Klonopin has a
Highlights
- To get a prescription for Klonopin (clonazepam), it’s necessary to consult with a healthcare provider who can assess the symptoms and define if this medication is right for you.
- Klonopin is FDA-approved to treat panic disorder and can help with anxiety associated with this condition.
- It’s essential to discuss Klonopin’s side effects, precautions, and contraindications with your healthcare provider before taking it.
Brand name: Klonopin
Generic name: clonazepam
Drug class: benzodiazepine
Dosage forms: tablets
FDA-approved uses: panic disorder, seizure disorders
Klonopin (clonazepam) is a prescription medication that is used to treat anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder. It belongs to a class of benzodiazepines that temporarily inhibit certain areas of activity in the brain helping to alleviate panic attacks and anxiety associated with them. Read on to learn more about how it works, its benefits, what risks it may pose, and who can qualify to get a Klonopin prescription online.
How Does Klonopin Work?
Klonopin (clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine. Among other effects, it helps to regulate heart rate and respiration, providing a relatively fast relief for panic attacks, where acute symptoms should be eliminated.
As a CNS depressant, clonazepam promotes calmness. It works as a
What Is Clonazepam Prescribed for?
Clonazepam can be used to treat
Klonopin can also help with anxiety related to panic disorder. For example, a person may have a fear of having more attacks, having an attack in unfamiliar settings, being judged because of physical symptoms of anxiety, or associated agoraphobia. Clonazepam can be prescribed together with antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) because benzodiazepines only suit short-term symptom management.
Other FDA-approved uses include seizure disorders. Off-label uses may include insomnia and restless leg syndrome, among others
How to Get Prescribed Klonopin (Clonazepam)?
Whether you see a healthcare provider in a medical facility or through telehealth, the process includes similar steps. It all starts with a health evaluation and choosing the right treatment approach. This is what’s involved in discussing medication management options and receiving a prescription:
- Consult a healthcare professional. The first step is to consult a licensed healthcare provider, either your primary care physician, psychiatrist, or another medical provider with proper qualifications.
- Discuss your symptoms. During the consultation, a healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and other important details related to your condition to ensure there are no contraindications or potential drug interactions.
- Choose the right treatment. After a detailed evaluation, a healthcare provider will render a diagnosis and suggest a suitable treatment plan to manage your symptoms. It may or may not include a prescription for Klonopin depending on individual factors. If you get a prescription, it will be sent digitally to a pharmacy of your choice.
- Stick to your treatment plan. Follow your doctor’s guidelines on the dosage and duration of clonazepam therapy to limit the risk of side effects.
- Follow up with your provider. When taking clonazepam, it’s important to periodically see the doctor to discuss your treatment progress and any need for prescription refills or choosing another course of action.
Note that booking an appointment doesn’t guarantee obtaining a prescription. The decision is at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
Who Can Prescribe Klonopin?
Psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and other medical practitioners (Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic medicine, etc.) have the authority to prescribe controlled medications like Klonopin.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) may also be able to prescribe clonazepam, but this is highly dependent on the state in which you’re receiving care and the practitioner’s certification.
Can Online Doctors Prescribe Klonopin?
Yes, a qualified online doctor can prescribe Klonopin using telehealth technology. An online psychiatrist or another medical professional can prescribe clonazepam after a detailed symptom assessment and send the valid prescription electronically to a pharmacy near you.
What to Ask Your Doctor About Clonazepam?
Although Klonopin is
- Your symptoms, including the presence or absence of anxiety attacks, their frequency and severity, and how the symptoms are impacting your daily life.
- Your medical history, such as other health conditions.
- Medications you’re currently taking or took in the recent past, including supplements and over-the-counter medications.
- If you were taking clonazepam in the past, tell the doctor about its effects back then.
Concentrate on illustrating your symptoms and concerns rather than directly telling your doctor you want to get a clonazepam prescription. The primary goal is to choose the most suitable treatment, so depending on the results of the assessment, your physician may prescribe an alternative better suited for your condition or specific symptoms.
In addition, you can ask your healthcare provider the following questions:
- How long should I take Klonopin?
- How often should I come for follow-up appointments and what changes should I monitor?
- How do I know clonazepam is not working for me? What alternative treatments can help me in this case?
- Are there any side effects I should know about? Which of them go away on their own and which require medical attention?
- What if I stop Klonopin abruptly? Are there withdrawal symptoms?
- How can I avoid addiction to clonazepam and how do I know I become addicted?
Klonopin Cost
The cost of thirty 0.5 mg Klonopin tablets is from $99 to $118. Since Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, not all insurance providers cover it and some require prior authorization, so make sure to learn more about coverage options and prerequisites.
Many insurance plans cover the generic version, clonazepam. Its out-of-pocket cost is from $20 to $30. You can discuss this option with your healthcare provider to find the most suitable treatment. Remember that the cost may change depending on your location and pharmacy.
Who May Not Be Prescribed Klonopin: Contraindications and Precautions
Clonazepam may not be the best choice for some patients because of potential negative effects. It might not be suitable if you have:
- Allergy to clonazepam or severe side effects from other anxiety medications.
- A personality disorder, ADHD, or depression.
- Present or past alcohol or drug abuse.
- Acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Kidney, liver, or lung problems.
Klonopin is not suitable for
Also, Klonopin can interact with other anti-anxiety medications, opioids, medications for insomnia, specific pain medications, antihistamines, and some others. Always discuss with your medical provider the medications you are taking or have to start taking while on Klonopin to learn how to avoid interactions.
Note that this list of contraindications is not exhaustive, and it’s essential to discuss your health history in detail during an appointment with a clinician.
Risks and Side Effects
The most common side effects of Klonopin include:
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Disturbed sleep, such as vivid dreams
- Muscle weakness and coordination issues
Some possibly serious side effects include:
- Allergic reactions (rash or hives)
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- The whites of your eyes turn yellow — an indication of liver problems
- Auditory or visual hallucinations
- Excessive nosebleeds
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Dependence and addiction
Seek immediate medical help if you have severe shortness of breath.
To reduce the possibility of severe side effects, take Klonopin only as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Otherwise, clonazepam can become habit-forming, which means there’s potential for misuse and addiction. This is part of the reason you cannot get Klonopin online without a prescription. Also, avoid operating heavy machinery while taking Klonopin and tell your provider about any disturbing changes in your mental health changes.
If you’re experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts and require immediate assistance, contact a crisis hotline, such as 911, 988 suicide & crisis lifeline (toll-free), or Samaritans (116-123 or via chat).
Klonopin Alternatives
The choice of an alternative treatment depends on a specific condition. For panic disorder, a healthcare provider may prescribe another benzodiazepine medicine or an antidepressant. Xanax (alprazolam) can help with panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder. Valium (diazepam) is suitable for anxiety disorders, seizure disorders, and muscle spasms.
When it comes to antidepressants for anxiety treatment, commonly prescribed medications include Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Lexapro (escitalopram). Antidepressants may be considered for chronic anxiety, the need for long-term treatment (which is not recommended in the case of benzodiazepines), or co-occurring depression. Also, antidepressants are chosen over benzodiazepines if the latter cause severe side effects or a person has a history of substance abuse or addiction.
Note that medication is not the only option for anxiety treatment. You may be referred to a psychologist or a psychotherapist and get recommendations on self-help techniques. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy is proven effective for anxiety, leading to
Summary
You may be prescribed Klonopin online if your healthcare provider identifies it as the most suitable treatment option. The choice of medication is always based on the diagnosis, medical history, and other individual specifics.
