Clonazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It is used to treat epilepsy as well as panic and anxiety disorders.
Clonazepam can be taken by mouth as tablets or oral drops. The dosages for different uses and age groups are listed below:
For epilepsy
Adult
Start with 1 mg once daily at night for 4 nights and increase the dose over 2-4 weeks. The usual dose is 4-8 mg daily but it needs to be adjusted according to your responses. The dose can be given in a single dose or 3-4 divided doses.
Elderly
Start with 500 micrograms (0.5 mg) once daily at night for 4 nights and increase the dose over 2-4 weeks. The usual dose is 4-8 mg daily but it needs to be adjusted according to your responses. The dose can be given in a single dose or 3-4 divided doses.
Child 1-11 months
Start with 250 micrograms (0.25 mg) once daily at night for 4 nights and increase the dose over 2-4 weeks. The usual dose is 0.5-1 mg daily and can be given in 3 divided doses.
Child 1-4 years
Start with 250 micrograms (0.25 mg) once daily at night for 4 nights and increase the dose over 2-4 weeks. The usual dose is 1-3 mg daily and can be given in 3 divided doses.
Child 5-11 years
Start with 500 micrograms (0.5 mg) once daily at night for 4 nights and increase the dose over 2-4 weeks. The usual dose is 3-6 mg daily and can be given in 3 divided doses.
Child 12-17 years
Start with 1 mg once daily at night for 4 nights and increase the dose over 2-4 weeks. The usual dose is 4-8 mg daily and can be given in 3-4 divided doses.
For panic and anxiety disorders (if not responding to other antidepressants like Escitalopram)
Adult
1-2 mg daily.
Common side effects of Clonazepam include decreased alertness, dizziness and drowsiness, nausea, and sleep disorders. Gait and coordination problems (ataxia) and confusion are more commonly seen in the elderly; whereas respiratory depression may occur with high doses of Clonazepam when combined with opioid medications.
Patients should avoid abrupt discontinuation of drugs to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Common dosing schedule:
Clonazepam can be taken with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Clonazepam may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Clonazepam is a prescription-only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Clonazepam in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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