It is a drug belonging to the group of benzodiazepines (a type of anxiolytic), considered a psychotropic drug. It is used to treat seizures, and in some cases to treat panic disorders.
It is a drug that has shown a very good response in patients, with a considerable decrease in symptoms, even eliminating them completely in some cases.
Clonazepam requires very delicate use that requires strict medical monitoring, and it is important to notify the specialist of any medications that the patient is taking or plans to take during treatment, since the interaction with other drugs can produce serious health effects.
For example, the consumption of opioids (such as some medications to treat cough) is particularly dangerous while taking clonazepam, as it can seriously affect breathing, leading to fainting and in some cases, death.
Clonazepam, being a benzodiazepine, carries a fairly high risk of causing addiction, so one must be very cautious regarding its use and be very careful not to abuse this psychotropic drug.
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In combination with drugs or alcohol it usually produces very serious side effects such as fainting, loss of consciousness or serious problems breathing normally, in many cases even leading to the death of the patient due to overdose. But what else do we know about clonazepam? Let’s get to know it in greater depth.
What is clonazepam?
Clonazepam, according to Stahl (2002), is a psychotropic drug belonging to the group of benzodiazepines, which are psychotropics whose direct effect occurs in the central nervous system, helping to reduce symptoms related to various mental disorders.
Sedative and muscle relaxant
Its sedative and muscle relaxing effects make it an excellent option for the treatment of seizures. In addition, it has amnesiac, hypnotic and anxiolytic properties. This last characteristic is what has made it one of the most common medications for the treatment of panic attacks.
Epilepsy treatment
It is usually used for the treatment of epilepsy in both adults and children, helping to reduce the tremors of tonic-clonic seizures and even prevent their appearance.
Although it is a widely used medication, it is important to keep in mind that it should not be used in patients who have health problems related to the liver or in patients who have severe respiratory failure.
Although it is usually used in children, because it contains benzyl alcohol, its use is contraindicated in newborn babies and premature babies. It should also not be prescribed in case of hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines.
Addiction risk
Due to its high rate of addiction, it is a medication that is not recommended in patients with a history of drug or alcohol consumption and abuse.
It should also not be used in patients who are in a coma or patients with Myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular junction disease, of autoimmune etiology and characterized by variable muscle weakness).
Uses of clonazepam
Clonazepam is often used to treat some types of seizures. Its prescription must be made by a mental health specialist (psychiatrist), who will determine whether it should be taken alone or in combination with other medications to achieve the expected purposes.
It is important to pay close attention to seizures when starting to take this medication and whether they worsen or if they are different from those the patient had already experienced.
Panic attacks
On the other hand, thanks to its sedative effects, it is also often used to reduce the symptoms associated with panic attacks, which are characterized by a state of great fear and unexpected fear. This is because, like all benzodiazepines, it acts on the electrical activity of the brain, reducing it.
Restlessness and akathisia
It can also be used to treat the symptoms of patients who usually present marked restlessness and the need to be constantly on the move; This is known as akathisia, mainly when this is due to the intake of antipsychotic medications.
Catatonia
Similarly, but to a lesser extent, clonazepam may be indicated in patients with mental disorders that cause difficulties or lack of mobility and speech, that is, catatonia.
Clonazepam Side Effects
Clonazepam is usually a fairly safe medication but, like any psychoactive drug, it can cause side effects. These may occur during the adaptation phase, that is, when you start taking the medication and gradually decrease it.
But if the symptoms are continuous or affect the patient’s quality of life, it is essential to consult a specialist. Among the most common side effects are dizziness, difficulties coordinating movements and loss of balance.
In some cases there are difficulties remembering and even being able to think coherently, there may be drowsiness, joint and muscle pain, a lot of salivation, increased frequency of urination, blurred vision and affectation of sexual capacity and decreased libido.
It is urgent to seek urgent medical help in case of hives, rash, difficulties breathing or swallowing, hoarseness or swelling in the facial area.
References: Stahl, S. M. (2002). Essential psychopharmacology. Neuroscientific bases and clinical applications. Barcelona: Ariel.