Clonazepam or rivotril is a widely used drug that has an effect on the central nervous system.
In this article we will talk about its indications, its effects and the precautions to be taken during treatment.
- The active ingredient clonazepam.
- Also marketed under the brand name Rivotril.
- Is a benzodiazepine that is mainly used as an antiepileptic.
- Both in children and adolescents and adults.
Several pharmacological presentations of this drug can be found, marketed as tablets and oral drops, as well as in injectable preparation for intravenous or intramuscular administration.
The intravenous line is usually used to treat “the condition of epileptic disease”. However, the intramuscular route should be reserved for exceptional situations.
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine and, as such, has antiepileptic, sedative, muscle relaxant and anxiolytic effect; however, it is generally mainly used in the treatment of epilepsy.
Therapeutic indications of clonazepam, according to its data sheet, are:
It is particularly useful in the treatment of absence seizures and atypical absences, although it is also used effectively in panic attacks. In addition, it also has a high ability to stabilize mood.
It can be used alone or in combination with other medicines
Like the rest of benzodiazepines, clonazepam works by increasing the neurotransmission mediated by the neurotransmitter GABA, a gamma-aminobutyric acid inhibitor.
Therefore, this drug increases GABA receptor affinity and increases its effects when it increases its release.
As we have said, GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that relaxes brain arousal and reduces neural activity, and is widely distributed in our body. It is linked to many disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, etc.
In this sense, clonazepam, by increasing the inhibitory effect of GABA, decreases the activity of the central nervous system by suppressing seizures, for example.
The most common side effects of clonazepam treatment are
If adverse events are detected by administration of the medicinal product, the specialist should be consulted, who will consider whether a change of treatment is necessary or if dose adjustment is necessary.
It should be individualized for each patient, depending on their characteristics and response to the drug.
Treatment should not be discontinued without medical advice, as it is a drug that can be addictive and lead to withdrawal syndrome. This is especially true in prolonged treatments with high doses, but also in case of sudden dose changes.
Symptoms of withdrawal syndrome include
To avoid this, if you need to stop treatment, the specialist will give you instructions to reduce the dose gradually.
In case of overdose, it is common to observe symptoms such as drowsiness, nystagmus, decreased coordination of movements or difficulty speaking.
Sometimes it is necessary to apply a treatment to combat the symptoms, it may be necessary to administer flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist.
It should also be noted that clonazepam is a central nervous system depressant and can potentiate the effects of substances such as alcohol, nor should it be combined with beverages high in caffeine, for example.