The use of benzodiazepines as the drug of choice in psychiatric or psychological therapy is more than known. Its anxiolytic and sedative properties, among many others, have made it famous; making it one of the most consumed psychotropic drugs.
Among them is clonazepam, which will be discussed throughout this article. It describes in detail what it is and what therapeutic properties it has. As well as the possible side effects and precautions that should be taken into account before consuming it.
Clonazepam is a medicine integrated within the group of benzodiazepines Its main focus of action is the central nervous system (CNS), on which it has the ability to reduce its electrical activity, exerting the following effects:
Due to all these properties, clonazepam is prescribed as an antiepileptic, especially in the treatment of absence crises or atypical absences. Likewise, it is also prescribed, either alone or together with other medications, to soften panic attacks and crises.
Its action as a mood stabilizer is capable of temporarily causing the person to forget certain episodes with a great emotional charge,
However, clonazepam can lead to addiction as well as causing a high tolerance to the medication, so it is recommended that it be administered for short periods of time or only in emergency cases when the patient has bipolar disorder.
Disorders in which it is used as a psychotropic drug
Some of the disorders or conditions in which clonazepam may be useful are:
Method of administration and dosage
Clonazepam It comes in tablet format to be taken orally There are two variants of clonazepam: tablets to be taken with liquids and tablets that dissolve in the mouth. The usual recommended dose is one pill three times a day, and it is recommended that the person ingest it every day at approximately the same time, and its consumption must always depend on a doctor’s indication.
It is advisable to follow the instructions of the medication and the doctor who prescribed it. Usually, treatment begins by taking lower doses, which are progressively increased every three days.
As mentioned above, clonazepam is susceptible to generating addiction and tolerance in the person, so It is highly contraindicated for the person to increase the dose take it for longer than necessary or disobey the instructions given by medical personnel.
The effects of clonazepam can help the person manage the symptoms caused by the disorder or disease they suffer from; However, this will not be sent in full or complete, for this it will be necessary accompany pharmacological treatment with other medications and some type of psychotherapy
A person may not begin to notice the effects of clonazepam until a few weeks after the first dose. However, it is necessary that the patient not increase the dose or stop taking this benzodiazepine unless directed by the doctor.
Whether you see no improvement, feel completely recovered, or experience unwanted side effects, the patient should continue taking the prescribed dose. Otherwise it could suffer a series of symptoms related to withdrawal These symptoms include:
In cases where the medication is more harmful than beneficial for the person or when the treatment has to be terminated for any reason, the most recommended procedure will consist of reduce doses gradually
Clonazepam Side Effects
Due to its central nervous system depressant effects, clonazepam can cause a number of adverse reactions related to these effects. The person may experience a feeling of tiredness, drowsiness or weakness caused by this drug.
On the other hand, there have been cases in which this benzodiazepine has caused paradoxical effects in people. These symptoms range from increased overexcitement, restlessness, or feeling nervous ; to such adverse effects as violent or aggressive behavior, panic attacks or sleep disorders.
The list of side effects can be divided into two subgroups: mild side effects or serious side effects.
1. Mild side effects
They can be experienced with greater or lesser intensity, but they are usually temporary and rarely interfere with the development of treatment.
2. Serious side effects
If the person notices any of these symptoms after using clonazepam, it is recommended that they contact their doctor to change the dose or switch to another type of medication.
Acne.
Urticaria
Inflammation or irritation of the eyes, lips, tongue or throat.
Respiratory problems
Difficulties in swallowing.
Hoarseness or hoarseness.
It is necessary to know how much Elderly patients, such as children or people in weak health or liver disorders are much more susceptible to the effects of benzodiazepines and are therefore more likely to suffer from any of these unwanted consequences.
Clonazepam is contraindicated in people with a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, as well as in patients with severe liver conditions, severe respiratory failure or acute glaucoma.
Due to the depressant effects of clonazepam, people who operate or manipulate heavy machinery or vehicles They must know the possible risks of this medication; as well as all those patients who require a degree of reflexes or alertness in their daily lives.
Treatment with clonazepam is incompatible with the consumption of alcoholic beverages, large quantities of beverages containing caffeine or theine; or with other central nervous system depressants.
Unlike other types of benzodiazepines, The effects of clonazepam in pregnant women are not completely determined There is research that points to a greater frequency of anomalies or deficiencies from birth in children of women receiving antiepileptic medication. However, this relationship has been widely questioned.
In cases where the patient is during the breastfeeding period, the medication will only be administered in times of emergency, suspending breast feeding. The reason is that the medication is capable of transferring into breast milk causing possible adverse effects in the baby such as withdrawal syndrome.
