Clonazepam information sheet

• It must be prescribed by a doctor. You should never give your child anyone else's medications.  

• It is usually used with other anti-seizure medication in epilepsies that are difficult to control. 

• This medication should not be stopped suddenly as seizures may increase or your child can have a withdrawal reaction to stopping the medication, especially if they have been using clonazepam for a long time. 

Clonazepam is prescribed in either a liquid or tablet form. The liquid (oral) preparation requires great care in its usage to avoid overdose:

• The oral liquid is measured in DROPS only (not in millilitres - do not draw up into a syringe). 
• The drops should not be administered directly into the mouth. 
• Drops should be counted onto a spoon and preferably given directly, or can be mixed with little bit of water, juice, or milk if desired.  
• Ensure you discuss with your doctor exactly how many drops should be used for your child. 

Drug monitoring is not performed. 

• If your child vomits within 30 minutes after having their dose, then repeat the dose.
• If it is longer than 30 minutes since having the dose you do not need to repeat the dose, but if vomiting or diarrhoea continues, seek medical help.

• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered.
• The next due dose should be taken at the usual time.
• However, if the missed dose is remembered in close proximity to the next due dose (i.e. within 3 to 4 hours of the next dose), please seek medical advice.
• If unsure about what to do, the treating GP, epilepsy nurse, paediatrician or neurologist should be contacted.

Paxam

• Keep your tablets in the bottle until it is time to take them.
• Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Sourced from NPS MedicineWise

Rivotril

• Keep the tablets in the blister foil in a cool dry place below 30°C.
• Keep the oral liquid bottle in a cool dry place below 25°C.

Sourced from NPS MedicineWise

All medications have side effects. Not everyone will experience side effects. Below are some of the possible side effects your child may experience: 

Possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Dizziness or being unsteady
• Excess saliva and drooling
• Slurred speech
• Forgetfulness, confusion
• Irritability, hyper excitability
• Low mood
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Itchiness

More medically serious side effects:

• Depression of breathing (slow, shallow breathing), especially when taken with other medications that also increase drowsiness.
• A withdrawal syndrome (e.g. irritability and increased seizures) if stopped suddenly after long-term use.

Pregnancy and contraception 

• If a pregnancy is planned, a discussion with your neurologist is recommended.
• For further information, refer to the reproductive health section.

There are some drugs that are not compatible with Clobazam, so always tell your doctor that your child is taking Clobazam. This is also important if you are giving your child herbal or complementary medicines. The doctor can check to make sure they are compatible. Other medicines that cause sedation may have a cumulative effect. 

• When used with other medicines that also cause drowsiness, depression of breathing (slow, shallow breathing) can occur. This is particularly important in children with swallowing and breathing problems.
• Your doctor will check and make sure that other medications that your child is taking are compatible with Clonazepam. This is also important if you are giving your child herbal or complementary medicines. The doctor can check to make sure they are compatible. 

The information provided in this resource is limited and does not replace the need for a medical consultation. It is very important you speak to your doctor about all aspects of your medication including side effects when medication is first prescribed. Report any concerns to your doctor promptly.