Klonopin (Clonazepam) - Summary

KLONOPIN SUMMARY

KLONOPIN^® TABLETSCIV
(clonazepam)
KLONOPIN^® WAFERS CIV
(clonazepamorally disintegrating tablets)

Klonopin, a benzodiazepine, is available as scored tablets with a K-shaped perforation containing 0.5 mg of clonazepam and unscored tablets with a K-shaped perforation containing 1 mg or 2 mg of clonazepam.

Klonopin is indicated for the following:

Seizure Disorders: Klonopin is useful alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic and myoclonic seizures. In patients with absence seizures (petit mal) who have failed to respond to succinimides, Klonopin may be useful.

In some studies, up to 30% of patients have shown a loss of anticonvulsant activity, often within 3 months of administration. In some cases, dosage adjustment may reestablish efficacy.

Panic Disorder: Klonopin is indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, as defined in DSM-IV. Panic disorder is characterized by the occurrence of unexpected panic attacks and associated concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications or consequences of the attacks, and/or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks.

The efficacy of Klonopin was established in two 6- to 9-week trials in panic disorder patients whose diagnoses corresponded to the DSM-IIIR category of panic disorder (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Trials).

Panic disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, ie, a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort in which four (or more) of the following symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within 10 minutes: (1) palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate; (2) sweating; (3) trembling or shaking; (4) sensations of shortness of breath or smothering; (5) feeling of choking; (6) chest pain or discomfort; (7) nausea or abdominal distress; (8) feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint; (9) derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself); (10) fear of losing control; (11) fear of dying; (12) paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations); (13) chills or hot flushes.

The effectiveness of Klonopin in long-term use, that is, for more than 9 weeks, has not been systematically studied in controlled clinical trials. The physician who elects to use Klonopin for extended periods should periodically reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

See all Klonopin indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Klonopin (Clonazepam)

A double-blind study on clonazepam in patients with burning mouth syndrome. [2012]
STUDY DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial... CONCLUSIONS: Clonazepam appears to have a positive effect on pain in BMS

Comparing effects of clonazepam and zolpidem on sleep quality of patients on maintenance hemodialysis. [2011]
patients... CONCLUSIONS: Clonazepam was more effective than zolpidem in the improvement of

Fluoxetine-clonazepam cotherapy for anxious depression: an exploratory, post-hoc analysis of a randomized, double blind study. [2010.01]
Anxious depression, defined as major depressive disorder (MDD) accompanied by high levels of anxiety, seems to be both common and difficult to treat, with antidepressant monotherapy often yielding modest results. We sought to examine the relative benefits of antidepressant-anxiolytic cotherapy versus antidepressant monotherapy for patients with anxious depression versus without anxious depression...

Fluoxetine-clonazepam cotherapy for anxious depression: an exploratory, post-hoc analysis of a randomized, double blind study. [2010]
Anxious depression, defined as major depressive disorder (MDD) accompanied by high levels of anxiety, seems to be both common and difficult to treat, with antidepressant monotherapy often yielding modest results. We sought to examine the relative benefits of antidepressant-anxiolytic cotherapy versus antidepressant monotherapy for patients with anxious depression versus without anxious depression...

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling of psychomotor impairment induced by oral clonazepam in healthy volunteers. [2009.10]
This study was undertaken to model the relationship between clonazepam plasma concentrations and a central nervous system adverse effect (impairment of the psychomotor performance) following the oral administration of immediate-release tablets of clonazepam in healthy volunteers... However, an individual analysis of the data revealed a great interindividual variation in the relationship between clonazepam effect and plasma concentration, indicating that the phenomenon of acute tolerance can be predicted at a population, but not individual, level.

more studies >>

Clinical Trials Related to Klonopin (Clonazepam)

Bioavailability Study of Clonazepam Tablets Under Fasting Conditions [Completed]

Bioavailability Study of Clonazepam ODT Under Fasting Conditions [Completed]

Study of Antiepileptic Drug in Generalised Convulsive Status Epilepticus [Recruiting]

Clonazepam and Paroxetine for Rapid Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [Completed]
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that follows exposure to an extremely traumatic stressors. PTSD is associated with serious symptoms. While numerous approaches have been used to treat PTSD, these treatments have several limiting factors. This study will evaluate a combination of the drugs clonazepam and paroxetine for the treatment of PTSD symptoms.

The main goal of treatment in patients with PTSD is to significantly reduce symptom severity and improve functioning. While numerous approaches have been used to treat PTSD, these treatments are limited by variable response rates, up to a 6-week lag period before clinical response, and sub-optimal side effect profile, including possible worsening of anxiety and insomnia prior to clinical response. The proposed study will examine whether combined treatment with a benzodiazepine (clonazepam) and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (paroxetine) in patients with PTSD will accelerate the onset of clinical response. A second goal is to evaluate whether the rapid and clinically meaningful benefits are sustained until the end of the study, despite tapering off the benzodiazepine at the midpoint of the study. The safety and tolerability of a combination of paroxetine and clonazepam will be compared to paroxetine and placebo (an inactive pill) in the treatment of PTSD.

Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to receive either paroxetine plus clonazepam or paroxetine plus a placebo for 12 weeks. Participants will have weekly clinic visits for the first 4 weeks of the study and every other week for the last 8 weeks. Symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression will be evaluated and drug side effects will be noted during the follow-up visits.

Evaluation of Clonazepam and Paroxetine for Panic Disorder With Depression [Completed]
The purpose of this study is to examine the safety and effectiveness of the drug combination paroxetine and clonazepam in treating people with panic disorder (PD) and major depression.

The main goal in treating people with PD is to rapidly reduce symptom severity and improve functioning. While numerous drug therapies have been used to treat PD, these treatments are limited by variable response rates and suboptimal side effect profiles. Evidence suggests that clonazepam given with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) can facilitate a rapid reduction in PD symptoms. However, it is unclear whether comorbid depression influences treatment response to the clonazepam and SSRI regimen. This study will examine whether combined treatment with clonazepam and the SSRI paroxetine will accelerate clinical response in participants with PD and comorbid depression. This study will also examine whether the benefits of treatment will be sustained until the end of the study despite tapering of clonazepam at the midpoint of the study.

Participants in this study will be screened with medical and psychiatric interviews, a physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood tests. Participants will then be randomly assigned to receive either paroxetine plus clonazepam or paroxetine plus placebo (an inactive pill) for 12 weeks. Participants will have weekly clinic visits during which symptoms and drug side effects will be checked and an interview to evaluate panic disorder and depression symptoms will be conducted.

more trials >>

Reports of Suspected Klonopin (Clonazepam) Side Effects

Insomnia (35),  Anxiety (33),  Feeling Abnormal (32),  Drug Ineffective (30),  Somnolence (30),  Headache (28),  Depression (26),  Pain (23),  Weight Increased (20),  Suicidal Ideation (18), more >>

PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Klonopin review by 33 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		anxiety
Dosage & duration:		2mg taken three times daily for the period of 3 months
Other conditions:		obesity
Other drugs taken:		lessina
		Reported Results
Benefits:		decreased anxiety less insomnia
Side effects:		none
Comments:		one pill three times daily, including at beditime to facilitate sleep

Klonopin review by 23 year old male patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Considerably Effective
Side effects:		Moderate Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		panic disorder
Dosage & duration:		1mg taken daily for the period of 1 year
Other conditions:		anxiety, depression
Other drugs taken:		effexor
		Reported Results
Benefits:		It has the effect of major Reduction in anxiety, it produces alot of calmness, able to function properly, they pills cured insomnia, it made me get less sever panic attacks, reduction and or elimination of panic attacks, it improveded mood.It was the best drug for panic attacks
Side effects:		They are very addictive and lose effectiveness over time. You become dependent on them and you need more and more to reduce your anxiety. It is very difficult to get off this drug. It make you gain wait and you have to get off of it eventually. You have to get off them slowly
Comments:		i took the drug for a long time and wit was really amazing and i like it and it was awewesome and it was afucn and it was cool and it was sweet but it was verry addicting and it sohouldnt be used for a long period of time because it losses effectiness over time

Klonopin review by 62 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Ineffective
Side effects:		Severe Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		panic disorder
Dosage & duration:		2mg daily taken 4 months for the period of 4 months
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		none
Side effects:		blurred vision; inability to function on daily basis; 100% grogginess 24/7.
Comments:		Was incorrectly diagnosed with bi-polar. Panic attacks for 20 yrs. During most of the 20 yrs. xanax (alprazolam) was prescribed. Worked great; 100% effective. Was put on clonazepam - worst feeling ever; 2 mg daily, extreme tiredness, couldn't function doing daily activities. Dropped down to 1mg per script; same effect as taking 2mg. Prescribed .05mg; same effect as above. Since learned clonazepam is a sedative medication. Would not recommend to anyone.