its electrical activity, exerting the following effects:

• Sedative.
• Anxiolytic.
• Anticonvulsant.
• Muscle relaxant.
• Mood stabilizer.

Due to all these properties, clonazepam is prescribed as an antiepileptic, above all, in treatments of absences crisis or atypical absences. Likewise, it is also prescribed, either alone or together with other medications, to ease attacks and panic attacks.

Its action as a mood stabilizer is capable of temporarily causing the person to forget certain highly emotionally charged episodes,

However, clonazepam it can generate an addiction, as well as to cause a high tolerance to the medication, so it is recommended that your administration for short periods of time or only in emergencies when the patient presents a Bipolar disorder.

Disorders in which it is used as a psychotropic drug

Some of the disorders or conditions in which clonazepam may be helpful are:

• Anxiety disorders (phobias and panic disorders)
• Sleep disorders.
• Epileptic-type absences.
• Convulsive crisis.
• Bipolar disorder.
• Alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Method of administration and dosage

Clonazepam It comes as a tablet to take orally.. There are two variants of clonazepam: lozenges to take with liquids and soluble lozenges in the mouth. The usual recommended dose is one pill three times a day, and it is recommended that the person use it. take it every day at approximately the same time, and its consumption always has to depend on the indication of a doctor.

It is advisable to follow the instructions of the medicine and the doctor who has prescribed it. Treatment is usually started by taking lower doses, which are progressively increased every three days.

As mentioned above, clonazepam is susceptible to generating addiction and tolerance in the person, so it is highly contraindicated for the person to increase the dose, take it for longer than necessary or disobey the instructions given by medical personnel.

The effects of clonazepam can help the person to manage the symptoms produced by the disorder or disease that he suffers; However, it will not send in full or completely, for this it will be necessary accompany the pharmacological treatment with other medications and some type of psychotherapy.

The person may not begin to feel the effects of clonazepam for a few weeks after the first dose. However, it is necessary that the patient does not increase the dose of it or stop taking this benzodiazepine unless directed by the doctor.

Whether you see no improvement, feel fully recovered, or experience unwanted side effects, the patient should continue taking the prescribed dose. Otherwise it could suffer a series of withdrawal-related symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Seizures.
• Hallucinations.
• Alterations in behavior.
• Sweating
• Tremors.
• Muscle cramps.
• Gastric problems
• Anxiety.
• Sleep disturbances

In cases where the medication is more harmful than beneficial to the person or when it is stop treatment for any reason, the most recommended procedure will be to gradually decrease the doses.

Side effects of clonazepam

Due to its depressant effects on the central nervous system, clonazepam can cause a number of adverse reactions related to these effects. The person may feel tired, sleepy, or weak from this drug.

On the other hand, there have been cases in which this benzodiazepine has caused paradoxical effects in people. These symptoms range from increased overexcitement, restlessness, or a feeling of nervousness; to such adverse effects as violent or aggressive behaviors, panic attacks or sleep disorders.

The list of side effects can be divided into two subgroups: mild side effects or serious side effects.

1. Mild side effects

They can be experienced with greater or lesser intensity, but are usually temporary and rarely interfere with the development of treatment.

• Drowsiness.
• Vertigo.
• Emotional ups and downs.
• Coordination disorders.
• Memory problems.
• Increased salivation
• Muscle or joint pain
• Increased need to urinate.
• Vision problems.
• Alterations in sexual desire or performance.

2. Serious side effects

If the person perceives any of these symptoms after using clonazepam, it is recommended that they contact their doctor to change the dose or switch to another type of medication.

• Acne.
• Urticaria.
• Inflammation or irritation of the eyes, lips, tongue or throat.
• Respiratory problems.
• Swallowing difficulties.
• Hoarseness or hoarseness.

It is necessary to know how much elderly patients, such as children or people in poor health o Liver disorders are much more susceptible to the effects of benzodiazepines and are therefore more likely to suffer from any of these unwanted consequences.

Precautions

Clonazepam is contraindicated in people with a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, as well as in patients with severe liver disease, severe respiratory failure or with acute glaucoma.

Due to the depressant effects of clonazepam, people who operate or handle heavy machinery or vehicles they must know the possible risks of this medication; like all those patients who in their day to day require a degree of reflexes or alertness.

Treatment with clonazepam is incompatible with the consumption of alcoholic beverages, large quantities of beverages containing caffeine or theine; or with other central nervous system depressants.

Unlike other types of benzodiazepines, the effects of clonazepam in pregnant women are not entirely determined. There is research that points to a higher frequency of abnormalities or deficiencies from birth in children of women on antiepileptic medication treatment. However, this relationship has been widely questioned.

In cases where the patient is breastfeeding, the medication will only be administered in times of urgency, suspending breastfeeding. The reason is that medication is able to transfer into breast milk, causing possible adverse effects on the baby such as withdrawal syndrome.