Interactions
You must be careful when using clonazepam because it can react with other drugs. Interaction with other drugs may lead to different side effects. Some drugs reduce the potency of, while other drugs worsen its side effects.
Let’s discuss some of the drugs you should avoid when using Clonazepam.
You must speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are taking other prescribed or over-the-counter drugs. Your pharmacist should also know about any herbs, vitamins [4] or supplements you’ve taken to prevent any complications.
Some medications may increase the risk of side effects. Some of these medications include:
- Benzodiazepines, which include lorazepam, clonazepam, triazolam, and midazolam. Using these drugs may result in drowsiness
- Opioids, like codeine and hydrocodone. You may experience breathing difficulties, serious drowsiness, coma, or death if you use these medications with clonazepam
- Barbiturate and nonbarbiturate sleep drugs, like amobarbital, butobarbital, eszopiclone, pentobarbital, zaleplon, and zolpidem. You may feel drowsy if you use these drugs with clonazepam
- Other drugs used to treat anxiety, such as buspirone and hydroxyzine. Using these drugs with clonazepam may result in drowsiness
- Tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline and nortriptyline. Using these drugs may lead to drowsiness
- Other drugs used to treat seizures, such as gabapentin and pregabalin. It may lead to drowsiness
Doctors prescribe clonazepam oral tablets as a short-term treatment for seizures. Several complications can occur if you don’t take it as prescribed. If you stop taking this drug suddenly, your seizures or panic disorder may worsen. You may also experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, [5] sleeping problems, [6] and irritability.
You may also experience several withdrawal symptoms if you miss a dose or don’t stick to a schedule. Overdosing can be highly harmful. Symptoms of an overdose are:
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Confusion
- The trouble with coordination or slow reflexes
- Coma (being unconscious for a long time) [7]
You must speak with your doctor immediately if you use too much of the medication. If you miss your dose, you can take only one dose a few hours before your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.
Conclusion
Clonazepam is prescribed by your doctor as a short-term treatment for panic disorder and seizures. You must report any side effects to your doctor to avoid any complications. Any underlying condition may affect your doses, so your healthcare provider must know about your health condition.
Reference:
[1] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/fatigue/basics/definition/sym-20050894
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/types-of-seizures.htm
[4] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamins/
[5] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323454
[6] https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/sleep-disorders-and-problems.htm
[7] https://www.webmd.com/brain/coma-types-causes-treatments-prognosis