Clonazepam: How Should I Take Clonazepam

Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.

How should I take clonazepam?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Swallow the regular clonazepam tablet whole, with a full glass of water.

To take the clonazepam orally disintegrating tablet (wafer):

• Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
• Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
• Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
• Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Clonazepam should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medication for longer than 9 weeks without your doctor's advice.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and liver function may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Do not stop using clonazepam or change your dose without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop using the medicine suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Your doctor may also prescribe another seizure medication for you to start while you are stopping clonazepam.

Your symptoms may return when you stop using clonazepam after using it over a long period of time. You may have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop using clonazepam. Withdrawal symptoms may include tremor, sweating, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, and unusual thoughts or behavior.

Store clonazepam at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Last updated:	July 30, 2008