Rivotril

Uses

What is Rivotril® (clonazepam) used for?

Rivotril® is a seizure medicine, also called an anti-epileptic drug.

Rivotril® is used to treat certain seizure disorders (including absence seizures or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) in adults and children.

Rivotril® is also used to treat panic disorder (including agoraphobia) in adults.

How should I take Rivotril® (clonazepam)?

Take Rivotril® by mouth. Take Rivotril® exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Rivotril® may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Misuse of habit-forming medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Rivotril® should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medication for longer than 9 weeks without your doctor’s advice.

How do I store Rivotril® (clonazepam)?

Rivotril® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Rivotril® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Rivotril® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Rivotril® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Rivotril® (clonazepam)?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Rivotril® or other medications.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

Do not take Rivotril® if:

• You have breathing problems or lung disease.
• You have severe liver problems.
• You have a condition called ‘myasthenia gravis’ (where your muscles become weak and get tired easily).
• You have a condition called ‘sleep apnea syndrome’ (where your breathing stops when you are asleep).
• You have problems with alcohol or drug (prescription or recreational) use.

To make sure Rivotril® is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• Kidney or liver disease
• Glaucoma
• Porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system)
• Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems
• A history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior;
• A history of mental illness, psychosis, or addiction to drugs or alcohol
• If you use a narcotic (opioid) medication.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There isn’t enough information about the safety of using Rivotril® during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Rivotril®.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Rivotril® (clonazepam)?

Side effects may occur when using this drug:

• Feeling tired or depressed
• Drowsiness, dizziness
• Memory problems
• Problems with balance or coordination

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Rivotril® (clonazepam)?

Rivotril® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Products that may interact with this drug are:

• Other medicines to treat epilepsy, such as carbamazepine, hydantoins, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone or sodium valproate.
• Cimetidine (used to treat stomach problems and heartburn).
• Rifampicin (an antibiotic used to treat infections).
• Medicines used to make you sleep (hypnotics).
• Medicines that help with anxiety (tranquillisers).
• Pain-killers (analgesics) and medicines to relax your muscles (muscle relaxants)

Does food or alcohol interact with Rivotril® (clonazepam)?

Rivotril® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Rivotril® (clonazepam)?

Rivotril® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Rivotril® (clonazepam).

What is the dose of Rivotril® (clonazepam) for an adult?

Your doctor will start you on a low dose of Rivotril® and gradually increase it over 2 to 4 weeks until the right dose has been found for you.

Your doctor will usually tell you to split your daily dose into three equal amounts which you will take at evenly spaced times throughout the day.

If the daily dose cannot be split equally, take the largest dose at bedtime.

Once your doctor has found the right dose for you, they may tell you to take Rivotril® as a single dose in the evening.

Adults and children over 12 years

• The usual starting dose is 1 mg a day, or less.
• This will be increased gradually (usually to between 4 mg and 8 mg a
• day). The maximum dose is 20 mg a day.

The elderly

• The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg a day, or less.
• This will be increased gradually (usually to between 4 mg and 8 mg a
• day). The maximum dose is 20 mg a day.

What is the dose of Rivotril® (clonazepam) for a child?

Infants (aged 0 to 1 year)

• The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg a day, or less.
• This will be increased gradually (usually to between 0.5 mg and 1 mg a day).

Small children (aged 1 to 5 years)

• The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg a day, or less.
• This will be increased gradually (usually to between 1 mg and 3 mg a day).

Older children (aged 5 to 12 years)

• The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg a day, or less.
• This will be increased gradually (usually to between 3 mg and 6 mg a day).

How is Rivotril® (clonazepam) available?

Rivotril® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Tablet 0,5mg

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Rivotril®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.