Clonazepam (Klonopin).

How Does Clonazepam Work?

Clonazepam calms the brain and nerves, thereby reducing anxiety, preventing seizures, and promoting relaxation. Clonazepam falls under the benzodiazepines class, which work by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

What is Clonazepam (Klonopin) Used For?

Clonazepam is commonly used to treat:

• Anxiety disorder
• Certain types of seizure disorders, also called epilepsy
• Panic disorder

Before Taking Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Do not take Clonazepam if you:

• Have narrow-angle glaucoma

• Suffer from severe liver disease

• Have had an allergic reaction to benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or similar medications

Some individuals may experience suicidal thoughts while taking Klonopin. Pay close attention to any changes in your mood, behavior, or mental health. Loved ones and caregivers should also monitor for unusual shifts in behavior or emotional state.

Using Klonopin during pregnancy may cause serious withdrawal symptoms in newborns that require medical care. However, untreated seizures can also pose risks to both mother and baby. Do not stop or change seizure medications without consulting your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking Klonopin, notify your doctor immediately.

Klonopin should not be given to a child unless prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is not approved to treat panic disorder in individuals under 18 years old.

Use our treatment locator to find mental health professionals near you.

Clonazepam Side Effects

Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately if you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction to Klonopin, such as:

• Hives or a skin rash
• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Clonazepam (klonopin) can slow or even stop your breathing, especially if it’s taken with alcohol or opioid medications.
If you’re caring for someone taking Klonopin, get emergency help right away if you notice:

• Slow or shallow breathing
• Long pauses between breaths
• Blue-colored lips or fingertips
• Difficulty waking them up or unresponsiveness

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any sudden or new changes in mood or behavior, including:

• Increased anxiety, panic attacks, or depression
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Feelings of restlessness, irritability, or agitation
• Aggressive or impulsive behavior
• Unusual talkativeness or hyperactivity
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

After Stopping Clonazepam: What to Watch for

If you’ve recently stopped taking clonazepam, it’s important to seek medical attention right away if you begin to experience unusual muscle movements, excessive energy or talkativeness, sudden or severe mood swings, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. These may be signs of serious withdrawal reactions that require immediate care.

Some withdrawal symptoms can persist for several months or even longer after stopping clonazepam, especially if the medication was discontinued suddenly. If you continue to struggle with anxiety, depression, memory or concentration problems, insomnia, ringing in your ears, or experience a burning, prickling, or crawling sensation on your skin, talk to your doctor. Ongoing support and monitoring can help you safely manage post-withdrawal symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions