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Klonopin Indications

Klonopin, the brand name of the drug clonazepam, is used to treat a variety of diseases and symptoms in both adults and children. Klonopin works by decreasing the amount of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, notes the National Institutes of Health's Medline Plus website. Klonopin should only be used under a doctor's care and for appropriate indications.

  1. Panic Disorders

    • Klonopin is licensed to treat panic attacks and panic disorders. Panic disorders cause people to have sudden and unexpected periods of fear and dread that are often extreme. The attacks may cause sufferers to feel they are having a heart attack and cause physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, heavy breathing and shaking. In addition, some suffers are also diagnosed with agoraphobia, the fear of having a panic attack in public, that leaves them homebound. EMedTV notes that Klonopin may be used to treat panic disorders where agoraphobia is present as well those where it is not present.

    Seizures

    • Klonopin is approved for use to treat, or help treat, certain types of epileptic seizures. According to eMedTV, there are more than 30 different types of epileptic seizures, with Klonopin being approved for use with four different seizure types. Klonopin may be used to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome seizures, associated with a severe type of epilepsy; akinetic or atonic seizures, identified by a sudden loss in muscle tone; myoclonic seizures, which cause brief and sudden muscle jerking; and absence seizures, characterized by a decrease in awareness or feelings of spacing out.

    Off-Label

    • In addition to its approved forms of usage, Klonopin is often prescribed off-label to treat other conditions. Klonopin may be suggested to patients who suffer akathisia, or the need for constant movement, as a result of taking an antipsychotic medication or from a diagnosis of restless leg syndrome; are in an acute catatonic state; are going through alcohol withdrawal; suffer from insomnia; or deal with other types of panic disorders. The MedlinePlus website notes that patients should talk to a doctor or pharmacist for more information about using Klonopin for off-label indications.

    For Children

    • Klonopin is available for use in children to treat seizures at all ages, though it has not been approved to treat childhood panic disorders. Klonopin may be given off-label to children, though parents should discuss the risks and benefits of using the drug with their family doctor.

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