What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is a medication that is part of the benzodiazepine family of drugs and is commonly prescribed to treat panic disorder and some types of seizures. This medication has a relatively high potential for abuse and does cause physical dependence as tolerance builds with prolonged use. Because of the high potential for abuse, it’s important to only take Klonopin as prescribed by a doctor and to follow the orders of the doctor completely while on this medication. This will ensure safety.

Klonopin Uses

Klonopin has various uses but the two most common uses for the medication are to treat panic disorder and to treat a certain type of seizure. In some cases, Klonopin may be prescribed to those who have undergone treatment for alcohol withdrawal and are at risk of seizure. The drug has also been used to treat restless leg syndrome and insomnia but these uses are not approved on the label of the drug and have only in some cases been proven effective.

Panic disorder is a difficult condition to cope with for the individual who suffers from the disorder as well as for those around this person. Klonopin can help to relax the individual and reduce anxiety effectively ridding the individual of their panic attacks. Klonopin is not approved to treat panic disorders in children but it has been approved as an effective medication for the treatment of panic disorder in adults.

For children, Klonopin is often prescribed to treat seizures caused by epilepsy. Epileptic seizures result when sudden changes in the electrical system of the brain occur and cause the body to seize. A seizure can affect various parts of the individual’s body including their eye movement, consciousness, bodily movements or functions, and their emotions. Klonopin is often used to treat seizures that are associated with one of the more severe forms of epilepsy which is called Lennox-gastaut syndrome.

Klonopin Effects

Various side effects may occur when Klonopin is used including dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and cough. Most of the side effects of Klonopin are not severe and do not warrant the need for immediate medical attention however, if you take Klonopin and show signs of allergic reaction or any of the following symptoms then it’s time to call the doctor or call 911 for immediate help as there could be a problem:

• Swelling or itching
• Behavioral changes
• Shortness of breath or slowed or shallow breathing
• Slurred speech or other problems with speech
• Tremor
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (Jaundice)
• Painful urination, dark urine or chances in the amount of urine produced