We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Clonazepam Side Effects?

By Christina Edwards
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,845
Share

Clonazepam is a benzodiapine that is often sold under the brand name Klonopin™. It is typically used as a sedative or anti-convulsant, and is prescribed to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and seizure disorders. Like most other medications, it also has a number of side effects. Clonazepam side effects are usually harmless and quite mild, and they include drowsiness and irritability. A patient should notify his doctor if more serious side effects like depression or an allergic reaction occur.

One of the most common clonazepam side effects is drowsiness. Patients taking this medication often complain of feeling sluggish, tired, or weak. Dizziness and unsteadiness can also occur, along with mild irritability or tension.

As with many other oral medications, there is a possibility of stomach and digestive tract discomfort. These side effects are uncommon, and if they become too uncomfortable, a doctor may need to adjust the dosage of a patient's medication. Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are some of the more uncommon clonazepam side effects.

Occasionally, clonazepam users may suffer from rare and possibly dangerous side effects. Uncontrollable tics and memory loss after taking this medication were reported by a handful of users. Also, a very small number of patients began to exhibit unusual thoughts or behaviors, such as delusions, emotional outbursts, and hallucinations. A few individuals have also reported serious clonazepam side effects like severe depression or suicidal thoughts. Patients are advised to stop taking the medication immediately and contact their doctors if they experience any unusual moods.

An allergic reaction happens in a very small percentage of people who take clonazepam. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to clonazepam include an itchy rash or hives, along with difficulty breathing and a tight feeling in the chest. A patient with an allergy to this medication may also experience swelling of certain parts of the face and mouth, particularly the tongue, throat, and lips.

Like other benzodiazapines, prolonged use of clonazepam can cause a user to become dependent on the medication. Withdrawal symptoms can be very serious and possibly even fatal, especially after a person who has taken high doses of this medication for an extended period of time suddenly stops taking it. Signs of withdrawal include irritability, nervousness, anxiety, trembling, seizures, and trouble sleeping. Regular clonazepam side effects may also continue for months, even after a patient stops taking the medication. Hallucinations, memory loss, and depression are a few of these symptoms.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By burcinc — On Sep 20, 2013
Clonazepam makes me sleepy, but that's the case with most antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. I'm more worried about the memory issues I've been having. I've been on clonazepam for three years and I feel like my memory gets worse and worse every year. I can't remember things like where I put my keys and what I had for lunch.

If it continues like this, I'm probably going to have to withdraw from clonazepam even though it has been very helpful for my anxiety.

Is anyone else experiencing memory issues from clonazepam?

By stoneMason — On Sep 19, 2013

@turkay1-- I think depression is a rare side effect of clonazepam but it's definitely possible.

Clonazepam, when it's used for depression, is usually prescribed with another antidepressant. If you're using clonazepam by itself, that might be why you're experiencing more depression. You need to talk to your doctor about this. He might give an an additional medication or switch you to something else altogether.

By candyquilt — On Sep 18, 2013

I'm taking clonazepam for depression and for some reason, it is making me even more depressed. I'm so frustrated.

Is this a common side effect?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-clonazepam-side-effects.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.