Klonopin
Klonopin (generic name: Clonazepam) is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine family, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane), and others. Klonopin and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical that nerve cells use to communicate with each other) that inhibits brain activity. It is believed that excessive activity in the brain may lead to anxiety or other psychiatric disorders. Clonazepam also is used to prevent certain types of seizures.
Klonopin, like all other benzodiazepines, accentuates the effects of other drugs that slow the brain’s processes, such as alcohol, barbiturates, and narcotics and leads to increased sedation.
Klonopin side effects
The most commonly noted side effects associated with clonazepam are sedation, which is reported in approximately half of patients, dizziness which is reported in one-third of patients, weakness, and unsteadiness. Other side effects include a feeling of depression, loss of orientation, headache, and sleep disturbance.
Like all benzodiazepines, Klonopin (clonazepam) can cause physical dependence. Suddenly stopping therapy after a few months of daily therapy may be associated with a feeling of loss of self-worth, agitation, and insomnia. If clonazepam is taken continuously for longer than a few months, stopping therapy suddenly may produce seizures, tremors, muscle cramping, vomiting, and/or sweating. Therefore, discontinuation usually is accomplished by reducing the dose gradually.