Rivotril

Description

Rivotril , Clonazepam, sold under the brand names Klonopin and Rivotril, is a medication used to prevent and treat anxiety disorders, seizures, bipolar mania, agitation associated with psychosis, OCD and akathisia. It is a tranquilizer of the benzodiazepine class

Rivotril, How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Clonazepam belongs to the class of medications called benzodiazepines. In general, benzodiazepines are used as a sedative or to decrease seizures or anxiety. Clonazepam is used to treat seizure disorders. It helps by slowing the activity of the nerves in the brain (i.e., the central nervous system).

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Rivotril, What form(s) does this medication come in?
0.5 mg
Each pale orange, cylindrical, biplane, scored, bevelled-edged tablet, with “ROCHE” over “0.5” on one side, cross-scored on the other, contains 0.5 mg of clonazepam. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, lactose, magnesium stearate, potato starch, and talc.

2 mg
Each white, cylindrical, biplane, scored, bevelled-edged tablet, with “ROCHE” over “2” on one side, cross-scored on the other, contains 2 mg of clonazepam. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

How should I use this medication?
The dose of clonazepam is determined based on how much is needed to control seizures and varies from person to person. It is important that the dose be individualized to your specific needs to avoid decreased coordination or excessive drowsiness.

The recommended adult starting dose of clonazepam should not be greater than 1.5 mg per day in 3 divided doses. This helps to minimize drowsiness and other side effects. Your doctor will gradually increase the dose until your seizures are controlled. The recommended maintenance dose for adults is 8 mg to 10 mg per day in 3 divided doses.

For children up to 10 years old or who weigh 30 kilograms or less, the dose is based on body weight. The starting dose should be calculated as 0.01 mg per kilogram of body weight per day to 0.03 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses. The maximum starting dose should be no more than 0.05 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. The doctor will gradually increase the dose until the child’s seizures are controlled. Generally, the maintenance dose is between 0.1 mg per kilogram and 0.2 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Clonazepam may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medication as it can increase the levels of clonazepam in your blood.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.