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PMS-Clonazepam

(clonazepam)

In this factsheet:
• How does PMS-Clonazepam work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use PMS-Clonazepam?
• What form(s) does PMS-Clonazepam come in?
• Who should NOT take PMS-Clonazepam?
• What side effects are possible with PMS-Clonazepam?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for PMS-Clonazepam?
• What other drugs could interact with PMS-Clonazepam?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does PMS-Clonazepam work? What will it do for me?

Clonazepam belongs to the class of medications called benzodiazepines. In general, benzodiazepines are used as a sedative or to decrease seizures or anxiety. Clonazepam is used to treat seizure disorders. It helps by slowing the activity of the nerves in the brain (i.e., the central nervous system).

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use PMS-Clonazepam?

The recommended adult starting dose of clonazepam should not be greater than 1.5 mg per day in 3 divided doses, with or without food. It is important that the dose be individualized to your specific needs to avoid excessive sedation or motor impairment.

The recommended maintenance dose for adults is 8 mg to 10 mg per day in 3 divided doses. The dose is usually started low and increased if necessary by your doctor.

For children up to 10 years old or who weigh 30 kilograms or less, the dose is based on weight (0.01 mg per kilogram of body weight per day to 0.03 mg per kilogram of body weight per day).

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medication as it can increase the levels of clonazepam in your blood.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does PMS-Clonazepam come in?

0.25 mg
Each round, biconvex, blue tablet, imprinted "CLONAZEPAM" on one side and plain on the other side, contains clonazepam 250 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, FD&C Blue No. 1 Lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

0.5 mg
Each round, biplane, bevelled-edge, orange, scored tablet, imprinted "CLONAZEPAM" on one side and "pms/0.5" on the other side, contains clonazepam 500 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

1 mg
Each round, biconvex, pink tablet, imprinted "CLONAZEPAM" on one side and "pms/1" on the other side, contains clonazepam 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, FD&C Red No. 40 Lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

2 mg
Each round, white, biplane, bevelled-edge, scored tablet, imprinted "CLONAZEPAM" on one side and "pms/2.0" on the other side, contains clonazepam 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

PMS-Clonazepam-R
Each round orange, biplane, bevelled-edge, scored tablet imprinted "CLONAZEPAM" on one side and "pms/0.5" on the other side, contains clonazepam 500 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

Who should NOT take PMS-Clonazepam?

Clonazepam should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to clonazepam, any other benzodiazepine (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam, oxazepam), or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has acute narrow or closed angle glaucoma
• has myasthenia gravis
• has severe breathing problems
• has severe liver disease
• has sleep apnea

Clonazepam may be used by people with open angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate treatment.

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