It’s important to take clonazepam exactly as your doctor tells you to. Keep taking the medicine, but speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.

Dosage and strength

Clonazepam tablets come in strengths of 0.5mg, 1mg or 2mg. The liquid contains either 0.5mg or 2mg in 5ml.

If you’re taking it for epilepsy or muscle spasms you’ll usually start on a low dose and gradually increase it over 2 to 4 weeks until your doctor thinks the dose is right for you.

Your doctor will tell you if you need to take clonazepam in 1 dose or split your dose so you take it up to 3 times each.

How to take it

Take clonazepam tablets with a drink of water.

You can take the tablets or liquid with or without food.

If you’re taking clonazepam as a liquid, the medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

How long to take it for

How long you take clonazepam for will depend on why you’re taking it.

When used for epilepsy, clonazepam is usually prescribed long term.

For other conditions, your doctor will want to regularly review if you still need it.

If you’re prescribed clonazepam for more than 4 weeks, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually before stopping it, to prevent withdrawal symptoms.