Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder where one has regular and sudden attacks of panic or fear. Occasionally anxiety in stressful situations is normal, however, if it is recurring, it requires medical attention.
On the other hand, seizures are uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that can cause changes in your behavior, movements, or feelings and also in the levels of consciousness. You can treat both seizures and panic disorders with the help of Clonazepam.
What is Clonazepam?
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effect of a neurotransmitter that instills a feeling of calmness and relaxation. Clonazepam is the generic form of Klonopin and is prescribed to treat certain seizure disorders, including absence seizures or Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in adults and children.
Clonazepam is also used to treat panic disorders like agoraphobia in adults. It works to control and prevent seizures and is known as an anticonvulsant or an antiepileptic drug.
How does Clonazepam function?
Clonazepam is benzo that functions to promote the effect of GABA or Gamma-aminobutyric Acid, which is known to act like an inhibitory neurotransmitter that works to decrease the abnormal overactivity in the brain. GABA inhibits or blocks the initiation, sending, and receiving of chemical transmissions in the central nervous system, which slows down brain activity.
Clonazepam works to increase GABA levels that boost mood and produces a calming feeling in your body, and reduces symptoms of anxiety or panic.
What are the possible side effects of Clonazepam?
The common side effects include-
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Loss of coordination
- Increased saliva production
The common side effects of Clonazepam should decrease with time, and it is advised that you inform your doctor if they persist or get worse.
The severe side effects include-
- Unusual changes in mood or thoughts
- Memory problems
- Signs of depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Thoughts of harming yourself
The severe side effects of Clonazepam are unlikely, and it is advised that you inform your doctor and look for medical help if you notice them.
A severe allergic reaction to Clonazepam is rarely noticed in patients; it is advised that you call for immediate medical help if you notice symptoms like rashes, itching, swelling of the tongue, throat, or face, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
How long will Clonazepam stay in your system?
Clonazepam is said to have a long half-life and, therefore, will stay in your body for a longer period. The half-life of a drug is the amount of time it takes half of the active drug to leave your system. Ideally, it takes a drug 5 to 6 half-lives to be entirely eliminated from the body. The half-life of Clonazepam is 30 to 40 hours, meaning it takes 6 to 9 days for one dose of Clonazepam to leave your system.
However, some tests can still detect Klonopin in your body-
Urine- Urine tests can detect Klonopin 7 days after the last dose
Hair- A hair follicle test can detect Klonopin for up to 2 months as hair takes longer to grow
Saliva- Tests can find Klonopin in your saliva for up to 6 to 9 days
Blood – Blood tests can detect Klonopin in your bloodstream for up to two weeks
Factors that can affect the time it takes a drug to leave your system are-
- Metabolism
- Liver function
- Kidney function
- Age
- Weight
- Dosage and duration of treatment.
What are the precautions you should take while using Clonazepam?
- It will help if you inform your doctor about your allergies, especially to other benzodiazepines.
- If you have previously misused or abused a substance or if you or anyone in your family has a substance abuse disorder, you are likely to be more susceptible to addiction and abuse. It is suggested that you keep your dosage away from others and use it in moderation as directed by your doctor.
- It is suggested that you inform your doctor about your medical history, especially of liver and kidney disease, breathing problems, and mental or mood disorders like depression and thoughts of suicide.
- Clonazepam can cause dizziness and drowsiness, and it is advised that you refrain from using alcohol, cannabis products, and other CNS depressants.
How should you have Clonazepam?
The adult dosage for seizures is 1.5mg to be had once daily and can be divided into three doses. The recommended maximum dosage is 20mg a day. The adult dosage for panic disorder is 1mg to be had daily, and the recommended maximum dosage is 4mg a day.
Clonazepam should be taken orally and can be had with or without food as directed by your doctor. The dosage prescribed will be based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. It is advised that you have Clonazepam regularly to get the maximum benefit from the treatment.