Medicine Identification Chart

Klonopin^®

generic name: clonazepam -- clo-NAZE-i-pam

Manufacturer: Roche

Physiology: Klonopin (KLON-o-pin) belongs to a family of drugs called benzodiazepine (ben-zo-di-AZEi-peens). It is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after being taken by mouth and reaches peak levels in 1 to 2 hours.

Indications: It may be prescribed for a variety of seizure types and syndromes, including absence seizures, myoclonic, atonic (drop attacks) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It is most often used as an add-on drug to other antiepileptic drugs

Formulations: 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg tablets; 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg and 2 mg orally disintegrating wafer. It may also be made into an oral solution of 0.1 mg/1ml.

Side Effects: drowsiness, slurred speech, double vision, dizziness, behavioral changes, depression, worsening of tonic-clonic seizures. Tolerance to this family of drugs may develop and the effectiveness of Klonopin may decrease over time without adjustment in the daily dose. Overdoses of Klonopin may cause breathing problems.

Pregnancy Issues: Safety of this drug in pregnancy has not been established. Women who are taking this medication and wish to become pregnant should discuss treatment options with their treating physician prior to becoming pregnant. Women taking this medication who do become pregnancy can report their pregnancy to the Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry.

Issues for the Nursing Mother: A small amount of this drug may cross into breast milk. In general, if you are taking this drug, you may breast feed. If you have questions concerning this, please discuss them with your treating physician.

Not everyone experiences side effects. There may be other side effects not appearing above. For a complete list, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. More detailed sources of information on side effects include the drug's prescribing information sheet, the Physician's Desk Reference, or pharmaceutical company which produces the drug.