Klonopin is the brand name for the drug clonazepam. It is officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat certain kinds of epilepsy, a condition called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and panic disorder; it is also used off-label in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and a condition called restless legs syndrome. It is important for patients taking this medication to be aware of the side effects that they may experience while taking this medication.
Central Nervous System
While the exact way in which Klonopin works is not yet known, according to the medical reference UpToDate.com, it is thought that this medication may increase the activity of a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that carries nerve impulse messages across the space between nerve cells, called GABA. In its use as an anti-seizure medication, it is believed to suppress the electrical activity within the brain that causes a type of seizure called absence seizures.
Given that it has such an impact on brain activity, it is perhaps not surprising to discover that many of Klonopin's side effects relate to the nerves and the brain. Patients may notice the development of ataxia, which is incoordination of movements. According to the pharmacology reference MicroMedex, this is noted in nearly one-third of patients taking Klonopin for seizures. Changes in behavior may occur; these include agitation, aggressiveness, irritability, and nervousness. Other possible side effects include confusion, dizziness, and depression; drowsiness and sleepiness may also occur. According to MicroMedex, the latter occurs in about half of all patients taking Klonopin for seizures and nearly 40 percent of patients taking it for panic disorder.
Cardiovascular System
Although many of the side effects of Klonopin relate to the central nervous system, the heart and circulatory system may be impacted as well. Specifically, edema, or swelling of the arms or legs, may occur. In addition, patients may have to deal with the unpleasant sensation of palpitations. The National Institutes of Health website MedlinePlus describes this as an abnormal awareness of the heart beating; often the heartbeat feels faster or seems to be pounding uncomfortably.
Gastrointestinal System
As with many other medications, Klonopin may also impact the digestive system. Interestingly, side effects may go in two directions; for instance, a patient's appetite may be increased by the medication, or it may be less than usual. Some patients may experience diarrhea, but constipation may also occur. Abnormal amounts of saliva production may be noticed, but other patients experience a dry mouth caused by a decrease in saliva production. Finally, patients may also suffer from abdominal pain, nausea and gum soreness when taking Klonopin.
Other Side Effects
An important side effect for patients to be aware of is the potential that Klonopin has to become abused. UpToDate.com warns that patients with a history of drug use should be especially careful, but all patients should know that with long-term use of Klonopin, the potential for tolerance, psychological dependence and physical dependence may occur. Tolerance is the gradual need for more medication to achieve the same effect as the person's body becomes used to the medication. Psychological dependence is the need that a person has to take the drug in order to feel satisfied or to prevent a feeling of discomfort. Physical dependence is the situation that arises when the body adapts to the medication in such a way that if the medication is stopped, physical symptoms of withdrawal occur. The potential for a patient to become dependent on Klonopin is a serious concern. In addition, there is a risk---rare but significant---of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Finally, because Klonopin can result in overall depression of the central nervous system, patients should be warned that driving or operating machinery---tasks that require mental sharpness---may be dangerous.
References
- UpToDate: Clonazepam: Drug Information
- MedlinePlus: Heart Palpitations
- MicroMedex: Clonazepam
- MedlinePlus: Clonazepam
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