Rivotril

Common Name: clonazepam

How does Rivotril work?

Clonazepam belongs to the class of mediations 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 choose to use this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you are unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Rivotril?

The recommended adult starting dose of clonazepam ranges from 0.5 mg to 2 mg daily in 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. Your doctor may increase this dose to as high as 20 mg per day in two to four divided doses. The dose is usually started low and increased if necessary by your doctor. Children who are more than 10 years old or who weigh more than 30 kg have their doses based on weight (0.01 mg/kg/day - 0.03 mg/kg/day) and need to be monitored carefully. Many things can affect the dose of 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 given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. Clonazepam may be habit forming when taken for long periods of time. If you have been taking this medication regularly for a long period of time (i.e., more than one month), do not stop taking the medication without speaking with your doctor. To avoid withdrawal effects, a gradual reduction in dose is recommended when stopping this medication. It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If your next dose is in less than 4 hours, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does Rivotril come in?

Rivotril® is available in strengths of 0.5 mg and 2 mg. 0.5 mg: Each pale orange, cylindrical, scored, bevelled-edged tablet, with "ROCHE" over "0.5" on one side and cross-scored on the other, contains clonazepam 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, lactose, magnesium stearate, potato starch, and talc. 2 mg: Each white, cylindrical, scored, bevelled-edged tablet, with "ROCHE" over "2" on one side and cross-scored on the other, contains clonazepam 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. This medication does not contain gluten, paraben, sodium, sulfite, or tartrazine.

What should I NOT take with Rivotril?

Clonazepam should not be taken by anyone with: an allergy to clonazepam, any other benzodiazepine, or any ingredient of this medication severe breathing problems myasthenia gravis significant liver disease acute narrow or closed angle glaucoma Clonazepam may be used by people with open angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate treatment.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Rivotril?

Dependence and withdrawal: Physical dependence (a need to take regular doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with benzodiazepines such as clonazepam. Severe withdrawal symptoms may occur if the dose is significantly reduced or suddenly discontinued. These symptoms include seizures, irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, agitation, tremors, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, memory impairment, headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, and confusion. Reducing the dose gradually under medical supervision can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms. Medical conditions: Clonazepam is not recommended for use by people with depression or psychosis. People who have an addiction to alcohol or other drugs should not take clonazepam except in rare situations under medical supervision. Occupational hazards: Because clonazepam causes drowsiness and sedation, do not engage in activities requiring mental alertness, judgment, and physical coordination (such as driving or operating machinery) while taking it. This is particularly true when first taking the medication and until you have established that clonazepam does not affect you this way. Alcohol can increase the drowsiness effects and should be avoided. Pregnancy: If clonazepam is used to prevent major seizures, its use should not be discontinued. If it is taken for minor seizures, the risks posed by seizures need to be weighed against the risks posed by the medication. Women who have epilepsy should notify their doctor promptly if they become pregnant. Breast-feeding: Clonazepam may pass into breast milk and is not recommended for use by nursing mothers. Mothers who take clonazepam should not breast-feed their infants. Children: If long-term use of clonazepam is being considered for a child, the benefits needs to be weighed against the risks. Seniors: Seniors may be at increased risk for the sedative and impaired coordination effects of this medication. They need to use extra caution, for example, when getting up during the night.