Klonopin, also known as clonazepam, is a prescription medication in the benzodiazepine family of drugs. This medication is typically prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder, although it is also used to treat seizures. Although prescription medications are among the most common treatments for panic disorder, some people who suffer from anxiety or panic disorder may opt for herbal remedies such as skullcap, valerian and passionflower.
Clinical Trials
Klonopin was tested in clinical trials for panic disorder before FDA approval. Six-week and nine-week studies showed that more than half of test subjects demonstrated improvement in panic attack symptoms when taking clonazepam. The effectiveness of Klonopin as a panic disorder treatment for a period longer than nine weeks has not been studied in clinical trials.
No clinical trials have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of herbal treatments for panic disorder.
Regulation
Klonopin is strictly regulated by the FDA, which ensures that dosages and ingredients used in this medication are consistent. Conversely, the FDA does not regulate the production of herbal supplements. Ingredients in herbal supplements may vary considerably among manufacturers, and inactive ingredients are not commonly listed on supplement labels. Also, there is no dosage standardization for herbal supplements -- valerian, skullcap and passionflower supplements may contain different concentrations of these herbs.
Side Effects
Although Klonopin may offer benefits for panic disorder, this prescription medication may cause several side effects. Drowsiness is the most common side effect of Klonopin. Other common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, headache and nausea. Klonopin may also cause withdrawal symptoms similar to those caused by alcohol and barbiturates, including abdominal cramps, sweating, convulsions, vomiting and insomnia.
Passionflower side effects may include lethargy, diarrhea and stomach upset. Skullcap may cause side effects such as euphoria, mental confusion and convulsions. Valerian may cause daytime drowsiness, vision disturbances, headaches and irritability.
Drug Interactions
Herbal treatments for panic disorder have not been evaluated for potential drug interactions.
Klonopin may increase drowsiness caused by sleeping pills, allergy medications, muscle relaxers and narcotics used for pain management. This prescription medication may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors used to treat depression, prescription antibiotics, anti-fungal drugs and anti-psychotic medications.
References
- Drugs.com: Klonopin
- "The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs"; Jack M. Gorman; 2007
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
