Clonazepam: What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Clonazepam

Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clonazepam?

Do not use this medication if you have severe liver disease, or if you are allergic to clonazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

Before taking clonazepam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney or liver disease;
• glaucoma;
• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
• a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category D. Clonazepam may cause harm to an unborn baby, and may cause breathing or feeding problems in a newborn. But having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Do not start taking clonazepam during pregnancy without telling your doctor you are pregnant.

If you become pregnant while taking clonazepam for seizures, do not stop taking clonazepam without your doctor's advice. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by taking clonazepam.

Clonazepam may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed a baby while taking this medication.

The sedative effects of clonazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking clonazepam.

Clonazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Clonazepam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Last updated:	July 30, 2008