Clonazepam (Clonazepam)
Overview of Clonazepam
Clonazepam is a benzodiazipine. Benzdiazipines are the most widely used anxiolytic drugs. The benzodiazipines are more effective and safer. They have largely replaced barbiturates and meprobamate in the treatement of anxiety.
Indication of Clonazepam
Clonazepam is primarily indicated in conditions like All forms of epilepsy, Atypical absence, Bipolar affective disorder, Bipolar disorders, Choreiform movements, Drug induced dyskinesias, Epilepsy, Fulgurant pain, Infantile spasms, Lennox-gastaut syndrome, Myoclonic seizures, Myoclonus, Panic attack, Status epilepticus.
Contraindication of Clonazepam
Clonazepam is contraindicated in conditions like Respiratory depression,Acute pulmonary insufficiency,Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Clonazepam
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Clonazepam, which give rise to further complications include Thrombocytopenia, Blood dyscrasias, Abnormal LFT.,Clonazepam produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Apnea, Hypotension. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Clonazepam therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Clonazepam include Drowsiness, Hypotonia, Ataxia, Somnolence.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Clonazepam are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Drowsiness, Fatigue, Anorexia, Tachycardia, Sleep disturbancesX, Rashes, VertigoX, Impotence, Loss of libido, SomnolenceX, Macular hypotonia, Coordination disturbances, Abnormal thirst, Skin pigmentation, Facial edema, Increased intracranial pressure, Vision disturbances.
Precautions of Clonazepam
It should be used with caution in patients with chronic pulmonary insufficiency, or impairment of hepatic or renal function and in debilitated patients. Perform periodic blood counts and liver function tests during long term therapy. Clonazepam should be used with caution in patients if increased salivation cause respiratory difficulty, because it may produce an increase in salivation. Give least amount of drug to patients in whom depression accompanies anxiety and suicidal tendencies may be present. It should be used with caution (if it contains tartrazine) in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity because it may cause allergic reaction (including bronchial asthma).