Klonopin belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs; it has the following effects on the body:

• eliminates breathing problems that occur during a panic attack;
• relieves seizures in epilepsy;
• removes the tone of muscle tissue, including the neck muscles, characteristic of dystonics;
• eliminates groundless fears;
• normalizes sleep;
• reduces limb tremors;
• calms, relieves irritability, eliminating the manifestations of even severe depression.

Klonopin differs from other drugs in the extent of its effects on the brain. It suppresses the development of pathological signals, but only for the duration of taking this medicine, so people with epilepsy are forced to take it throughout their lives.

Indications for use

• epilepsy in children and adults (mainly akinetic, myoclonic, generalized submaximal seizures, temporal and focal seizures).
• syndromes of paroxysmal fear, states of fear in phobias, for example. agoraphobia (do not use in patients under 18 years of age)
• states of psychomotor agitation against the background of reactive psychoses.

Contraindications

• hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines;
• respiratory failure of central origin and severe conditions of respiratory failure, regardless of the cause;
• closed-angle form of glaucoma;
• myasthenia gravis;
• disturbance of consciousness;
• significant impairment of liver function.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of the drug during pregnancy is allowed only in situations where its use in the mother has absolute indications, and the use of a safer alternative drug is impossible or contraindicated. During treatment with Klonopin, you should refrain from breastfeeding.

Directions for use and doses

The dose and duration of therapy are strictly as prescribed by the doctor. Treatment should begin with low doses, increasing them gradually until an appropriate therapeutic effect is obtained.

You cannot abruptly stop taking the drug; a gradual, doctor-controlled reduction in dose is always necessary. Abrupt withdrawal of the drug can cause sleep disturbances, mood disorders, and even mental disorders. Abrupt cessation of long-term therapy or therapy requiring large doses of the drug is especially dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms are then more pronounced. Long-term use leads to a gradual weakening of the effect of the drug as a result of the development of tolerance. During long-term therapy with Klonopin, periodic studies are recommended: blood and liver function tests.

During treatment with Klonopin and 3 days after its completion, you should not drink any alcoholic beverages.

Interaction with other drugs

The inhibitory effect of Klonopin on the central nervous system is enhanced by all drugs with a similar effect: hypnotics (e.g., barbiturates), centrally acting drugs that lower blood pressure, antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, narcotic analgesics. Ethyl alcohol has a similar effect.

Drinking alcohol during treatment with Klonopin, in addition to the cumulative depressant effect on the central nervous system, can provoke paradoxical reactions: psychomotor agitation, aggressive behavior, or a state of pathological intoxication. Pathological intoxication does not depend on the type and amount of alcohol consumed. The drug potentiates the effect of drugs that reduce skeletal muscle tone.

Contraindications

Each body is different, some people tolerate taking Klonopin without any reactions, while others may experience the development of adverse reactions.

The most common are:

• disturbances in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, both short-term, not dangerous and very serious;
• appearance of hallucinations;
• headaches;
• muscle weakness that prevents a person from being physically active;
• apathy;
• depression of consciousness;
• loss of appetite;
• the appearance of nausea and dry mouth;
• failure of the liver and kidneys;
• problems with urination, expressed in urinary incontinence or painful process;
• feeling of lack of oxygen;
• sleep problems;
• aggression;
• state of panic;
• appearance of skin rashes.

Systematic use of the drug for many weeks can lead to the development of drug dependence and the appearance of withdrawal syndrome in case of abrupt withdrawal of the drug. During treatment with Klonopin and for 3 days after its completion, you should not drive vehicles or operate moving mechanical devices.

Overdose

As a result of an overdose of Klonopin, the following symptoms may occur: drowsiness, disorientation, slurred speech, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness and coma. The use of Klonopin, together with other drugs that have depressant properties on the central nervous system or alcohol, can be life-threatening. In case of acute poisoning, it is necessary to induce vomiting and rinse the stomach.

Treatment for Klonopin overdose is primarily symptomatic. It consists primarily of monitoring the basic vital functions of the body (breathing, pulse, blood pressure). A specific antidote is flumazenil (a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist).