What is Clonazepam?
Doctors may prescribe clonazepam for individuals suffering from panic disorders or specific seizure disorders. The medication may also be used to treat insomnia and alcohol withdrawal. Because clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, it decreases brain activity and helps individuals feel calm and relaxed.
The medication can be swallowed as an oral tablet or taken as a quick-dissolve tablet that liquefies within a few seconds of being placed on the tongue. Unfortunately, because of its powerful calming effects, this medication can be highly addicting just after two weeks of taking it as prescribed.
Things to Discuss Before Taking Clonazepam
Before taking this medication, healthcare professionals will ask individuals a series of medical history questions to make sure the medication is an appropriate treatment option. Therefore, it’s important for individuals to be as honest as possible. Some of the questions may include:
- The most bothersome symptoms of the condition being treated
- Thoughts of suicide
- Previous medication list used to treat the condition and its effectiveness
- Current medication list and medication allergies
- Current use of other drugs or alcohol
- Age and any physical dilemmas
- Psychiatric or medical complications
- All non-medication treatment, such as therapy
Depending on one’s answers, healthcare professionals will decide whether clonazepam is an appropriate treatment option or if other options should be considered. If they do decide to prescribe clonazepam, they will assign a specific dosage, which is why it’s important for individuals not to take this medication without consultation and a valid prescription. Otherwise, the side effects could be detrimental.
How to Take Clonazepam
Clonazepam may be taken daily at a specific time or on an as-needed basis. The medication doesn’t require food, but individuals should take it with food if they develop an upset stomach. The medication can be swallowed or dissolve on the tongue. The oral dissolving tablets have to remain in their original packaging and should only be touched with clean dry hands before consuming. These tablets should not be transferred over into a pillbox and they should be taken right away.
Healthcare providers will decide the dosage and instructions based on how individuals respond to the medication.
Things to Avoid While Taking Clonazepam
Because of its calming abilities, individuals should avoid driving or operating other machinery until they’re aware of how the drug affects their bodies.
It’s also important for individuals not to suddenly stop taking the medication without consulting with a healthcare professional. Suddenly stopping can cause immediate withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, tremors, dizziness, blood pressure fluctuations, increased heart rate, seizures, and irritability.
It’s very important to avoid alcohol and other opioid medications while taking clonazepam. Otherwise, serious complications could arise, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, and possible death.
Because clonazepam can be highly addicting, individuals should seek professional help from a rehabilitation center or an alternative treatment center if they notice themselves (or a loved one) developing codependency.
Alternative Treatment Centers in Tennessee
Discovery Place is an alternative treatment center located in Burns, Tennessee. Our mission is to help those suffering from addiction gain back control of their lives by offering alternative treatment plans. Depending on where individuals are in their recovery journeys, we offer a 30-Day Alternative Residential Addiction Recovery Program and a Long-Term Alternative Addiction Recovery Program. If you would like more information, call us today at (800) 725-0922.
