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Clonazepam
Diagnosis & Treatment > Seizure Medications > Clonazepam > Introduction to clonazepam
 

Introduction to clonazepam

Clonazepam is the generic name (non-brand name) of the seizure medicine Klonopin used in the United States, Canada, the UK and some other countries. In Canada and the UK, the brand name Rivotril is used for clonazepam. In India, the brand name is Epitril.

Clonazepam has been available in the United States since 1975.

Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine; consequently, tolerance may potentially develop over time, causing a diminishment of efficacy.

Forms
Generic clonazepam is manufactured in the United States by several different companies including TEVA pharmaceuticals,Watson Labs and Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd. The name or appearance may differ in other countries. Clonazepam is available in tablet form in 0.5 mg,1.0 mg and 2.0 mg prescription strength.

How to take and store clonazepam
Regular clonazepam tablets should be swallowed whole, with a little water.

Clonazepam can be taken either with or without food. It is recommended that if the doses are not equally divided during the day, the largest dose should be taken at bedtime to minimize the possibility of daytime sedation.

Patients should be cautioned if you write a new prescription using a different strength of clonazepam. For example, if you've been prescribing 0.5-mg tablets and the new prescription is for 1-mg tablets, advise the patient about how many clonazepam tablets should now be taken. Clonazepam should be stored at room temperature.

Missed Doses
Advise patients to take a forgotten dose immediately unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, they should skip the forgotten dose (rather than taking a double dose) or call for further instructions.

Reviewed by Steven C. Schachter M.D., April 2005