Adverse Effects of Rivotril / Klonopin (Clonazepam)

What are the possible side effects of Clonazepam (Rivotril, Rivotril)?

Clonazepam, if taken as prescribed, does not usually have dangerous effects itself. Unwanted adverse reactions may be observed when the medication is abruptly withdrawn or when Clonazepam is taken for purposes other than medical (drug abuse).

Clonazepam may cause allergic reactions:

difficulty breathing;

blocking of the throat;

swelling of the lips, face or tongue;

hives.

You should not take Klonopin or Rivotril if you are allergic to Clonazepam.

The following adverse effects are quite rare, but in case they occur, you should seek emergency medical attention:

worsening seizures;

yellowing of the skin or eyes;

hallucinations or severe confusion;

blurred vision.

More common are less serious side effects like drowsiness or dizziness, increased salivation, impared coordination and balance, nervousness, impared cognition and judgement, depression or constipation. You should ask your doctor for advice but, as a rule, you may well go on taking medications containing Clonazepam if you experience these symptoms.

Higher doses of the medication may sometimes cause anterograde amnesia or partial loss of memory.

In children, the elderly, and in persons with disabilities in development paradoxical reactions may be observed (healthy adults are less likely to experience this kind of adverse effects). They include irritability or rage, excitement, and impulsivity. The patient's family or the persons in charge should pay attention to any unusual changes in the patient's behavior.

Clonazepam has a long half-life (from 18 up to 50 hours), so, when increasing doses of it are taken on a regular basis, the medication accumulates in the body, affecting the user to a greater extent.

Discontinuation of Clonazepam often causes withdrawal syndrome symptoms, such as anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, tremor and seizures. The longer term of usage is, and the larger doses of Clonazepam are taken, the heavier consequences may be. You should not discontinue Clonazepam treatment abruptly, the doses of the medication must be reduced gradually. Sudden withdrawal after long-term use can cause severe, even fatal, symptoms.

Long-term use of the medication (more than 2-4 weeks) may be the cause of development of a protracted withdrawal syndrome which can last for months, years, or a lifetime in 10-15% of patients. Many individuals treated on a long-term basis develop a "low-dose dependence" to Clonazepam. Your doctor should determine the term and the dosage of Clonazepam to avoid unwanted effects.

Clonazepam should not be prescribed for individuals with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Clonazepam should not be taken together with alcohol or in complex with other sedatives which depress the central nervous system, as the "double effect" may be dangerous.