|
Generic Name: Clonazepam
Other Names: Clonex, Klonopin
Rivotril and Pregnancy
The safety profile of clonazepam or rivotril during pregnancy carries a big doubt and question. The use of clonazepam or rivotril during pregnancy should only be used if the clinical benefits are believed to outweigh the clinical risks to the fetus.
Caution is also required if rivotril is used during breast feeding. Neonatal withdrawal syndrome associated with benzodiazepines include hypertonia, hyperreflexia, restlessness, irritability, abnormal sleep patterns, inconsolable crying, tremors or jerking of the extremities, bradycardia, cyanosis, suckling difficulties, apnea, risk of aspiration of feeds, diarrhea and vomiting, and growth retardation. If clonazepam is used during pregnancy or breast feeding it is recommended that serum levels of clonazepam are monitored and signs of central nervous system depression and apnea are also monitored for.
When is the drug Rivotril used?
Rivotril is used to treat seizure disorders. It helps by slowing the nerves activity in the brain. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. GABA is a chemical that, when released in the brain, acts as a calming agent and keeps the nerve activity in balance. Once the brain absorbs the GABA (uptake), this chemical can no longer act on the nerves. Too little GABA, the brain may become overexcited. Clonazepam acts on receptors in the brain (GABA receptors) to increase the release of GABA. This increases the calming effects of nerve cells by GABA. By calming nerve cells, clonazepam prevents excessively rapid and repetitive firing of electrical signals. Thereby electrical nerve activity in the brain is stabilised, leading to prevention and treatment of fits and maintenance of normal brain function.
How to take Rivotril?
- Take Rivotril by mouth with or without food.
- If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
- Swallow tablet whole with a full glass of water.
- If you are taking Rivotril for the prevention of seizures, taking Rivotril at the same times each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Rivotril even if you feel well.
- Do not miss any doses.
- Rivotril works best when there is a constant level of it in your body.
What is Klonopin and Rivotril relation?
Klonopin - generic clonazepam, sold outside the United States as Rivotril - is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorder as well as certain seizure disorders.
Uses of Rivotril:
Rivotril is used alone or along with other medications to treat convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. It is also prescribed for panic disorder - unexpected attacks of overwhelming panic accompanied by fear of recurrence. Rivotril belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How to Take Rivotril:
Take this medicine as directed. It can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting with your doctor.
Rivotril Side Effects:
Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:
-
drowsiness
-
dizziness
-
tiredness
-
weakness
-
dry mouth
-
diarrhea
-
upset stomach
-
changes in appetite
Warnings and precautions for Rivotril :
- Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Rivotril, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; cimetadine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); fluoxetine (Prozac); isoniazide (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid); ketoconazole (Nizoral); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); medications for depression, seizures, pain, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), muscle relaxants; oral contraceptives; phenytoin (Dilantin); probenecid (Benemid); propoxyphene (Darvon); propranolol (Inderal); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene); and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by clonazepam.
-
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clonazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), or any other drugs.
- Avoid Rivotril if at all possible during the first 3 months of pregnancy; there is a risk of birth defects. When taken later in pregnancy, the drug can cause other problems, such as withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Rivotril appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. Mothers taking this medication should not breastfeed.
- Rivotril slows the nervous system and its effects may be intensified by alcohol. Do not drink while taking this medication.
- Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
What to do if you take Overdose of Rivotril?
Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.
What to do if you take Missed Dose of Rivotril?
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
How to Store Rivotril:
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Rivotril:
|
|
| Depression Tip |
|
If unsure where to go for help, check the Yellow Pages under mental health, suicide prevention, hotlines, hospitals, or physicians for phone numbers and addresses.
Send us your Thoughts |
|
|

|
|
|