Clonazepam is a medication used to treat psychological and neurological disorders, such as epileptic seizures or anxiety, due to its anticonvulsant action, muscle relaxation and tranquilizer.
This medicine is well known with the trade name Rivotril, from the Roche laboratory, and is found in pharmacies with a prescription, in the form of pills, sublingual pills and drops. However, it can also be purchased in generic form or with other names like Clonatril, Clopam, Navotrax or Clonasun.
Although it is widely used, this medication should only be taken with the doctor's recommendation, as it has many side effects and when used in excess it can cause dependence and frequent epileptic seizures. The price of Clonazepam can vary between 2 to 10 reais, depending on the commercial name, form of presentation and dose of the drug.
What is it for
Clonazepam is indicated to treat epileptic seizures and infantile spasms in West syndrome. In addition, it is also indicated for:
1. Anxiety disorders
- As anxiolytic in general; Panic disorder with or without fear of open spaces; Social phobia.
2. Mood disorders
- Bipolar affective disorder and treatment of mania; Major depression associated with antidepressants in anxiety depression and beginning of treatment.
3. Psychotic syndromes
- Akathisia, which is characterized by extreme anxiety, usually caused by psychiatric drugs.
4. Restless legs syndrome
5. Dizziness and balance disorders: nausea, vomiting, fainting, falls, tinnitus and hearing disorders.
6. Burning mouth syndrome, which is characterized by a burning sensation inside the mouth.
How to take
The dose of Clonazepam should be guided by the doctor and adjusted for each patient, according to the disease to be treated and age.
Generally, the starting dose should not exceed 1.5 mg / day, divided into 3 equal doses, and the dose may be increased by 0.5 mg every 3 days up to a maximum dose of 20 mg, until the problem to be addressed is under control.
This remedy should not be taken with alcoholic drinks or with drugs that can depress the central nervous system.
Main side effects
The most common side effects include drowsiness, headache, tiredness, flu, depression, vertigo, irritability, insomnia, difficulty in coordinating movement or walking, loss of balance, nausea, and difficulty concentrating.
In addition, Clonazepam can cause physical and psychological dependence and cause epileptic seizures in rapid sequence when used excessively and incorrectly.
Several disorders have also been reported with the use of this medication:
- Immune system: allergic reactions and very few cases of anaphylaxis; Endocrine system: isolated, reversible cases of incomplete precocious puberty in children; Psychiatric: amnesia, hallucinations, hysteria, changes in sexual appetite, insomnia, psychosis, suicide attempt, depersonalization, dysphoria, emotional instability, organic disinhibition, lamentations, decreased concentration, restlessness, confusional state and disorientation, excitability, irritability, aggressiveness, agitation, nervousness, anxiety and sleep disorders; Nervous system: drowsiness, sluggishness, muscle hypotonia, dizziness, ataxia, difficulty in articulating speech, incoordination of movements and gait, abnormal eye movement, forgetfulness of recent events, behavioral changes, increased seizures in certain forms of epilepsy, loss of voice, coarse and uncoordinated movements, coma, tremor, loss of strength on one side of the body, feeling light-headed, lack of energy and tingling and altered sensation in the extremities. Eyepieces: double vision, appearance of "vitreous eye"; Cardiovascular: palpitations, chest pain, heart failure, including cardiac arrest; Respiratory system: pulmonary and nasal congestion, hypersecretion, cough, shortness of breath, bronchitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis and respiratory depression; Gastrointestinal: loss of appetite, savory tongue, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, fecal incontinence, gastritis, enlarged liver, increased appetite, aching gums, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal inflammation, toothache. Skin: hives, itching, rash, transient hair loss, abnormal hair growth, swelling of the face and ankle; Musculoskeletal: muscle weakness, frequent and usually transient, muscle pain, back pain, traumatic fracture, neck pain, displacements and tension; Urinary disorders: difficulty urinating, urinary loss during sleep, nocturia, urinary retention, urinary tract infection. Reproductive system: menstrual cramps, decreased sexual interest;
There may also be a decrease in white blood cells and anemia, abnormal liver function tests, otitis, vertigo, dehydration, general deterioration, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, weight gain or loss and viral infection.
Who should not take
Clonazepam is contraindicated in patients with allergies to benzodiazepines or any other component of the formula, and in patients with severe disease of the lungs or liver, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
The use of Clonazepam in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney, lung or liver disease, porphyria, galactose intolerance or lactase deficiency, cerebellar or spinal ataxia, regular use or acute alcohol or drug intoxication should only be done under guidance doctor.
