Clonazepam (Klonopin^®) is a benzodiazepine medication often prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder and seizures. Specifically, healthcare providers will recommend the drug for seizures in people with epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a brain condition involving sudden, brief changes in the electrical system of the brain. These brain activity changes can lead to seizures. Depending on which part of the brain is affected, seizures may affect the person's consciousness, body movements, emotions, or senses.

There are over 30 different types of seizures a person with epilepsy may experience. Clonazepam is used to treat the following types of epileptic seizures:

Seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a severe form of epilepsy)
Akinetic seizures (also known as atonic seizures), which are characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone, causing "drop attacks"
Myoclonic seizures, which are characterized by sudden, brief muscle jerks
Absence seizures, which are characterized by brief periods of decreased awareness or "spacing out."

(Click What Is Clonazepam Used For? for more information about how seizures can be treated with clonazepam, to find out how this medication works, and to learn about the use of this medicine in children.)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD

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