what is klow medication or drug FAQ

Klonopin may stay in your urine for about 1 month after your last dose. In one study, traces of clonazepam (the active drug in Klonopin) were detected in urine tests for 3 to 4 weeks after a single dose.

Yes, Klonopin is a controlled substance. A controlled substance is a drug that’s regulated by the government because it can lead to misuse or addiction. Klonopin contains the active drug clonazepam, which is classified as a Schedule IV (four) drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that the drug has acceptable medical uses, but it has the risks mentioned above. For more information, see the “Klonopin withdrawal and dependence” section below.

When you’re considering Klonopin as a treatment option, you may be wondering whether you’ll need to take Klonopin for life. Klonopin can be a short-term or long-term treatment. Keep in mind that the long-term effectiveness of Klonopin hasn’t been studied for longer than 9 weeks. Because of this, it’s important that you and your doctor discuss from time to time whether you need to continue Klonopin treatment. They may suggest slowly reducing your dosage to see if your seizures or panic attacks can be managed with less medication. Or your doctor may recommend you take a different drug that allows your condition to be treated without Klonopin. How long Klonopin is used varies. Some people find that long-term use of low-dose Klonopin is safe and effective for their condition. If you and your doctor determine that there are no other effective treatment options available, it’s likely you’ll take Klonopin long term. Klonopin can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking the drug. These lists do not include all possible side effects. For more information about the possible side effects of Klonopin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome. Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Klonopin, you can do so through MedWatch.

Klonopin is not approved to treat alcohol withdrawal or depression. But the drug may be used off-label to treat alcohol withdrawal. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is used for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. Klonopin is a type of drug called a benzodiazepine. Other benzodiazepines are more commonly used to treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Examples of these drugs include chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). To learn more about Klonopin’s uses as well as treatments for alcohol withdrawal and depression, talk with your doctor.

Klonopin typically produces a calming effect within 1 to 4 hours. Klonopin’s effects last longer than some other benzodiazepines. The half-life of Klonopin is 30 to 40 hours. A drug’s half-life is the amount of time that it takes for the body to get rid of half a dose. It may take a few days or weeks for you and your doctor to find the dosage that works for you.

No, Klonopin is not a narcotic (a powerful pain reliever also known as an opioid). And misusing the drug may make you feel “high.” Narcotics are opioid analgesic (painkiller) drugs used to relieve severe pain. Examples include: codeine hydrocodone (Zohydro ER) oxycodone (OxyContin) morphine (MS Contin, Kadian) Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, are not used to treat pain. Klonopin contains the drug clonazepam, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance. A controlled substance is a drug that’s regulated by the government because it can lead to misuse or addiction. Misuse means a drug is used in a way other than how it’s prescribed. And addiction refers to feeling unable to stop taking a drug, even though it may be causing harm. Some people may confuse the term “narcotic” with “controlled substance.” But they are not the same, and not all controlled substances are narcotics. If you have other questions about Klonopin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you miss a dose of Klonopin, you should take it as soon as possible. But if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, you should skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. You should not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose. Taking extra doses may increase your risk for side effects.* To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too. * For more information about side effects, see the “Klonopin side effects” section above.

Maybe. The manufacturer of Klonopin tablets recommends that you swallow them whole with water. If you have trouble swallowing Klonopin, talk with your pharmacist. They may be able to split the tablets or suggest an alternative medication available in a liquid form. Klonopin use is not recommended during pregnancy. Harmful effects can occur if the drug is taken while pregnant. In clinical studies, pregnant females* who took drugs called benzodiazepines during pregnancy had children who experienced various side effects, such as trouble feeding. The children also experienced drug dependence and withdrawal. (Klonopin is a type of benzodiazepine.) With dependence, your body needs the drug to function like usual. And withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.

Klonopin is not approved to treat sleep problems such as insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep). But the drug may be used off-label for sleep problems. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is used for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. Also, sleepiness is a common side effect of Klonopin, especially when you first start treatment. If you’d like to learn more about taking Klonopin for sleep problems, including what the dosage would be, talk with your doctor.

Klonopin isn’t specifically approved to treat anxiety. But the drug is approved to treat panic disorder, which is a type of anxiety disorder. With panic disorder, the thought of having a panic attack may increase anxiety. Klonopin may help ease anxiety that’s related to panic disorder. How long Klonopin works for anxiety related to panic disorder depends on several factors, including how severe your symptoms are. To learn more, including information about dosage, talk with your doctor.

Klonopin’s effects start to wear off after a few hours, but the drug stays in your body for 6 to 9 days. Keep in mind that traces of the drug can be detected in certain urine tests for up to 1 month after your last dose. Other drugs are available that can treat seizure disorders or panic disorder. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Klonopin, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you. Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is used for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

If you or someone else has used too much potassium chloride, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

There are no known interactions between clonazepam and foods or nonalcoholic drinks. Do not drink alcohol while taking clonazepam. The risk of serious problems such as severe dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble breathing may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking clonazepam.

Potassium chloride is a form of potassium. Taking potassium chloride can help to increase potassium levels.

While less common, the most serious side effects of clonazepam are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Clonazepam can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking clonazepam and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use clonazepam.

If you or someone else has used too much clonazepam, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

The most common side effects of potassium chloride are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

The most common side effects of clonazepam are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.