Clonazepam is a prescription medication used to treat panic disorder, certain types of seizures, and the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. The C1 imprint on blue pills indicates that it is a 1 mg dose of clonazepam made by a specific manufacturer.
What is clonazepam?
Clonazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that promotes calmness and relaxation. Specifically, clonazepam binds to GABA receptors in the brain, which decreases nerve activity in the brain and central nervous system.
Clonazepam was approved by the FDA in 1975 under the brand name Klonopin for the treatment of seizure disorders. It is also widely prescribed off-label for conditions like panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social phobia.
Medical uses
Some of the main uses of clonazepam include:
- Treating certain types of seizures: Clonazepam helps prevent seizures by calming overactive nerve activity in the brain. It is most commonly used for myoclonic seizures and akinetic seizures.
- Managing panic disorder: Clonazepam can quickly relieve symptoms of panic attacks and reduce anxiety levels in those with panic disorder.
- Short-term anxiety relief: Clonazepam may be prescribed short-term for disabling anxiety or anxiety that doesn’t respond to other medications. It can help calm excessive worrying and tension.
- Alcohol withdrawal: Under medical supervision, clonazepam may be used short-term to control seizures and tremors during alcohol detox.
Mechanism of action
Clonazepam enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It binds to GABA-A receptors in the brain, increasing GABA’s effects. This results in decreased nerve signaling, which produces a calming effect.
Clonazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Benzodiazepines work by increasing the effects of GABA at its receptors throughout the central nervous system.
Key facts about clonazepam
Some key facts about clonazepam include:
- It comes as an oral tablet in doses of 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg.
- The effects start within 1-4 hours and can last up to 12 hours.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness.
- More serious risks include addiction, depression, respiratory depression, and suicidal thoughts.
- It has a high potential for misuse and dependence.
- Withdrawal symptoms can occur if stopped suddenly after regular use.
- Clonazepam use in pregnancy may cause harm to the fetus.
- Drinking alcohol while taking clonazepam greatly increases the effects and risks.
- The medication may cause memory loss or impair thinking, especially at high doses.
- Clonazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse.
What do the C1 and blue color indicate?
The C1 imprint and blue color of these clonazepam pills indicate key facts:
- C1 – This identifies the manufacturer (Corepharma LLC) and 1 mg dose.
- Blue color – Help distinguishing between different doses (0.5 mg = orange, 1 mg = blue, 2 mg = white).
- Round shape – Helps distinguish it as a generic form of Klonopin brand.
- The pills likely contain the following:
- Active ingredient: 1 mg clonazepam
- Inactive ingredients: corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and FD&C Blue No. 1
So in summary, the C1 imprint and blue color indicate these pills are 1 mg generic clonazepam made by Corepharma LLC.
Dosage and administration
The typical dosage of clonazepam depends on the condition being treated. General dosage guidelines include:
| Condition | Initial dosage | Maximum daily dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Panic disorder | 0.25-0.5 mg taken 3 times per day | 4 mg |
| Seizure disorders | 0.5-1 mg taken 2-3 times per day | 20 mg |
| Anxiety disorders | 0.25-0.5 mg taken 3 times per day | 4 mg |
Clonazepam is usually taken 2-3 times per day with or without food. The dose may be gradually increased by 0.25-0.5 mg every 3 days to improve tolerance.
For anxiety, the dose is typically taken for a short period of weeks or months. For seizures, clonazepam is taken on a regular basis as prescribed by the doctor.
It is important not to crush, chew, or break clonazepam tablets unless advised by your doctor. Extended-release formulations should be swallowed whole.
Side effects
Clonazepam may cause various side effects, especially when starting treatment. Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Unsteadiness
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Depression
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Changes in sex drive
Clonazepam can impair coordination, balance and reaction time. Caution must be taken when operating machinery or vehicles after use.
Clonazepam may cause dependence, abuse, and withdrawal when used long-term. It also carries risks of overdose and suicidal thoughts. Seek medical help right away if any serious side effects develop.
Warnings and precautions
Clonazepam has important safety warnings and precautions to consider before use:
- Abuse and dependence – Clonazepam has a high risk for abuse and addiction.
- Withdrawal symptoms – Suddenly stopping clonazepam after regular use can cause dangerous effects. Withdrawal must be gradual under medical care.
- Respiratory depression – Clonazepam may slow or stop breathing, especially when misused in high doses.
- Depressed mood – Clonazepam may worsen depression, thoughts of suicide, and cause changes in behavior.
- Paradoxical reactions – Agitation, aggression, and psychosis may occur.
- Pregnancy risks – Use during pregnancy may harm the fetus. Discuss alternatives with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Drug interactions – Concomitant use of opioids, antidepressants, alcohol or other drugs can increase sedation, breathing problems, overdose and death.
Clonazepam should be used with extreme caution in those with a history of substance abuse, depression, respiratory disease, liver or kidney disease, and sleep apnea. It is also not recommended for elderly patients due to increased sensitivity.
Potential for abuse
There is a high risk for abuse and addiction with clonazepam use. Key facts include:
- Clonazepam triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, which reinforces continued use.
- Tolerance develops rapidly, needing higher doses to achieve the same effect.
- Withdrawal symptoms emerge once regular use is stopped suddenly.
- Symptoms of clonazepam withdrawal include anxiety, shaking, sweating, insomnia, and sensory disturbances.
- A doctor can help slowly taper clonazepam use to help avoid withdrawal.
- Those with a history of substance abuse have an increased risk of abusing clonazepam.
- Using clonazepam with other substances like alcohol or opioids greatly increases the potential for overdose.
- Clonazepam abuse may lead to disability, hospitalization, and death in some cases.
Signs of clonazepam abuse include taking it in higher doses or longer than prescribed, as well as showing drug-seeking behaviors. Be sure to follow dosage instructions carefully when using clonazepam.
Overdose
Clonazepam overdose occurs when someone takes excessive amounts of the medication, whether intentionally or accidentally. An overdose is a medical emergency that may lead to:
- Severe drowsiness
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Slowed reflexes
- Coma
- Respiratory depression
- Death
A clonazepam overdose can be managed by taking certain steps. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help right away. Treatment may involve:
- Gastric lavage to remove the clonazepam from the stomach
- IV fluids and oxygen support
- Charcoal to help absorb the clonazepam
- Naloxone to reverse severe respiratory depression
- Benzodiazepine antagonists like flumazenil
- Monitoring of blood pressure, temperature, breathing and heart rate
- Psychiatric assessment and intensive care monitoring
Do not try to treat a clonazepam overdose on your own. With early treatment, many effects of an overdose can be reversed. Seek emergency help right away in the event of an overdose.
Drug interactions
Clonazepam may interact with a variety of medications and substances. Some interactions to be aware of include:
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants
Concomitant use with alcohol, opioids, antihistamines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and other CNS depressants can cause excessive sedation, trouble breathing, coma, and death.
CYP3A4 inhibitors
Medications that inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes can decrease clonazepam metabolism and clearance, increasing its effects and side effects.
CYP3A4 inducers
Medications that induce CYP3A4 enzymes can speed up clonazepam metabolism, reducing its effects in the body.
Digoxin
Clonazepam may raise digoxin levels in the body, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Warnings signs of clonazepam abuse
Some red flags that may indicate clonazepam abuse include:
- Taking clonazepam without a prescription
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors (“doctor shopping”)
- Taking clonazepam by alternate routes (e.g. injecting, snorting)
- Combining clonazepam with alcohol or other drugs
- Continuing use despite physical, social or legal consequences
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school or home
- Spending significant time and money trying to obtain more clonazepam
- Acting defensive or secretive about clonazepam use
- Experiencing symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop using clonazepam
If you notice these behaviors in yourself or a loved one, seek help from a doctor or addiction specialist right away.
Safe storage and disposal
To prevent misuse, clonazepam should be stored securely and disposed of properly when no longer needed. Recommendations include:
- Keep clonazepam in a secure, locked location out of reach of others.
- Do not share or give your clonazepam medication to anyone else.
- Take doses exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Keep track of the amount remaining.
- Safely dispose of unused or expired clonazepam at authorized collection sites.
- Mix clonazepam with an unpalatable substance and throw away sealed container with household trash.
- Flush clonazepam down the toilet only if advised by the FDA and your local waste management authorities.
Proper storage and disposal prevents the misuse of leftover clonazepam. Do not flush large quantities without checking guidelines first, and never share clonazepam with anyone.
Conclusion
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine medication used for treating seizures, panic disorder, and anxiety symptoms. The C1 imprint and blue color indicate that a pill contains 1 mg of generic clonazepam made by Corepharma. When used appropriately under medical supervision, clonazepam can provide therapeutic benefits. However, it also carries risks like sedation, abuse potential, withdrawal symptoms, and overdose. To use clonazepam safely, be sure to follow all dosage instructions and safety precautions.