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

Among them is the clonazepam , which will be discussed throughout this article. It describes in detail what it is and what therapeutic properties it has. It also describes possible side effects and precautions that should be taken into account before using it.

What is clonazepam?

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

  • Sedative.
  • Anxiolytic.
  • Anticonvulsant .
  • Miorelaxing.
  • Mood stabilizer .

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

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

However, clonazepam can become addictive , as well as causing a high tolerance to the medication, so it is recommended that its administration for short periods of time or only in cases of emergency when the patient has a bipolar disorder.

Disorders in which it is used as a psychoactive drug

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

  • Anxiety disorders (phobias and panic disorders)
  • Sleep disorders.
  • Absences of epileptic type.
  • Seizures.
  • Bipolar disorder .
  • Alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Form of administration and dose

Clonazepam comes in tablet form for oral intake . There are two variants of clonazepam: tablets to be taken with liquids and soluble tablets in the mouth. The usual recommended dose is one tablet three times a day, and it is recommended that the person ingests it every day at approximately the same time, and its consumption should always depend on the indication of a doctor.

It is advisable to follow the instructions of the medicine and the doctor who prescribed it. Usually, treatment is started by taking lower doses, which are progressively increased every three days.

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

The effects of clonazepam may help the person to manage the symptoms produced by the disorder or disease he or she is suffering from; however, this will not be completely or fully resolved, for which it will be necessary to accompany the pharmacological treatment with other medications and some type of psychotherapy .

The person may not begin to feel the effects of clonazepam until a few weeks after the first dose. However, you should not increase your dose or stop taking this benzodiazepine unless told to do so by your doctor.

Whether you do not notice any improvement, feel fully recovered or experience unwanted side effects, the patient should continue to take the prescribed dose. Otherwise he or she may suffer a number of withdrawal-related symptoms . These symptoms include

  • Seizures.
  • Hallucinations .
  • Behavior alterations.
  • Sweating.
  • Tremors .
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Gastric problems.
  • Anxiety .
  • Sleep disturbances.

In cases where 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 is to gradually decrease the doses .

Side effects of clonazepam

Due to its central nervous system depressant effects, clonazepam can cause a number of adverse reactions related to these effects. The person may experience feelings of tiredness, sleepiness or weakness caused by this drug.

On the other hand, there have been cases where this benzodiazepine has had paradoxical effects on people. These symptoms range from increased over-excitement, restlessness or feelings of nervousness ; to such adverse effects as violent or aggressive behaviour, panic attacks or sleep disorders.

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

1. Mild side effects

They can be experienced to a greater or lesser extent, but are usually temporary and rarely interfere with the development of the treatment.

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

  • Skin rash.
  • Hives .
  • Swelling or irritation of the eyes, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Breathing problems .
  • Swallowing difficulties.
  • Hoarseness or aphonia.

It is necessary to know that both elderly patients and children or people in poor health or liver disorders are much more susceptible to the effects of benzodiazepines and are therefore more likely to suffer any of these unwanted 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, people who operate or manipulate heavy machinery or vehicles should be aware of the possible risks of this medication; as should all those patients who in their daily lives require a degree of reflexes or alertness.

Treatment with clonazepam is incompatible with the consumption of alcoholic beverages, large quantities of beverages containing caffeine or theine; or other central nervous system depressants.

Unlike other types of benzodiazepines, the effects of clonazepam on pregnant women are not fully determined . There is research that points to an increased frequency of abnormalities or deficiencies from birth in children of women on antiepileptic medication. However, this relationship has been widely questioned.

In cases where the patient is breastfeeding, medication will only be administered in times of emergency, stopping breastfeeding. The reason is that the medication is able to transfer into breast milk , causing possible adverse effects on the baby such as withdrawal.