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Uses for Klonopin

Klonopin is the brand name for the drug clonazepam. It is classified as a benzodiazepine and used for a variety of purposes. It is primarily used to control anxiety disorders and panic attacks. However, it can also be used for seizures such as petit mal seizures, akinetic seizures, and myoclonus, as well as for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Klonopin generally works by slowing electrical signals in the brain by releasing the neurotransmitter GABA, which slows brain activity and blocks electrical signals in the brain.

  1. Petit Mal Seizures

    • A petit mal seizure, also called an absence seizure, is a spell of staring caused by a brain disruption due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These do usually not last particularly long--only around 15 seconds--and usually only affect people under the age of 20. Petit mals can occur with tonic-clonic seizures, or grand mal seizures, and may be accompanied by twitching, jerking or absence of muscle strength.

    Akinetic Seizures

    • Akinetic seizures, also known as atonic seizures, drop seizures or drop attacks, occur when disturbances in brain electricity cause lapses in muscle control. These seizures also last about 15 seconds. They begin in childhood and can persist into adulthood, but they cause no permanent muscle damage. Since these seizures may occur when someone is in an upright position or during walking or movement, the seizure results in falling and sometimes injury.

    Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

    • Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, also Lennox syndrome, is the child onset of epilepsy. It is very difficult to treat and often occurs between the ages of 2 and 6. It is basically caused by experiencing a number of different and infrequent seizure types, which makes it terribly hard to control. It is usually accompanied by a developmental disorder or mental retardation.

    Myoclonus

    • Myoclonus is a brief involuntary twitching or jerking of the muscle or a system of muscles. Myocolnus is usually experienced while falling asleep but can be experienced while fully awake. Myoclonus can be a sign of a number of neurological disorders. The seizures may occur in patterns or infrequently. Myoclonus is usually caused by a central nervous system disorder.

    Anxiety Disorders

    • Klonopin is commonly used to treat panic and anxiety disorders, the cause of which is unknown. Anxiety disorder is an overwhelming sense of worry, while panic disorder is an overwhelming sense of fear sometimes accompanied by psychosis such as derealization or depersonalization. Anxiety and panic are often produced by hyperactivity in the brain and anxiety.

    Conclusion

    • Klonopin in an extremely useful drug used for many medical purposes. The only drawback to Klonopin is the risk of addiction. Because it is a benzodiazepine, Klonopin can be highly addictive for some patients. However, when administered properly, the drug may prevent many medical afflictions and improve the overall quality of life for many people.

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