Clonazepam

Rare card · No. 16404

Clonazepam, sold under the brand name Klonopin among others, is a benzodiazepine medication used to prevent and treat anxiety disorders, seizures, and akathisia, with some evidence supporting use in treatment of mania due to bipolar disorder. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative, hypnotic, and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. It is typically taken orally (swallowed by mouth) but is also used intravenously. Effects begin within one hour and last between eight and twelve hours in adults. Short-term side effects can include sleepiness, weakness, poor coordination, difficulty concentrating, agitation, and impared memory formation. Long-term use can cause drug tolerance, dependence and addiction, and substance abuse. Withdrawal symptoms become more severe with prolonged use or high dosage, and can be life-threatening. Dependence occurs in one-third of people who take benzodiazepines for longer than four weeks. The risk of suicide increases, particularly in people who are already...

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