Clonazepam is generally prescribed to treat conditions like Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. These and other anxiety disorders may frequently co-occur with bipolar disorder, and anxiety can also be a bipolar symptom. If you're taking this drug, which is sometimes sold under the brand names Klonopin and Rivotril, you should be aware of the potential side effects.
Clonazepam Side Effects:
Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:Common: Clumsiness or unsteadiness; dizziness or light-headedness; drowsiness; slurred speech
Less Common or Rare: Abdominal or stomach cramps or pain; blurred vision or other changes in vision; changes in sexual desire or ability; constipation; diarrhea; dryness of mouth or increased thirst; false sense of well-being; headache; increased bronchial secretions or watering of mouth; muscle spasm; nausea or vomiting; problems with urination; trembling or shaking; unusual tiredness or weakness
Always notify your doctor if you experience any of the following:
Less Common: Anxiety; confusion (may be more common in the elderly); fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat; lack of memory of events taking place after this or any other benzodiazepine is taken (may be more common with triazolam); mental depressionRare: Abnormal thinking, including disorientation, delusions (holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts), or loss of sense of reality; agitation; behavior changes, including aggressive behavior, bizarre behavior, decreased inhibition, or outbursts of anger; convulsions (seizures); hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); hypotension (low blood pressure); muscle weakness; skin rash or itching; sore throat, fever, and chills; trouble sleeping; ulcers or sores in mouth or throat (continuing); uncontrolled movements of body, including the eyes; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability; unusual tiredness or weakness (severe); yellow eyes or skin
Potential Withdrawal Effects - notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the less common or rare side effects:
More common: Irritability; nervousness; trouble sleepingLess common: Abdominal or stomach cramps; confusion; fast or pounding heartbeat; increased sense of hearing; increased sensitivity to touch and pain; increased sweating; loss of sense of reality; mental depression; muscle cramps; nausea or vomiting; sensitivity of eyes to light; tingling, burning or prickly sensations; trembling or shaking
Rare: Confusion as to time, place, or person; convulsions (seizures); feelings of suspicion or distrust; hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
Clonazepam Overdose Effects - Notify Doctor Immediately:
Confusion (continuing); convulsions (seizures); drowsiness (severe) or coma; shakiness; slow heartbeat; slow reflexes; slurred speech (continuing); staggering; troubled breathing; weakness (severe)Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other side effects, check with your doctor.
Disclaimer: This is not intended to be all-inclusive or to replace information provided by your doctor or with the prescription from the manufacturer.More on Clonazepam and Similar Drugs
- Clonazepam / Klonopin Drug Profile
- Ativan / Lorazepam Drug Profile
- Ativan / Lorazepam Side Effects
- Xanax / Alprazolam Side Effects
- Serax / Oxazepam Drug Profile
- Benzodiazepines Drug Class for Anxiety
Other Types of Anti-Anxiety and Sedative Medications
Other Bipolar Disorder Medications:
Bipolar Medications Resources:
Source:
Genentic, Inc. Klonopin FDA Approved Label. Revised September 1, 2010.
