What Are The Side Effects Of Lonapam?

Hello, Lonapam is clonazepam, it is a benzodiazepine. This medicine is prescribed for: • Jerky movements • A seizure-like episode • Muscle tightness • Anxiety-related symptoms that trigger body jerks It is not medication we keep people on for years without a clear diagnosis. The most frequent side effects of Lonapam that are commonly seen are: • Slowness or feelings of sleepiness • Daytime fatigue • Poor concentration • Dizziness • Balance problems • Memory problems • Dependence if taken long term • Withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly This is why Clonazepam needs careful monitoring. It is a psychotropic medicine and cannot be stopped on your own. About your jerks/fits once after bike riding. One episode of jerks does not necessarily signify epilepsy. It can occur because of: • Neck-strain irritating nerves after an accident • Anxiety and muscle spasm • For one isolated seizure-like event To say weak nerve in the neck is not a proper medical diagnosis. That is too vague. If you have been taking Lonapam for 3 years based on that explanation alone, you really need a proper review now. You should not continue depending on Lonapam without a new neurological assessment. Three years on this medicine is a very long time, especially when the original episode happened only once. A neurologist will decide on whether you actually have seizure disorder, or this was a one-time event related to neck strain. Also whether the dose of Lonapam is adequate, and whether Lonapam can be tapered slowly. Do not stop the medicine abruptly-it may provoke more jerks. For now, get a check-up with a neurologist. They may order an EEG and, possibly, a neck or brain scan depending upon your symptoms. Discuss the possibility of gradually reducing the medication. This would facilitate a proper diagnosis instead of simply continuing a strong medicine in a blind way. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further query I will be happy to help. Wish you good health. Regards, Dr. Usaid Yousuf, General and Family Physician