Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe Emotional Side Effects of KlonopinThe Physical Side Effects of KlonopinDealing With the Side Effects of KlonopinFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Emotional Side Effects of Klonopin
The Physical Side Effects of Klonopin
Dealing With the Side Effects of Klonopin
Frequently Asked Questions
Klonopin(clonazepam) is a medication that falls into the drug category ofbenzodiazepines, which slow down the central nervous system and decrease abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Klonopin may be used on its own or in conjunction with other medications, such asDepakote(valproate).
Klonopin can have physical side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. It can also have emotional side effects, such as irritability and depression.
Read on to learn more about the side effects of Klonopin and how to manage them.
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Most people who take Klonopin experience no side effects or mild side effects that get better, but moderate-to-severe side effects can occur.
Common emotional and cognitive side effects of Klonopin include:
Psychiatric side effects are possible, including:
Paradoxical reactions (ones that are the opposite of expected) that have been noted include:
Paradoxical reactions are more like to occur in children and in senior adults.
Klonopin and SuicideAntiepileptic medications such as Klonopin may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in about one in 500 people.Don’t stop or change your medication plan without first talking to a healthcare professional because this can cause serious effects, including worsening of mood.Changes in mood, behavior, or actions can happen very quickly. Pay close attention to any day-to-day changes and be mindful of sudden differences. Call your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as:Thoughts about suicide or dyingActing on dangerous impulsesNew or worsening anxiety and/ordepressionSuicidal behavior or attemptsTrouble sleepingMania (an extreme increase in activity and talking; frenzied, abnormally excited mood)Feeling agitated or restlessNew or worsening irritabilityPanic attacksActing aggressive or violentBeing angryOther unusual changes in behavior or moodBe aware (and make those close to you aware) of common warning signs ofrisk of suicide, including:Talking or thinking about wanting tohurt yourselfor end your lifeBecoming depressed or having existing depression that’s getting worseWithdrawing from friends and familyBecoming preoccupied with death and dyingGiving away prized possessionsOther changes in mood or behaviorIf you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
Klonopin and Suicide
Antiepileptic medications such as Klonopin may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in about one in 500 people.Don’t stop or change your medication plan without first talking to a healthcare professional because this can cause serious effects, including worsening of mood.Changes in mood, behavior, or actions can happen very quickly. Pay close attention to any day-to-day changes and be mindful of sudden differences. Call your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as:Thoughts about suicide or dyingActing on dangerous impulsesNew or worsening anxiety and/ordepressionSuicidal behavior or attemptsTrouble sleepingMania (an extreme increase in activity and talking; frenzied, abnormally excited mood)Feeling agitated or restlessNew or worsening irritabilityPanic attacksActing aggressive or violentBeing angryOther unusual changes in behavior or moodBe aware (and make those close to you aware) of common warning signs ofrisk of suicide, including:Talking or thinking about wanting tohurt yourselfor end your lifeBecoming depressed or having existing depression that’s getting worseWithdrawing from friends and familyBecoming preoccupied with death and dyingGiving away prized possessionsOther changes in mood or behaviorIf you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
Antiepileptic medications such as Klonopin may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in about one in 500 people.
Don’t stop or change your medication plan without first talking to a healthcare professional because this can cause serious effects, including worsening of mood.
Changes in mood, behavior, or actions can happen very quickly. Pay close attention to any day-to-day changes and be mindful of sudden differences. Call your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as:
Be aware (and make those close to you aware) of common warning signs ofrisk of suicide, including:
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
Side effects of Klonopin are usually dosage related. Common physical side effects may include:
According to research, about 50% of people who take Klonopin for seizures experience drowsiness, and about 30% experience problems with coordination. These may get better over time.
Klonopin may also cause:
If side effects persist or are bothersome, talk to your healthcare provider.
When To Seek Medical AttentionContact a healthcare provider (or seek emergency medical treatment if warranted) if you experience any of the following symptoms:Unusual movementsMuscle twitchingShakingBurning or prickling feeling in arms, legs, or feetSeizuresRinging in your earsMemory problemsDifficulty concentratingSleep problemsAnxietyDepressionChanges in mental healthHallucinations(seeing or hearing things that others do not)Mania/overexcitementLosing touch with realityThoughts ofharming yourselfor ending your lifeSide effects that do not improveSeek immediate medical attention if you notice:Sores in the mouth or throat (could indicate a blood problem)Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)Hallucinations, severe confusion, or changes in visionGet emergency medical treatment if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, including:RashHivesDifficulty breathing or swallowingSwelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throatHoarsenessIf your child is taking Klonopin, see a healthcare provider immediately if they have any of the following side effects:Worsening or new types of seizuresTrouble breathingSevere weaknessChanges in heartbeatSevere drowsiness
When To Seek Medical Attention
Contact a healthcare provider (or seek emergency medical treatment if warranted) if you experience any of the following symptoms:Unusual movementsMuscle twitchingShakingBurning or prickling feeling in arms, legs, or feetSeizuresRinging in your earsMemory problemsDifficulty concentratingSleep problemsAnxietyDepressionChanges in mental healthHallucinations(seeing or hearing things that others do not)Mania/overexcitementLosing touch with realityThoughts ofharming yourselfor ending your lifeSide effects that do not improveSeek immediate medical attention if you notice:Sores in the mouth or throat (could indicate a blood problem)Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)Hallucinations, severe confusion, or changes in visionGet emergency medical treatment if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, including:RashHivesDifficulty breathing or swallowingSwelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throatHoarsenessIf your child is taking Klonopin, see a healthcare provider immediately if they have any of the following side effects:Worsening or new types of seizuresTrouble breathingSevere weaknessChanges in heartbeatSevere drowsiness
Contact a healthcare provider (or seek emergency medical treatment if warranted) if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice:
Get emergency medical treatment if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, including:
If your child is taking Klonopin, see a healthcare provider immediately if they have any of the following side effects:
Klonopin is usually started with a lower dose that is gradually increased as needed and as your body adjusts to the medication.
Drowsiness is the most common side effect of Klonopin. To manage this side effect (and potentially others), your healthcare provider may suggest:
Never stop Klonopin or make changes to your treatment plan without the guidance of your healthcare provider. Missing or changing doses can causewithdrawal symptomsthat can be serious, and may trigger seizures. Make sure you always have enough Klonopin to last through weekends, holidays, and vacations so doses aren’t missed.
Precautions that should be taken while taking Klonopin include:
How to Get Help for Klonopin Misuse or DependencyBenzodiazepines, including Klonopin, have the potential for misuse and/or dependency.Using benzodiazepines for as little as three to six weeks is associated with the development of physical dependence, with about 15–44% experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and depression when stopping the medication. About 40% of those who take benzodiazepines for longer than six months experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, with the other 60% experiencing relatively mild withdrawal symptoms.These withdrawal symptoms may last for several weeks to more than a year. Don’t stop taking Klonopin without discussing with your healthcare provider how to taper off gradually.If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
How to Get Help for Klonopin Misuse or Dependency
Benzodiazepines, including Klonopin, have the potential for misuse and/or dependency.Using benzodiazepines for as little as three to six weeks is associated with the development of physical dependence, with about 15–44% experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and depression when stopping the medication. About 40% of those who take benzodiazepines for longer than six months experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, with the other 60% experiencing relatively mild withdrawal symptoms.These withdrawal symptoms may last for several weeks to more than a year. Don’t stop taking Klonopin without discussing with your healthcare provider how to taper off gradually.If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Benzodiazepines, including Klonopin, have the potential for misuse and/or dependency.
Using benzodiazepines for as little as three to six weeks is associated with the development of physical dependence, with about 15–44% experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and depression when stopping the medication. About 40% of those who take benzodiazepines for longer than six months experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, with the other 60% experiencing relatively mild withdrawal symptoms.
These withdrawal symptoms may last for several weeks to more than a year. Don’t stop taking Klonopin without discussing with your healthcare provider how to taper off gradually.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Summary
Klonopin is a type of benzodiazepine primarily used to treat seizures and sometimes anxiety disorders such aspanic disorder.
Klonopin can have emotional and cognitive side effects, such as mental health changes, and physical side effects, such as drowsiness and problems with coordination.
Most people who take Klonopin experience few or no side effects, but some side effects can be serious. It’s important to keep track of side effects and talk to your healthcare provider if any persist or are troublesome.
Stopping Klonopin or changing dosage without the guidance of a healthcare provider can causewithdrawal symptomsthat can be serious.
A Word From Verywell
If you are taking Klonopin and experiencing unpleasant side effects, talk to yourhealthcare provider. There are ways to address your side effects and make taking your medication more tolerable.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFor some people, Klonopin can cause mood and/or behavior changes. This isn’t true for everyone, and these side effects can often be managed if they occur.Klonopin may affect mental health, including causing or worseningdepressionsymptoms. If this occurs, talk to your healthcare provider.People who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding should not take Klonopin without talking to their healthcare provider.Klonopin is contraindicated in people who have:A history of sensitivity to benzodiazepinesClinical or biochemical evidence of significant liver diseaseAcute narrow-angle glaucomaThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Boxed Warnings (the strongest warnings) to the drug labeling of prescription opioid pain and prescription opioid cough medicines and benzodiazepines, including Klonopin. When used together, these medications can increase the risk of serious or life-threatening breathing problems, sedation, or coma.Don’t take opioids and benzodiazepines (or other drugs that depress the central nervous system) together without first consulting your healthcare provider.
For some people, Klonopin can cause mood and/or behavior changes. This isn’t true for everyone, and these side effects can often be managed if they occur.
Klonopin may affect mental health, including causing or worseningdepressionsymptoms. If this occurs, talk to your healthcare provider.
People who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding should not take Klonopin without talking to their healthcare provider.Klonopin is contraindicated in people who have:A history of sensitivity to benzodiazepinesClinical or biochemical evidence of significant liver diseaseAcute narrow-angle glaucomaThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Boxed Warnings (the strongest warnings) to the drug labeling of prescription opioid pain and prescription opioid cough medicines and benzodiazepines, including Klonopin. When used together, these medications can increase the risk of serious or life-threatening breathing problems, sedation, or coma.Don’t take opioids and benzodiazepines (or other drugs that depress the central nervous system) together without first consulting your healthcare provider.
People who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding should not take Klonopin without talking to their healthcare provider.
Klonopin is contraindicated in people who have:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Boxed Warnings (the strongest warnings) to the drug labeling of prescription opioid pain and prescription opioid cough medicines and benzodiazepines, including Klonopin. When used together, these medications can increase the risk of serious or life-threatening breathing problems, sedation, or coma.
Don’t take opioids and benzodiazepines (or other drugs that depress the central nervous system) together without first consulting your healthcare provider.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Clonazepam.DailyMed.Clonazepam tablets, USP CIV.Epilepsy Foundation.Clonazepam.University of Michigan.Klonopin (Clonazepam).The Hospital for Sick Children.Clonazepam.Harvard Health.Grapefruit and medication: A cautionary note.Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK.Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil: Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment.Br J Clin Pharmacol.2014;77(2):285-294. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).FDA warns about serious risks and death when combining opioid pain or cough medicines with benzodiazepines; requires its strongest warning.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Clonazepam.DailyMed.Clonazepam tablets, USP CIV.Epilepsy Foundation.Clonazepam.University of Michigan.Klonopin (Clonazepam).The Hospital for Sick Children.Clonazepam.Harvard Health.Grapefruit and medication: A cautionary note.Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK.Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil: Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment.Br J Clin Pharmacol.2014;77(2):285-294. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).FDA warns about serious risks and death when combining opioid pain or cough medicines with benzodiazepines; requires its strongest warning.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Clonazepam.DailyMed.Clonazepam tablets, USP CIV.Epilepsy Foundation.Clonazepam.University of Michigan.Klonopin (Clonazepam).The Hospital for Sick Children.Clonazepam.Harvard Health.Grapefruit and medication: A cautionary note.Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK.Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil: Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment.Br J Clin Pharmacol.2014;77(2):285-294. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).FDA warns about serious risks and death when combining opioid pain or cough medicines with benzodiazepines; requires its strongest warning.
MedlinePlus.Clonazepam.
DailyMed.Clonazepam tablets, USP CIV.
Epilepsy Foundation.Clonazepam.
University of Michigan.Klonopin (Clonazepam).
The Hospital for Sick Children.Clonazepam.
Harvard Health.Grapefruit and medication: A cautionary note.
Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK.Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil: Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment.Br J Clin Pharmacol.2014;77(2):285-294. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).FDA warns about serious risks and death when combining opioid pain or cough medicines with benzodiazepines; requires its strongest warning.
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