Rivotril Clonazepam - Uses, Side Effects and Interactions

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Generic Name: Clonazepam
Other Names: Clonex, Klonopin, Rivotril

Clonazepam is a tranquilizer of the benzodiazepine family. The Rivotril tablet is a commonly prescribed medicine for prevention and treatment for seizures and panic disorder. It also can be used for some movement disorder such as akathisia.

Rivotril and Pregnancy

The safety profile of clonazepam or rivotril during pregnancy carries a big doubt and question. The use of clonazepam or rivotril during pregnancy should only be used if the clinical benefits are believed to outweigh the clinical risks to the fetus.

Caution is also required if rivotril is used during breast feeding. Neonatal withdrawal syndrome associated with benzodiazepines include hypertonia, hyperreflexia, restlessness, irritability, abnormal sleep patterns, inconsolable crying, tremors or jerking of the extremities, bradycardia, cyanosis, suckling difficulties, apnea, risk of aspiration of feeds, diarrhea and vomiting, and growth retardation. If clonazepam is used during pregnancy or breast feeding it is recommended that serum levels of clonazepam are monitored and signs of central nervous system depression and apnea are also monitored for.

When is the drug Rivotril used?

Rivotril is used to treat seizure disorders. It helps by slowing the nerves activity in the brain. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. GABA is a chemical that, when released in the brain, acts as a calming agent and keeps the nerve activity in balance. Once the brain absorbs the GABA (uptake), this chemical can no longer act on the nerves. Too little GABA, the brain may become overexcited. Clonazepam acts on receptors in the brain (GABA receptors) to increase the release of GABA. This increases the calming effects of nerve cells by GABA. By calming nerve cells, clonazepam prevents excessively rapid and repetitive firing of electrical signals. Thereby electrical nerve activity in the brain is stabilised, leading to prevention and treatment of fits and maintenance of normal brain function.

How to take Rivotril?

1. Take Rivotril by mouth with or without food.
2. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
3. Swallow tablet whole with a full glass of water.
4. If you are taking Rivotril for the prevention of seizures, taking Rivotril at the same times each day will help you remember to take it.
5. Continue to take Rivotril even if you feel well.
6. Do not miss any doses.
7. Rivotril works best when there is a constant level of it in your body.

What is Klonopin and Rivotril relation?

Klonopin - generic clonazepam, sold outside the United States as Rivotril - is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorder as well as certain seizure disorders.

Uses of Rivotril:

Rivotril is used alone or along with other medications to treat convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. It is also prescribed for panic disorder - unexpected attacks of overwhelming panic accompanied by fear of recurrence. Rivotril belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How to Take Rivotril:

Take this medicine as directed. It can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting with your doctor.

Rivotril Side Effects:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• tiredness
• weakness
• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• changes in appetite

Warnings and precautions for Rivotril :

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviour has been associated with some of the patients who are treated with anti-epileptic agents. Hence it is important to monitor patients for such behaviour indications. Generally as a ground rule, patients with a history of depression or suicide attempts needs strict supervision all the time.
• Say no to alcohol if you are taking Rivotril. Mixing these two together can alter the effects of the drug, compromises with the success of therapy.
• Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Rivotril, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; cimetadine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); fluoxetine (Prozac); isoniazide (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid); ketoconazole (Nizoral); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); medications for depression, seizures, pain, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), muscle relaxants; oral contraceptives; phenytoin (Dilantin); probenecid (Benemid); propoxyphene (Darvon); propranolol (Inderal); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene); and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by clonazepam.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clonazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), or any other drugs.
• Avoid Rivotril if at all possible during the first 3 months of pregnancy; there is a risk of birth defects. When taken later in pregnancy, the drug can cause other problems, such as withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Rivotril appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. Mothers taking this medication should not breastfeed.
• Rivotril slows the nervous system and its effects may be intensified by alcohol. Do not drink while taking this medication.
• Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

What to do if you take Overdose of Rivotril?

Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

What to do if you take Missed Dose of Rivotril?

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How to Store Rivotril:

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Reviews of Rivotril

I have always struggled with racing thoughts 24/7, which prevented me from sleeping. Over the years I was on diazapam and it worked well. Klonopin saved my life and restored my sleep. I tried about 8 different seratonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) that WORSENED my symptoms. The guide on my pain medicine allows for its use if all other drugs for anxiety have been found to be ineffective. I do not drink any alcoholic beverages. Recap: Cymbalta settled out of court for brain zaps. Paxil, welbutrin, excitilopram, and Prozac cannot be taken by people experiencing worsening conditions and clonus." - Amanda

I was stable on diazepam and was prescribed it off and on for 30 years. I had tried all the SRIs and Selective SRI's with only worsening conditions. I tried them all, some more than once. Finally it dawned on my new GP that I has serotonin syndrome with the SRIs, After 4 months of trying other things, nothing worked. My new pain doctor tried me on clonazepam. The first dose worked wonders. My constantly struggling with anxiety all day was gone. No more waking up with immediate panic attacks either. I am a different man. There is no high with a drug if your body needs it. Same with opioids. Benzos and opioids can safely be used together if you cannot tolerate SRIs due to serotonin syndrome." - Steve

"I have been on 2mg clonazepam for more than 5 years. It has done wonders for my anxiety and panic attacks. When I informed the Dr. I was concerned about addiction he advised me I am DEPENDANT on it, not ADDICTED. Addiction is the misuse of a drug he said, big difference! I am allowed 2mg up to 3 times a day but very rarely take more than 2. It has literally changed my life." - Madith