CLONAZEPAM
|
|
IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING CLONAZEPAM.
CLONAZEPAM - ORAL (klo-NAY-zeh-pam)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Klonopin
USES:
CLONAZEPAM is used to treat seizure disorders or panic attacks.
HOW TO TAKE CLONAZEPAM:
Take CLONAZEPAM exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same
time each day so you get in the habit of taking it. CLONAZEPAM may
be taken with or without meals. However, if stomach upset occurs,
take it with food. Use CLONAZEPAM exactly as directed by your
doctor. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it
for a longer period of time than prescribed because CLONAZEPAM can
be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period, do not
suddenly stop using CLONAZEPAM without your doctor's approval. Over
time, CLONAZEPAM may not work as well. Consult your doctor if
CLONAZEPAM stops working well.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Indigestion, change in appetite, nausea, seizures, drowsiness,
dizziness, headache, tiredness or weakness may occur. Mood changes,
sleeplessness, excessive hair growth or loss of hair, blurred
vision, dry mouth, sore gums, change in sex drive, muscle pain, and
weight changes may also occur. If any of these effects persist or
worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop:
double vision, unusual eye movements, severe weakness, increased
salivation, hallucinations, loss of coordination, a rapid or
pounding heartbeat, difficulty speaking. In the unlikely event you
have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical
attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
liver disease, kidney disease, glaucoma, lung disease, breathing
disorders, any allergies you may have. Because CLONAZEPAM may cause
drowsiness, dizziness and/or blurred vision, use caution operating
machinery such as driving. Clonazepam is not recommended for use
during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using it. CLONAZEPAM is
excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a
nursing infant. Consult your doctor before you breast feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
medication you may use, especially of:
cimetidine, disulfiram, narcotic pain relievers, sedatives, certain
antidepressants (e.g., nefazodone and "SSRIs" such as
fluoxetine), anti-seizure medications. Limit alcohol intake while
taking CLONAZEPAM because excessive drowsiness may occur. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
confusion, slow reflexes, clumsiness, deep sleep, and loss of
consciousness.
NOTES:
Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking CLONAZEPAM to
monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.
MISSED DOSE:
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose,
take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time
for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30
degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
|
|