What is Klonopin (clonazepam) used for?

Klonopin is a prescription medication used to treat panic attacks (sudden attacks of extreme worry and fear). It is also used alone or in combination with other medications to control seizures. In addition, there may be other uses of Klonopin. Your healthcare professional can provide further information.

How does Klonopin (clonazepam) work?

Klonopin works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity (excitement) in the brain.

What are Klonopin (clonazepam) doses?

Klonopin is available in tablet form in doses of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. It is also available as an orally disintegrating tablet in 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg.

For the treatment of seizure disorders, the initial dose in adults is usually 1.5 mg/day in three divided doses. The dose can be increased by 0.5 to 1 mg every 3 days until seizures are controlled or until side effects preclude any further dose increase. The maintenance dosage of Klonopin is individualized for each patient, depending on the response. The maximum recommended daily dose of Klonopin is 20 mg.

In infants and children up to 10 years of age (or 30 kg body weight), the dose of Klonopin for seizure control is based on body weight. 

For the treatment of panic disorder in adults, the initial dose is 0.25 mg twice a day. This can be increased to a target dose of 1 mg/day after 3 days. Studies have shown that a dose of 1 mg/day produces optimal effects. Higher doses of 2, 3, and 4 mg/day of Klonopin for panic attacks were found to be less effective and cause more side effects. However, some patients may benefit from higher doses, up to a maximum of 4 mg/day.