Clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets (wafers)

July 17, 2018

Clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets (wafers)

What is this medicine?

CLONAZEPAM (kloe NA ze pam) is a benzodiazepine. It is used to treat certain types of seizures. It is also used to treat Panic Disorder.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Place the wafer on your tongue and it will slowly dissolve. You do not need to swallow the wafer with water, but you may take it with water if you like. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking or change the dose except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • confusion

  • loss of balance or coordination

  • signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

  • suicidal thoughts or mood changes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • dizziness

  • headache

  • tiredness

  • upset stomach

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medication with any of the following medicines:

  • narcotic medicines for cough

  • sodium oxybate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

  • antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

  • certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

  • certain medicines for depression, like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline

  • certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone

  • general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol

  • local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine

  • medicines that relax muscles for surgery

  • narcotic medicines for pain

  • phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • an alcohol or drug abuse problem

  • bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition

  • glaucoma

  • kidney or liver disease

  • lung or breathing disease

  • myasthenia gravis

  • Parkinson's disease

  • porphyria

  • seizures or a history of seizures

  • suicidal thoughts

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to clonazepam, other benzodiazepines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are taking another medicine that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your health care provider a list of all medicines you use. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. Do not take more medicine than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018