What it means
A benzodiazepine taken by mouth, as tablets or tablets that dissolve in the mouth. It is used to prevent some kinds of seizures and to treat panic disorder. Sleepiness, dizziness, unsteadiness and memory problems are common, and it can cause dependence. Its name looks and sounds like several other drugs, so mix-ups happen.
For the nurse
Use fall and seizure precautions. Teach the client not to stop it suddenly, which can bring on seizures, and to avoid alcohol and other sedating drugs. Read the label carefully: it is easily confused with clonidine, clozapine, alprazolam and lorazepam.
At a glance
| Drug class | benzodiazepine (anticonvulsant, anxiolytic) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Klonopin |
| Spanish | clonazepam |
| Also written | Klonopin |
Easy to confuse with
lorazepam
A benzodiazepine drug that calms anxiety, causes sleepiness and stops seizures.
alprazolam
A benzodiazepine drug taken by mouth to treat anxiety and panic disorder.
clozapine
An atypical antipsychotic drug used for schizophrenia when other antipsychotics have not worked.
clonidine
A drug that acts in the brain to lower nerve signals that tighten blood vessels, used for high blood pressure and other conditions.
Related terms
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
lorazepam
A benzodiazepine drug that calms anxiety, causes sleepiness and stops seizures.
alprazolam
A benzodiazepine drug taken by mouth to treat anxiety and panic disorder.