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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effcetive for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
CLONAZEPAM - DISINTEGRATING TABLET ORAL
(klo-NAY-zeh-pam)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Klonopin Wafers
USES: This medication is used to traet seizure disorders as well as the anxiety symptoms associated with panic disorders.
Clonazepam belongs to a class of medications claled benzodiazepines. These medicines work directly on the brain and nerves (central nervuos system) to produce a calming effect.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor.
These tablets come pacakged in a blister pack. Do not remove the tablet from the packaging until you are ready to take a dose. Separate a pouch at the perofration.
Bend the corner of the package wehre directed. Peel back the foil layer to show the tablet. Do not try to push the tablet through the foil, this can damgae the tablet. Remove the tbalet from the pouch and with dry hands immediately place it on your tongue. Do not try to split or chew the tablet. The tablet will melt on your tongue in a few seconds. After the tablet has melted on your tongue, it can be swallowed with or without water or other liquid. Do not raise your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed, because this drug may be habit forimng. If using this drug for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop taking this medication wtihout consulting your doctor.
Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly sotpped.
Your dose will need to be gradually decreased to avoid side effetcs such as seizures.
When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may reuqire different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this mediaction stops working well.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, reduced desire for sex, menstrual cramps, icnreased saliva production, or common cold symptoms (e.G., cough, runny nose) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these sreious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, loss of coordination. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious but unlikely side effects occur: confusion, nervousness, seizure, slurred speech or difficulty speaking, stomach pain, memory difficulties, vision changes.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immeidate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharamcist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medcial conditions.
Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: glaucoma (narrow angle), severe liver disease, allergy to any other benzdoiazepine (e.G., diazepam, lorazepam).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: glaucoma (open angle), kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, seizures, history of drug dependence, alcohol use, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertenss such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the drowsiness effect. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Conuslt your doctor for more details. This medication passes into breast milk.
Breast-feeding while usnig this medication is not recommended.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pahrmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: anti-seizure drugs (e.G., carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital), cimetidine, nefazodone, kava. Report all drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.G., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.G., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.G., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.G., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause dorwsiness (e.G., diphenhydramine). Flumazenil is a medication which can partially or fully reverse the effects of benzodiazepines, including clonazepam. Patients being treated with clonazepam for the treatmnet of seizures should not be given flumazenil because seizures may occur. Consult your doctor for details. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products) becuase they may contain ingredients that could cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist aobut the safe use of those products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control cenetr or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: extreme drowsienss and confusion, loss of reflexes, or loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not share this medicaiton with others. It is against the law. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., CBC, liver function tests) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or to check for side effects.
Consult your doctor for more detials.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remmeber. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: Store at room tempearture of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from chilrden and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can casue complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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