Clonazepam 0.5mg

Clonazepam oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drug Klonopin. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.

Clonazepam comes as both an oral tablet and an oral disintegrating (dissolving) tablet.

Clonazepam is a controlled substance.

Why it’s used

Clonazepam is used to treat panic disorder. It’s also used to stop seizures.

Clonazepam may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means a person may need to take it with other medications.

How it works

Clonazepam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Clonazepam works by increasing the activity of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). This is a chemical that sends signals throughout a person’s nervous system. If a person does not have enough GABA, their body may be in an excited state. This may cause them to have panic attacks or seizures. When a person takes this drug, they will have more GABA in their body. This will help them have fewer panic attacks and seizures.

Clonazepam can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking clonazepam. This list does not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of clonazepam, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, a person should talk with their doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects

The more common side effects of clonazepam oral tablet can include:

• drowsiness
• problems with walking and coordination
• dizziness
• depression
• fatigue
• problems with memory

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, a person should talk to their doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

A person should call their doctor right away if they have serious side effects. They should call 911 if their symptoms feel life-threatening or if they think they are having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• depressed mood or thoughts of suicide (harming themself)
• seizures (these are more likely to happen if a person stops taking this drug too quickly, or if they already have a seizure disorder)

The clonazepam dosage a doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition the person is using clonazepam to treat
• the person’s age
• the form of clonazepam they take
• other medical conditions they may have

Typically, a doctor will start a person on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that’s right for them. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, a person should be sure to take the dosage the doctor prescribes for them.

A doctor will determine the best dosage to suit a person’s needs.

Forms and strengths

Generic: Clonazepam

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg

• Form: oral disintegrating tablet
• Strengths: 0.125 mg, 0.25, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg

Brand: Klonopin

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg

Dosage for panic disorder

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)

• Typical starting dose: 0.25 mg taken twice per day
• Dose increases: A doctor may increase the dose to 0.5 mg taken two times per day after three days.
• Maximum dose: 4 mg per day.
• Dose reduction: A doctor should decrease a person’s dose slowly when stopping treatment with this drug. They should decrease the dose by no more than 0.125 mg every three days. For example, if the person was taking 2 mg two times per day, their doctor would start by decreasing the dose to 1.875 mg, taken two times per day.

Child dosage (ages 0 to 17 years)

It hasn’t been confirmed that clonazepam is safe and effective for use in people younger than 18 years for this condition.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause their body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in their body for a longer time. This raises their risk of side effects. Their doctor may start them on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in their body.

Dosage for seizures

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)

• Typical starting dose: 0.5 mg taken three times per day
• Dose increases: A doctor may increase a person’s dose by 0.5 to 1 mg every three days until their seizures are controlled.
• Maximum dose: 20 mg per day, taken in divided doses.

Child dosage (ages 11 to 17 years)

• Typical starting dose: 0.5 mg taken three times per day
• Dose increases: A doctor may increase a child’s dose by 0.5 to 1 mg every three days until their seizures are controlled.
• Maximum dose: 20 mg per day, taken in divided doses.

Child dosage (ages 0 to 10 years or children who weigh 66 lbs. [30 kg] or less)

• Typical starting dose: 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg of body weight per day. The dose shouldn’t be more than 0.05 mg/kg per day given in two to three divided doses.
• Dose increases: A doctor may increase a child’s dose by 0.25 to 0.5 mg every three days until their seizures are controlled.
• Maximum dose: 0.1–0.2 mg/kg per day taken in divided doses.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause their body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in their body for a longer time. This raises their risk of side effects. Their doctor may start them on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in their body.

Clonazepam oral tablet is used for short-term treatment. It comes with risks if a person does not take it as prescribed.

If a person stops taking the drug suddenly or doesn’t take it at all: If a person does not take this drug, their panic disorder or seizures won’t get better and may get worse. If they stop taking it suddenly, they may have symptoms of withdrawal. These include irritability, trouble sleeping, and anxiety.

If a person misses doses or doesn’t take the drug on schedule: They may have withdrawal symptoms if they don’t take the drug on schedule.

If a person takes too much: They could have dangerous levels of the drug in their body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

• sleepiness or drowsiness
• confusion
• trouble with coordination or slow reflexes
• coma (being unconscious for a long time)

If a person thinks they have taken too much of this drug, they should call their doctor or local poison control center. If their symptoms are severe, they should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if a person misses a dose: A person usually should take a missed dose as soon as they remember. But if they remember just a few hours before their next scheduled dose, take only one dose. They should never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: A person should have fewer panic attacks or seizures.

This drug comes with several warnings.