What Are The Side Effects Of Klonapin?

Posted on Thu, 19 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 6 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I was taking Ativan and my Dr., switched me to Klonapin at my last visit. I don't feel as well on the Klonapin. What possible side effects could be caused by this switch of drugs?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Over all both drugs have almost same efficacy and side effects

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

ATIVAN is Lorazepam and KLONOPIN is Clonazepam. Both drugs are benzodiazepines and have almost same efficacy and side effect profile except time of onset of action. If we consider equivalent doses then 0.5 MG of Clonazepam are equal to 2 MG of Lorazepam. If you are taking the doses in same equivalence then there are very less chances of any symptoms or side effects. Over all switch of drugs will not cause any side effects except some mild restlessness and increase in anxiety which is controllable. No need to worry.

Thanks, please ask again if you have more doubts.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (32 minutes later)

I am also taking mirtazapine 7.5 mg. Any problem with taking these drugs together?

Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes the drugs can be used together

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking a follow up question

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant drug and belong to different group than Clonazepam. There is no problem in taking these drugs together. They are totally safe to use together. At 7.5 mg doses Mirtazapine helps in sleep and results in antidepressant effect. It has no significant drug interactions with Clonazepam.

Thanks, still have more doubts please ask again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar