About Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Clonazepam (Klonopin) is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine family, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane), and others. Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical that nerve cells use to communicate with each other) which inhibits many of the activities of the brain. It is believed that excessive activity in the brain may lead to anxiety or other psychiatric disorders. Clonazepam also is used to prevent certain types of seizures.Clonazepam ( Klonopin ) may also be used to treat movement disorders ( e.g., Tourette's Syndrome ).
Clonazepam is very habit forming (addictive) and may become so in only 2-4 weeks of use, causing psychological and physical dependence. It is possible to build up a tolerance for this drug and a dosage increase may be required.
Clonazepam should not be discontinued abruptly, or it could cause withdrawal symptoms including abdominal and muscle cramps, behavior disorders, convulsions, depressed feeling, hallucinations, restlessness, sleeping difficulties, and tremors.
Usual Side Effects
- Anxiety
- Behavior problems
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Constipation
- Slowed movements
Rare Side Effects
- Abdominal cramps
- Blurred vision
- Chest congestion
- Coated tongue
- convulsions
- Depression
- Hair loss
- Unusual Bleeding
- Trouble breathing
Dosages
Infants and children (up to 10 years or 30 kg): Initial dose: 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg/day, not to exceed 0.05 mg/kg/day, given in 2 or 3 divided doses. Increase 0.25 to 0.5 mg every third day until a daily maintenance dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg has been reached, unless seizures are controlled or side effects preclude further increase.
Clonazepam and Tourette Syndrome
From reading the forums It seems that Clonazepam (Klonopin) is rarely used for Tic supression.
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