Klonopin is part of a group of medications called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines have various effects on the body, including:
- Reducing anxiety
- Causing sleepiness
- Relaxing muscles
- Stopping seizures
- Impairing short-term memory.
All benzodiazepines can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific benzodiazepine that is being taken. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why Klonopin and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
When and How to Take Klonopin
Some general considerations for when and how to take Klonopin include the following:
- Klonopin comes in tablets and wafers (orally disintegrating tablets). Klonopin is taken by mouth, usually two or three times daily.
- Klonopin wafers will rapidly dissolve in your mouth, without any need for water.
- Klonopin can be taken with or without food. If Klonopin bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Klonopin may cause serious problems if you take it in higher dosages or for a longer period of time than your healthcare provider recommends (see Klonopin Addiction).
Klonopin Dosing Information
The dose of Klonopin that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your Klonopin dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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