Clonazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.
It's used to control seizures or fits due to epilepsy, involuntary muscle spasms, panic disorder and sometimes restless legs syndrome.
It works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This can relieve anxiety, stop seizures and fits or relax tense muscles.
Clonazepam is available on prescription only. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow.
Key facts
- If you're taking clonazepam for seizures or muscle spasms, your dose will be increased gradually and it might take up to a week to work fully. For panic disorder and restless legs syndrome, clonazepam should take around 1 hour to start working.
- The most common side effect of clonazepam is feeling sleepy (drowsy) during the daytime. Do not drive or ride a bike if this happens to you.
- It's possible to get addicted to clonazepam, but it's not likely to be addictive if you take it for a short time (2 to 4 weeks).
- If you take clonazepam for more than 2 to 4 weeks, your dose will need to be reduced gradually before you stop taking it.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking clonazepam. There's a risk you can sleep very deeply and you may have trouble waking up.