Clonazepam: uses, precautions and side effects

This drug of the benzodiazepine group is used in the treatment of various disorders.

The use of benzodiazepines as a drug of choice in psychiatric or psychological therapy is more than well known. Its anxiolytic and sedative properties, among many others, have given it fame; making it one of the most consumed psychotropic drugs.

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

What is clonazepam?

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

• Sedative.
• Anxiolytic.
• Anticonvulsant.
• Myorelaxant.
• Mood stabilizer.

Due to all these properties, clonazepam is prescribed as an anti-epilepticIt is prescribed mainly in the treatment of absence seizures or atypical absences. It is also prescribed, either alone or together with other drugs, to soften panic attacks and panic crises.

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

However, clonazepam can become addictive.It is recommended that it be administered for short periods of time or only in emergency cases when the patient has a bipolar disorder.

Disorders in which it is used as a psychotropic drug

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

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

Form of administration and dosage

Clonazepam is presented in tablet form to be taken orally.. There are two variants of clonazepam: tablets to be taken with liquids and mouth-soluble tablets. The usual recommended dosage is one tablet three times a day, and it is recommended that the person takes it every day at approximately the same time, and its consumption must always depend on the indication of a physician.

It is advisable to follow the instructions of the medication and the prescribing physician. Usually, the treatment is started by taking lower doses, which are progressively increased every three days.

As mentioned above, clonazepam is likely to generate addiction and tolerance in the person, so it is highly contraindicated for the person to take clonazepam. is highly contraindicated for the person to increase the dose, take it for longer than necessary, or take it for longer than necessary.It is therefore highly contraindicated for the person to increase the dose, to take it for longer than necessary or to disobey the instructions given by the medical staff.

The effects of clonazepam can help the person to manage the symptoms produced by the disorder or disease he/she suffers from; however, this will not remit completely or in a complete way, for this it will be necessary to to accompany the pharmacological treatment with other medications and some type of psychotherapy..

It is possible that the person does not begin to perceive the effects of clonazepam until a few weeks after the first dose. However, the patient should not increase the dose or stop taking this benzodiazepine unless instructed to do so by the physician.

Whether the patient does not notice any improvement, feels completely recovered or experiences unwanted side effects, he/she should continue taking the prescribed dose. Otherwise, the patient may experience a number of withdrawal-related symptoms.. These symptoms include:

• Seizures.
• Hallucinations.
• Behavioral alterations.
• Sweating.
• Tremors.
• Muscle cramps.
• gastric problems
• Anxiety.
• Sleep disturbances.

In the cases in which the medication is more harmful than beneficial for the person or when the treatment has to be stopped for any reason, the most advisable procedure will consist in to decrease the doses gradually..

Side effects of clonazepam

Due to its central nervous system depressant effects, clonazepam may cause a number of adverse reactions related to these effects. related to these effects. The person may experience feelings of tiredness, drowsiness or weakness caused by 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 overexcitability, restlessness or a feeling of nervousnessThe list of side effects can be divided into two subgroups: mild side effects and severe side effects.

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

1. Mild side effects

They may be experienced to a greater or lesser degree, but are usually temporary and rarely interfere with the course of treatment.

• Drowsiness.
• Dizziness.
• Emotional ups and downs.
• Coordination disturbances.
• 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 you notice any of these symptoms after using clonazepam, it is recommended that you contact your doctor to change the dose or switch to another type of medication.

• Skin rash.
• Hives.
• Inflammation or irritation of the eyes, lips, tongue or throat.
• Respiratory problems.
• Difficulties in swallowing.
• Hoarseness or hoarseness.

It is necessary to know that both elderly patients, as well as children or people with weak health or hepatic disorders are much more or liver disorders are much more susceptible to the effects of benzodiazepines and are therefore more likely to suffer any of these undesirable 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 acute glaucoma.

Due to the depressant effects of clonazepam, persons operating or handling heavy machinery or vehicles should not use clonazepam. should be aware of the possible risks of this medication, as well as all those patients who require a degree of reflexes or alertness in their daily life.

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 fully determined.. There is research that points to a higher frequency of anomalies or deficiencies from birth in children of women treated with antiepileptic medication. However, this relationship has been widely questioned.

In cases where the patient is breastfeeding, the medication will only be administered in times of emergency, suspending breastfeeding. The reason is that the medication is capable of transferring into breast milkcausing possible adverse effects on the baby such as withdrawal syndrome.