For what conditions or diseases is this medication prescribed?
Clonazepam is used alone or in combination with other medications to control certain types of seizures. It is also used to relieve panic attacks (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Clonazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Its action is to reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

How should this medicine be used?
Clonazepam comes as tablets and orally disintegrating tablets (tablets that dissolve quickly in the mouth) to be taken by mouth. It is usually taken one to three times a day, with or without food. Take clonazepam at around the same time every day. Carefully follow the instructions on your prescription label and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Do not try to push the orally disintegrating tablet through the aluminum. Instead, peel off the foil packaging with dry hands. Immediately take out the tablet and place it in your mouth. The tablet will dissolve quickly and you can swallow it with or without liquid.

Your doctor may direct you to start on a low dose of clonazepam and increase it gradually, no more than once every 3 days.

Clonazepam can help you control your condition, but it will not cure it. It may take a few weeks or more before you feel the full benefit of clonazepam. Continue taking clonazepam even if you feel well. Do not stop taking clonazepam without talking to your doctor, even if you experience side effects such as unusual changes in behavior or mood. If you suddenly stop taking clonazepam, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as new or worsening seizures, hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that are not there), changes in behavior, sweating, uncontrollable shaking of any part of the body, cramps or muscle cramps, anxiety, or trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Your doctor will likely decrease the dose gradually.

What other uses does this medication have?
Clonazepam is also used to treat the symptoms of akathisia (restlessness and need to move constantly) that can occur as a side effect of treatment with antipsychotic medications (medicines for mental illness) and to treat acute catatonic reactions (a state in which a person does not move or speak at all, or moves or speaks abnormally). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication to treat your condition.