Who should not use clonazepam?

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

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific clonazepam products they stock.

Liver Problems. Clonazepam should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

Glaucoma. Do not use clonazepam if you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma. There are different types of glaucoma. If you do not know what type you have, talk with your healthcare provider before taking clonazepam.

Do not take clonazepam unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share clonazepam with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Clonazepam can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how clonazepam affects you.

Keep clonazepam out of the reach of children. Clonazepam is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store clonazepam in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

People who are age 65 years and older can be at greater risk for some side effects of clonazepam, including confusion and drowsiness from clonazepam. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if clonazepam is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Mental Health Problems. Tell your healthcare provider about your recent and current mental health problems, especially if you have had thoughts of suicide or dying or have ever attempted suicide.

Substance Use Disorder. Clonazepam is a controlled substance and may be misused or lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of a drug or alcohol disorder. 

Seizures. Clonazepam may increase the risk of or worsen seizures in certain people who have seizures. Tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures and about any medicines you take for seizures.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Clonazepam may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using clonazepam, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how clonazepam could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Using clonazepam during the later stages of pregnancy can cause withdrawal and the following symptoms, in newborns.

Breathing problems

Sluggish

Low muscle tone

Jittery

Fussiness or irritability

Restlessness

Shaking

Excessive crying

Feeding problems

Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using clonazepam, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic medicines during pregnancy. You can register by calling 888-233-2334 or online at . 

Breastfeeding. Clonazepam passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding a child while taking clonazepam can lead to sleepiness, feeding problems, and decreased weight gain. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take clonazepam while breastfeeding.