Rivotril 0.5mg Tablets

Clonazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It calms activity in the brain and nerves.

It is used for:

• epilepsy (seizures or fits)
• panic disorder
• muscle spasms
• restless legs syndrome

For panic and restless legs it starts working in about an hour. For seizures it can take a few days to a week to work fully, as the dose is raised slowly.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Swallow tablets with a drink of water. You can take it with or without food.
• For the liquid, use the measuring syringe or spoon that comes with it, not a kitchen spoon.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never take 2 doses together.
• Do not stop without talking to your doctor. If you have taken it for more than 4 weeks, the dose is usually lowered slowly to avoid withdrawal effects.

Common side effects include:

• daytime sleepiness
• feeling dizzy, light-headed or unsteady
• muscle weakness
• disturbed sleep, such as vivid dreams

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• breathing difficulties or changes in your breathing (call an ambulance)
• yellow skin or eyes
• hallucinations, or unusual excitement, aggression or restlessness
• problems with coordination or movement
• easy bruising, nosebleeds, tiredness or breathlessness
• swollen ankles, racing heartbeat, cough and tiredness
• swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, or a severe rash

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have myasthenia gravis or sleep apnoea
• have lung, liver or kidney problems
• have ataxia (unsteadiness or slurred speech)
• have had problems with alcohol or drugs
• have depression, thoughts of self-harm, a personality disorder or a recent bereavement
• are due to have an operation or dental treatment with anaesthetic
• take opioid painkillers, other sleep or anxiety medicines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, epilepsy medicines, drowsy antihistamines, rifampicin, fluconazole or cimetidine

Avoid herbal remedies for sleep or anxiety, such as valerian.

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the sight and reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Dependence: the risk of addiction rises with use longer than 2 to 4 weeks. Stopping suddenly can cause confusion, fits, low mood, sweating and other withdrawal effects.

Alcohol: do not drink alcohol. Together they can cause very deep sleep and dangerous breathing problems.

Driving: do not drive or cycle if you feel sleepy, dizzy, clumsy or cannot concentrate.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your doctor first. It may be needed for epilepsy, but late in pregnancy it can make the newborn sleepy. Do not share a bed with your baby while taking it.