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Who can and cannot take clonazepam

Who can take clonazepam

Most adults aged 18 years old and over can take clonazepam tablets and liquid.

Most children from 1 month old can take it for epilepsy.

Who may not be able to take clonazepam

Clonazepam is not suitable for some people.

To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take clonazepam if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to clonazepam or any other medicine
  • have myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes muscle weakness
  • have sleep apnoea, a condition that causes breathing problems when you're asleep
  • have lung, liver or kidney problems
  • have spinal or cerebellar ataxia, where you may become shaky and unsteady and have slurred speech
  • have ever had problems with alcohol or drugs
  • have recently had a loss or bereavement, depression or thoughts of harming yourself or suicide
  • have been diagnosed with a personality disorder
  • are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding
  • are going to be put to sleep (have a general anaesthetic) for an operation or dental treatment

Page last reviewed: 27 January 2023
Next review due: 27 January 2026