Description:

Accel-clonazePAM (Oral)

Generic name: clonazepam (oral route) [ kloe-NAZ-e-pam ]
Drug classes: Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants, Benzodiazepines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 28, 2022.

Oral route(Tablet)

Risks From Concomitant Use With Opioids; Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction; and Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions:Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.The use of benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes. Before prescribing clonazepam and throughout treatment, assess each patient''s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.The continued use of benzodiazepines, including clonazepam, may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer treatment duration and higher daily dose. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of clonazepam after continued use may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue clonazepam or reduce the dosage .

Oral route(Tablet, Disintegrating)

Risks From Concomitant Use With Opioids; Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction; and Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions:Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.The use of benzodiazepines, including clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes. Before prescribing clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets and throughout treatment, assess each patient''s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.The continued use of benzodiazepines, including clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets, may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer treatment duration and higher daily dose. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets after continued use may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets or reduce the dosage .

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

KlonoPIN
KlonoPIN Wafers

In Canada

Accel-clonazePAM
APO-clonazePAM
Clonapam
CO-clonazePAM
DOM-clonazePAM
Mylan-clonazePAM
PRO-clonazePAM
Riva-clonazePAM
Rivotril
Sandoz-clonazePAM
Teva-clonazePAM
Zym-clonazePAM

Available Dosage Forms:

Tablet, Disintegrating
Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Antianxiety

Pharmacologic Class: Benzodiazepine, Short or Intermediate Acting

Related/similar drugs

gabapentin, sertraline, alprazolam, fluoxetine, clonazepam, lamotrigine, Zoloft

Uses for Accel-clonazePAM

Clonazepam is used alone or together with other medicines to treat certain seizure disorders (eg, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, akinetic, myoclonic, and absence seizures). It is also used to treat panic disorder. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that works in the brain to prevent seizures. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which are medicines that slow down the nervous system.

This medicine is available only with your doctor''s prescription.

Before using Accel-clonazePAM

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of clonazepam in children with seizure disorders. However, safety and efficacy in children with panic disorder have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of clonazepam in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have confusion and severe drowsiness, or age-related heart, liver, or kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving clonazepam.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Flumazenil

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Acepromazine
Alfentanil
Alprazolam
Amobarbital
Anileridine
Aripiprazole
Aripiprazole Lauroxil
Asenapine
Baclofen
Benperidol
Benzhydrocodone
Bromazepam
Bromopride
Buprenorphine
Buspirone
Butabarbital
Butalbital
Butorphanol
Calcifediol
Calcium Oxybate
Cannabidiol
Carbamazepine
Carbinoxamine
Carisoprodol
Carphenazine
Ceritinib
Cetirizine
Chloral Hydrate
Chlordiazepoxide
Chlorpromazine
Chlorzoxazone
Clarithromycin
Clobazam
Clorazepate
Clozapine
Codeine
Cyclobenzaprine
Dantrolene
Daridorexant
Dexmedetomidine
Diacetylmorphine
Diazepam
Dichloralphenazone
Difenoxin
Dihydrocodeine
Diphenhydramine
Diphenoxylate
Doxylamine
Droperidol
Enflurane
Esketamine
Estazolam
Eszopiclone
Ethchlorvynol
Ethopropazine
Ethylmorphine
Fentanyl
Flibanserin
Flunitrazepam
Fluphenazine
Flurazepam
Fluspirilene
Fospropofol
Gabapentin
Gabapentin Enacarbil
Halazepam
Haloperidol
Halothane
Hexobarbital
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone
Hydroxyzine
Isoflurane
Ketamine
Ketazolam
Ketobemidone
Ketoconazole
Lemborexant
Levocetirizine
Levorphanol
Lofexidine
Lorazepam
Loxapine
Magnesium Oxybate
Meclizine
Melperone
Meperidine
Mephenesin
Mephobarbital
Meprobamate
Meptazinol
Mesoridazine
Metaxalone
Methadone
Methdilazine
Methocarbamol
Methohexital
Methotrimeprazine
Methylene Blue
Metoclopramide
Midazolam
Mirtazapine
Molindone
Moricizine
Morphine
Morphine Sulfate Liposome
Nalbuphine
Nicomorphine
Nitrazepam
Nitrous Oxide
Olanzapine
Opium
Opium Alkaloids
Orlistat
Orphenadrine
Oxazepam
Oxycodone
Oxymorphone
Papaveretum
Paregoric
Pentazocine
Pentobarbital
Perampanel
Perazine
Periciazine
Perphenazine
Phenobarbital
Pimozide
Piperacetazine
Pipotiazine
Piritramide
Potassium Oxybate
Prazepam
Pregabalin
Primidone
Prochlorperazine
Promazine
Promethazine
Propofol
Quazepam
Quetiapine
Ramelteon
Remifentanil
Remimazolam
Remoxipride
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b-njft
Scopolamine
Secobarbital
Sertindole
Sodium Oxybate
Sufentanil
Sulpiride
Suvorexant
Tapentadol
Temazepam
Thiethylperazine
Thiopental
Thiopropazate
Thioridazine
Tilidine
Tizanidine
Tolonium Chloride
Topiramate
Tramadol
Trazodone
Triazolam
Trifluoperazine
Trifluperidol
Triflupromazine
Trimeprazine
Zaleplon
Zolpidem
Zopiclone
Zotepine

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Amiodarone
Desipramine
Ginkgo
Nevirapine
Rifapentine
Ritonavir
St John''s Wort
Theophylline

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Ethanol

Proper use of Accel-clonazePAM

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain clonazepam. It may not be specific to Accel-clonazePAM. Please read with care.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the tablet whole with water.

If you are using the disintegrating tablet (wafer), make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Do not break or split the tablet. Place the tablet in your mouth. It should melt quickly. After the tablet has melted, you may take a sip of water.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor''s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage forms (tablets or disintegrating tablets):
- For seizures:
  - Adults and children 10 years and older—At first, 0.5 milligram (mg) 3 times per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg per day.
  - Children up to 10 years or 30 kilograms (kg) of body weight—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 0.01 to 0.03 mg per kg of body weight per day, given in 2 or 3 divided doses. However, the dose is usually not more than 0.05 mg per kg of body weight. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- For panic disorder:
  - Adults—At first, 0.25 milligram (mg) 2 times per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 4 mg per day.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Detailed Clonazepam dosage information

Precautions while using Accel-clonazePAM

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to see if the medicine is working properly and to allow for changes in the dose. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Using this medicine during the later pregnancy may cause problems in your newborn baby (eg, sedation or withdrawal symptoms). Tell your doctor right away if your baby has an abnormal sleep pattern, diarrhea, feeding problems, a high-pitched cry, irritability, low muscle tone, restlessness, shakiness or tremors, sluggishness, trouble breathing, weight loss, vomiting, or fails to gain weight. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

This medicine may cause drowsiness, trouble with thinking, trouble with controlling movements, or trouble with seeing clearly. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or able to think or see well.

If you develop any unusual and strange thoughts or behavior while you are taking clonazepam, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Some changes that have occurred in people taking this medicine are like those seen in people who drink alcohol and then act in a manner that is not normal. Other changes may be more unusual and extreme, such as confusion, worsening of depression, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there), suicidal thoughts, and unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability.

If you have been taking this medicine for a long time, do not stop taking it without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This may help prevent worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, including actions that are out of control, anxiety, blurred vision, decreased awareness or responsiveness, discouragement, dizziness, environment seems unreal, feeling of unreality, feeling sad or empty, irritability, lack of appetite, loss of interest or pleasure, mimicry of speech or movements, mutism, negativism, nervousness, peculiar postures or movements, mannerisms or grimacing, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there, sense of detachment from self or body, seizures, severe sleepiness, talking, feeling, and acting with excitement, trouble concentrating and sleeping.

Symptoms of an overdose include: change in consciousness, changes in patterns and rhythms of speech, hallucinations, lack of coordination, loss of consciousness, loss of strength or energy, mood or mental changes, muscle pain or weakness, nightmares, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness, shakiness and unsteady walk, slurred speech, trouble in speaking, trouble sleeping, unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination, unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness or feeling of sluggishness, unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability, or unusual weak feeling. Call your doctor right away if you notice these symptoms.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. CNS depressants are medicines that slow down the nervous system, which may cause drowsiness or make you less alert. Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, barbiturates or seizure medicines, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics (numbing medicines), including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of these products while you are using this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Accel-clonazePAM side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Body aches or pain
chills
cough
difficulty breathing
discouragement
dizziness
ear congestion
feeling sad or empty
fever
headache
irritability
lack of appetite
loss of interest or pleasure
loss of voice
poor coordination
runny or stuffy nose
shakiness and unsteady walk
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
sneezing
sore throat
tiredness
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Being forgetful
bladder pain
bloody or cloudy urine
change in speech
decrease in frequency of urination
diarrhea
difficulty in passing urine
difficult, burning, or painful urination
frequent urge to urinate
general feeling of discomfort or illness
joint pain
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
mood or mental changes
muscle aches and pains
nausea
nervousness
problems in urination or increase in the amount of urine
shivering
slurred speech
sore throat
sweating
trouble speaking
vomiting

Rare

Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
changes in skin color
chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
cold sweats
colds
confusion
cough or hoarseness
difficulty with sleeping
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
excessive dreaming
excessive muscle tone
excitement
falling
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
feeling mad
feeling of unreality
flu-like symptoms
headache, severe and throbbing
lack of feeling or emotion
lack or loss of self-control
muscle stiffness, tension, or tightness
nightmares
pain, inflammation, or swelling in the calves, shoulders, or hands
pain or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury
pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg
partial or slight paralysis
scaling
sense of detachment from self or body
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
skin rash
swelling around the eyes
swelling of the face, ankle, foot, or knees
thoughts of killing oneself changes in behavior
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
uncaring
vision changes

Incidence not known

Anxiety
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
change in consciousness
chest congestion
difficulty with coordination
double vision
drowsiness
dry mouth
feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior
feeling that others can hear your thoughts
feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there
hyperventilation
irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing
irregular, twisting uncontrolled movement of the face, hands, arms, or legs
loss of interest or pleasure
loss of memory
loss of strength or energy
loss of voice
muscle weakness
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
problems with memory
restlessness
severe mood or mental changes
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
stomach pain or fullness
swollen glands
trouble breathing
uncontrolled eye movements
unusual behavior
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual weakness
vivid dreams
weight loss or gain

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Agitation
change in consciousness
changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
confusion
loss of consciousness
loss of strength or energy
mood or mental changes
nightmares
shakiness and unsteady walk
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
slurred speech
talkativeness
trouble speaking
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
unusual weak feeling

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
difficulty with swallowing
dryness or soreness of the throat
heavy bleeding
hives
inability to have or keep an erection
longer than usual time to ejaculation of semen
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
voice changes

Rare

Acid or sour stomach
ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain
belching
bleeding after defecation
blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
bloated
blurred or loss of vision
change in color perception
cracks in the skin at the corners of the mouth
decrease or change in vision
difficulty moving
double vision
dryness of the eyes
earache
excess air or gas in stomach or intestines
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling of warmth
frequent bowel movements
full feeling
hair loss or thinning of the hair
halos around lights
heartburn
increased watering of the mouth
indigestion
irregularities in menstruation
itching in the genital or other skin areas
itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
joint stiffness or swelling
leg or muscle cramps
loss of taste
night blindness
nosebleeds
overbright appearance of lights
pain in the breasts or pelvic area
pain in the leg, nape, or back
passing gas
red, sore eyes
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
redness or swelling in the ear
sensation of spinning
smaller amount of semen ejaculated than usual
sore on the edge of the eyelid
soreness or redness around the fingernails and toenails
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
thickening of the tongue
thirst
tooth disorder
toothache
tunnel vision
twitching of the eyes
uncomfortable swelling around the anus
worsening of acne

Incidence not known

Burning feeling in the chest or stomach
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
increased appetite
increased hair growth, especially on the face
increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
increased interest in sexual intercourse
sore gums
tenderness in the stomach area

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Clonazepam side effects (more detail)

Frequently asked questions

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Drug class: benzodiazepine anticonvulsants
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Klonopin, Klonopin Wafer

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Related treatment guides

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder

Further information

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Medical Disclaimer

Drug name: Accel-clonazePAM (Oral)