Side Effect of Klonopin - Social Anxiety
Side Effects of Klonopin
Generic Name: Clonazepam
Klonopin belongs to benzodiazepines drug group which affects unbalanced brain chemicals that cause social anxiety. It is commonly used to treat panic or seizure disorders.
Most Common Side Effects
- Respiratory infections, like common cold (affects 10% of users)
- Dizziness (affects 12% of users)
- Behavioral problems (affects 25% of users)
- Problems with coordination (affects 30% of users)
- Drowsiness (affects 50% of users)
Side effects affecting 1% to 10% of users:
- Fatigue
- Coughing
- Runny or irritated nose
- Speech problems
- Painful menstruation or menstrual cramps
- Sore throat
- Sinus infections
- Sexual problems
- Decrease in sex drive
- Confusion
Serious Side Effects
- Symptoms of allergic reactions, like strange swelling, hives, itches and unexplained rashes
- Insomnia
- Trouble breathing
- Hallucination
- Rage, aggression or hostility
- Memory problem
- Agitation, restlessness or anxiety
- Thoughts of suicide
- Depression
- Balance problems (falling frequently)
Note: Some Klonopin side effects are possibly serious, even if they only occur occasionally, and must be instantly reported to a healthcare provider.
Other Potential Side Effects
Klonopin could have other potential side effects which aren’t included in the commonly experienced side effects list.
- Increased salivation
- Vertigo
- Toothaches
- Swelling of the ankle or foot
- Migraine
- Weight gain/weight loss
- Muscle cramps
- Asthma attacks
- Increased sneezing
- Back pain
- Hair loss
- Nosebleeds
- Gout
- Vision problems
- Bladder problems
- Taste loss problems (thus affecting appetite)
- Hemorrhoids
- Ear infections
- Acne
- Motion sickness
- Drunken behaviour
Warning
- Klonopin must not be used if you have a serious liver disease or if you’re allergic to benzodiazepine drugs.
- Never take Klonopin if you are pregnant or suspect that you’re pregnant without informing your doctor first. The drug could possibly harm the fetus; it could also result to breathing and feeding problems in newborns. However, if you take Klonopin to control seizures but became pregnant, continue with the medication but consult your doctor to be on the safe side.
- Never drink alcohol while taking Klonopin, since the drug will just increase the alcohol’s effect.
Side note: I am currently taking Klonopin for social anxiety on a daily basis. I have been on this for the last few years but have been cutting back very, very slowly. I’ve been on Klonopin (and Xanax) for years, so I’m not in a hurry to taper off Klonopin quickly. I’ll take my time and when I get over this “addiction” – it will be a better life for me.
Bottom line – take your time in tapering off the medication. In the long run, it will be better for you.