Clonazepam Risks

 Clonazepam (Klonopin®) is a prescription drug commonly used for the treatment of panic disorder. It is also approved to treat various types of epileptic seizures, including akinetic seizures and myoclonic seizures.
 
In order to help ensure a safe treatment process, risks associated with the medication should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Since clonazepam is a controlled substance (meaning it has the potential to be abused), it is generally not recommended for people with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Since clonazepam can cause psychological and physical dependence, it is important to take the drug as prescribed, as the risk of abuse and dependence is greater for people taking higher-than-recommended doses for long periods of time.
 
Before you start taking clonazepam, you should also be aware of the potential side effects of this medicine. Some of the most common side effects that were reported with this medication during clinical studies include drowsiness, upper respiratory tract infections, dizziness, and behavioral or coordination problems.
 
(Click Clonazepam Side Effects and Precautions and Warnings With Clonazepam for more information about potential risks of clonazepam, to find out who should not use this particular medication, and to learn about other possible side effects of the drug.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD