What is Clonazepam? Antiepileptic drugs, benzodiazepine derivatives. This article will give you more useful information on Clonazepam.
Pharmacological properties
The medication contains clonazepam as an active ingredient, which belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Clonazepam has a depressant effect on many structures of the central nervous system, especially those involved in the regulation of emotional activity. Clonazepam has anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative and mildly hypnotic effects, and also reduces skeletal muscle tone. This drug increases the seizure threshold and prevents the occurrence of generalized seizures. Favorable effect on the course of both generalized and partial seizures. It is used for a variety of health problems.
Indications for use
Clonazepam may be used in monotherapy or in combination with other drugs in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaud syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic and myoclonic seizures. Clonazepam is effective in patients with petit mal absences that cannot be treated with succinimides. Some studies have observed a reduction in the frequency of seizures in approximately 30% of patients during a 3-month course of treatment.
Drug dependence
Prolonged use of Clonazepam may lead to the development of mental and physical drug dependence. The risk of developing drug dependence increases with the dose and duration of treatment, and is higher in patients with alcohol, drug or drug dependence.
Withdrawal symptoms
In case of abrupt discontinuation of the drug, the patient may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, muscle pain, increased anxiety, tension, agitation, motor restlessness, disorientation, sleep disorders, irritability. In severe cases, derealization, personality disorders, hypersensitivity to sound, touch, light, noise, “goose bumps” and numbness of extremities, hallucinations and delusions, and epileptic seizures may occur.
Application in depression
Before using Clonazepam, you should inform your doctor of any mental illnesses and possible suicide attempts. The use of Clonazepam in such patients may lead to increased symptoms of depression, including suicidal ideation.
In case of long-term treatment with Clonazepam, the doctor usually prescribes periodic blood tests, including liver function tests. No alcohol should be consumed during treatment with Clonazepam and for 3 days after completion of treatment. Clonazepam should always be used as recommended by your doctor. If in doubt, you should consult your doctor. The doctor will determine the doses and duration of treatment individually for each patient.