Clonazepam is the generic name (non-brand name) of the seizure medicine Klonopin used in the United States, Canada, the UK and some other countries. In Canada and the UK, the brand name Rivotril is used for clonazepam. In India, the brand name is Epitril.

Clonazepam belongs to a group of medications called the benzodiazepines (BEN-zo-di-AZ-ah-peens). The use of benzodiazepines to treat epilepsy over a long period of time is controversial because tolerance often develops within weeks. Tolerance occurs when a person has to take larger and larger doses of a medication to achieve the same result .(Read more about tolerance.)

Because clonazepam has a high degree of tolerance it will work well for brief periods of time, but its effectiveness may decrease over time. In addition, since the dosage must be increased to maintain the same degree of seizure control the side effects associated with clonazepam may increase too.

Forms
Generic clonazepam is manufactured in the United States by several different companies including TEVA pharmaceuticals,Watson Labs and Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd. The name or appearance may differ in other countries. Clonazepam is available in tablet form in 0.5 mg,1.0 mg and 2.0 mg prescription strength.

How to take and store clonazepam

Tablets
Regular clonazepam tablets should be swallowed whole, with a little water. Do not bite them.

Taking clonazepam
It's OK to take clonazepam either with food or without food. It is recommended that if the doses are not equally divided during the day, the largest dose should be taken at bedtime.

Be careful if the doctor writes a new prescription using a different kind of pill. For example, if you've been using 1-mg tablets and the new prescription is for 2-mg tablets, be careful to use the correct number. Don't automatically continue to use the same number of pills as before.

Store all types of clonazepam at room temperature.

What if I forget?
A forgotten dose should be taken right away. If it is almost time for the next one, just use one dose, not a double dose, and call the doctor's office for more advice.

Do your best to follow the doctor's directions. If you forget doses often, it may be a good idea to get a special pillbox or watch with an alarm to remind you.

Taking the right amount of seizure medicine on time every single day is the most important step in preventing seizures!

Reviewed March 2005 by Steven C. Schachter, MD, epilepsy.com Editorial Board.