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What is Klonopin?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Klonopin® (clonazepam) is a prescription oral medication used in the treatment of various mental health disorders, such as anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. However, since the drug possesses anticonvulsant properties, it is also prescribed to deter seizures associated with epilepsy, as well as to subdue symptoms of restless legs syndrome. While known as Klonopin® in the U.S., this drug is sold in other parts of the world under the trade name of Rivotril®. The pharmaceutical segment of the Swiss-based company, Hoffmann–La Roche, Ltd, distributes this drug to the global market.

A member of the benzodiazepine family of psychotropic drugs, Klonopin® is a mood-altering agent that targets the central nervous system. The biochemical effect in the brain is what lends the drug the ability to influence perception and behavior. Unfortunately, this quality is also what leads to this substance being intentionally abused.

Klonopin might be used to alleviate insomnia.
Klonopin might be used to alleviate insomnia.

The pharmacological action of Klonopin® is to enhance the function of a major neurotransmission inhibitor known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) by binding to its receptor sites. This leads to the suppression of neural firing or, more specifically, deterrence of the rapid spiking discharges connected with seizures. It is also fast acting. In fact, Klonopin® has an absorption rate of nearly 90% with optimum blood concentrations being reached within as little as one hour after being ingested. This high degree of bioavailability is likely due to the fact that the drug has many receptor sites available outside of the central nervous system, including those found in smooth muscle, mast cells, and several major organs.

Klonopin can be used to treat panic disorder.
Klonopin can be used to treat panic disorder.

Like other psychotropic drugs, there are certain risks associated with taking Klonopin®. For one thing, there may be a danger of developing a chemical dependency from long-term or habitual use. This risk appears to be particularly evident when this drug is repeatedly used to counter insomnia. However, when used responsibly, and under the guidance of a professional health care practitioner, the potential benefits may outweigh this risk.

Klonopin is not recommended for young children or the elderly.
Klonopin is not recommended for young children or the elderly.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the issue of withdrawal. It is absolutely critical that the patient be “weaned” from this drug in incremental stages. Otherwise, severe anxiety and irritability may occur. In fact, suddenly and completely ceasing this medication may promote psychotic episodes, including dysphoria (depression) and hallucinations. In addition, sporadic seizures may occur, even in those who didn’t experience any prior to taking the drug.

Severe anxiety may occur if a person is not properly weaned from taking klonopin.
Severe anxiety may occur if a person is not properly weaned from taking klonopin.

In terms of general side effects, Klonopin® may produce drowsiness and impair cognitive and motor function. Due to this action, the drug is not usually recommended for young children or the elderly. In addition, this drug can interfere with normal REM cycles, meaning that sleep patterns may be affected and grogginess may be felt upon awakening. Finally, Klonopin® should not be used during pregnancy unless carefully monitored by a physician since there is an increased risk of birth defects.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

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    • Klonopin might be used to alleviate insomnia.
      By: bramgino
      Klonopin might be used to alleviate insomnia.
    • Klonopin can be used to treat panic disorder.
      By: David Stuart
      Klonopin can be used to treat panic disorder.
    • Klonopin is not recommended for young children or the elderly.
      By: Halfpoint
      Klonopin is not recommended for young children or the elderly.
    • Severe anxiety may occur if a person is not properly weaned from taking klonopin.
      By: blanche
      Severe anxiety may occur if a person is not properly weaned from taking klonopin.
    • Drowsiness is one side effect of klonopin.
      By: photopitu
      Drowsiness is one side effect of klonopin.
    • Klonopin may be used to treat depression, although suddenly stopping the medication can also cause depression.
      By: Mitarart
      Klonopin may be used to treat depression, although suddenly stopping the medication can also cause depression.
    • Klonopin® is also sold under the generic name clonazepam.
      By: ivolodina
      Klonopin® is also sold under the generic name clonazepam.