Before taking clonazepam

Before taking clonazepam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have breathing problems or lung disease.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
• If you have a condition called sleep apnoea syndrome (where your breathing stops when you are asleep).
• If you have ever had problems with drug or alcohol misuse.
• If you have depression or have thoughts about harming yourself.
• If you have porphyria (a rare inherited blood condition).
• If you have spinal or cerebellar ataxia (where you become shaky and unsteady, have slurred speech or rapid eye movements).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take clonazepam

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take clonazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may start you on a low dose and increase it slowly over the first few weeks as your body gets used to it. You will be told how much to take and what times of the day to take your doses, but if you are unsure, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
• Try to take clonazepam at these same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Clonazepam may make you feel drowsy especially when you first start your treatment. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking clonazepam as this will increase the feelings of sleepiness.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause problems (such as difficulty sleeping, feeling restless or anxious, sweating and headache) and your fits may return.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
• People with epilepsy must stop driving. Your doctor will advise you about when it may be possible for you to start driving again. This will usually be after a year free of seizures.
• While you are taking clonazepam, there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes, distressing thoughts and depression. If this happens, tell your doctor straight away.
• Taking benzodiazepines like clonazepam may lead to the development of dependence. If you are concerned about this, discuss it with your doctor.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can clonazepam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store clonazepam

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Rivotril® Tablets, Roche Products Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2008, accessed January 2010.
• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.