Klonopin - Prescription Drug

Whether you have heard K-pins, clonazepam, or the drug's brand name, a common question these days is exactly what is Klonopin? Klonopin, chemically known as clonazepam, is a benzodiazepine prescription drug used to treat conditions such as severe anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and epileptic seizures. Because one of the facts concerning what is Klonopin is its possibility of abuse, prescriptions are strictly controlled by the federal government. Klonopin side effects can be frightening and even fatal if the drug is not used properly, or a patient becomes inadvertently addicted.

Those who take Klonopin have the receptors in the brain quieted down, or tranquilized. This can provide relief from anxiety, sleeplessness, panic attacks, and even seizures. Unfortunately, this can also dull emotions, creativity, reflexes, slow breathing, and in some cases lead to severe over sedation. Klonopin itself usually cannot cause a fatal overdose, but if used irresponsibility and mixed with other drugs such as painkillers like Vicodin or alcohol could lead to death. Those needing painkillers along with their Klonopin prescriptions really need careful medical supervision.

Other possible Klonopin side effects need to be considered when deciding if clonazepam is the right drug to take for your mental or physical health condition. Frequent urination, joint or muscle pain, increased salivation, dizziness, coordination problems, unsteadiness, blurred vision, and changes in sex drive or sexual ability are all possible Klonopin side effects. These rarely require emergency medical attention. However, some Klonopin side effects, such as the list that follows do call for prompt medical intervention. Serious Klonopin side effects include the following: difficulty breathing, rash, hives, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat, hoarseness, and problems swallowing. A Klonopin overdose may be happening if a patient experiences confusion, severe drowsiness, or has problems staying conscious.

Klonopin addiction risk is reduced when patients use the drug only as directed and not for long periods of time. The government has recommended this tranquilizer be used for a period of a few weeks, which allows especially mental health patients the time to try other non-narcotic medications such as antidepressants like Prozac. Counseling is also key to overcoming any anxiety or panic disorder. However, Klonopin, when used properly, is a usually safe and inexpensive way to experience relief from mental and physical conditions while seeking other less potentially addictive remedies.

As of August 2009, a self-pay patient could buy 90 1 mg pills of clonazepam for about $27. The brand-name Klonopin prescription costs about $209 for 90 2 mg tablets. Most insurance companies will cover part or all of Klonopin treatment, even if long-term usage of the drug is required. There are also several patient assistance programs to help those who have no insurance and little income get their Klonopin prescriptions for little to no cost.

Source:

Clonazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682279.html