Rivotril (Clonazepam) Side Effects

Klonopin/Rivotril (Clonazepam) Side Effects Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print Side Effects of Klonopin (Clonazepam) Knowing When Its Time to Call Your Doctor or 911 By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on December 29, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 17, 2020 LAGUNA DESIGN/Getty Images   More in Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Symptoms Diagnosis Klonopin (clonazepam) is typically prescribed to treat conditions like panic disorder, anxiety, and certain types of seizures. It is possible to develop a physical dependence to Klonopin if you take the drug for two weeks or more??. It is for this reason that drug is prescribed with caution and gradually tapered off once treatment is no longer needed. If you have been prescribed Klonopin, you should take the time to educate yourself about the possible side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and symptoms of overdose. Rivotril is the Canadian brand name of the drug. Uses Klonopin is in a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. It comes both in a pill form and as a dissolvable tablet. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat certain types of seizure disorders in adults and children and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). Klonopin can also be used to treat alcohol withdrawal, sleeping difficulties caused by antipsychotic drug use, and anxiety related to bipolar disorder or other mood disorders. When combined with opioid drugs or alcohol, benzodiazepines can cause serious side effects. Including extreme sedation, difficulty breathing, coma, and even death. To avoid serious complications, you should let your doctor know about any and all over-the-counter, prescription, traditional, naturopathic, nutritional, or homeopathic medications you may be taking. Side Effects When combined with opioid drugs or alcohol, benzodiazepines can cause serious side effects.?? Some side effects may develop when first stating Klonopin, many of which will resolve on their own as your body begins to adjust to treatment. You should call your doctor if any of these common side effects are severe or fail to go away: DrowsinessDizzinessUnsteadinessProblems with coordinationDifficulty thinking or rememberingIncreased salivaMuscle or joint painFrequent urinationBlurred visionChanges in sex drive or sexual function Less commonly, Klonopin can cause chest congestion, runny nose, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, hair loss, hirsutism (excessive hair growth) skin rash, coated tongue, constipation, dry mouth, sore gums, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), and anemia.  ?? If you experience these or any other unusual side effects, call your doctor right away. When to Call 911 In rare cases, side effects can develop rapidly and become potentially life-threatening. Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms:Rash or hivesSwelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throatDifficulty swallowingShortness of breath and wheezingHoarsenessDisorientationRapid or irregular heartbeatNausea or vomitingA feeling of impending doom These are all symptoms of a severe, all-body allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to respiratory distress, seizure, coma, respiratory or cardiac failure, and death. Withdrawal Symptoms You should never suddenly stop taking Klonopin without your doctors approval if youve been on treatment for more than three months or are using it to control seizures. If you do need to stop, your doctor will gradually wean you off treatment. Some of the more common withdrawal symptoms include: IrritabilityNervousnessTrouble sleeping These symptoms are relatively manageable and will eventually resolve as the daily dosage is decreased. Withdrawal symptoms may last for months, however.?? When to Call Your Doctor Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following, more serious withdrawal symptoms: Abdominal crampsTingling, burning or prickly sensationsRapid heartbeatLight sensitivitySound sensitivityIncreased sensitivity to touch or painProfuse sweatingMuscle crampsNausea or vomitingDepressionConfusionParanoia or abnormal thoughtsHallucinations Overdose If you think that someone has overdosed on Klonopin, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the Poison Control website for immediate advice and assistance. Call 911 for Overdose Symptoms Symptoms of Klonopin overdose include:Clammy skinExtreme sedationPassing outDilated pupilsImpaired coordinationSlowed reflexesTrouble breathingWeak and rapid pulseComa Treatment may involve gastric lavage (emptying the stomach), intravenous fluids, mechanical ventilation, Romazicon (flumenazil) to reverse the sedative effects, and either Levarterenol (norepinephrine) or Aramine (metaraminol) to treat a dangerous drop in blood pressure.