ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses clonazepam, a neuropsychotropic drug. It presents the approved indications of the drug for neuropsychological disorders, usual dosage and administration, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, and the mechanism of action. Information on relative contraindications, clinically significant drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and overdosage is also provided. Sold under the trade names Klonopin® and Rivotril®, clonazepam is prescribed for akinetic and myoclonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant epilepsy), and absence (petit mal) seizures that are refractory to succinimides (e.g., ethosuximide [Zarontin®], methsuximide [Celontin®]). Therapeutic blood concentrations for the anticonvulsant action of clonazepam have not yet been clearly established. Available data indicate that most patients experience seizure control at blood concentrations between 20 and 80 ng/ml. Clonazepam pharmacotherapy also has been associated with several adverse drug reactions such as palpitations, agitation, aggression, and antisocial behavior.
