Clonazepam: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Seizure Disorders: Clonazepam is useful alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic, and myoclonic seizures.
- Data source
- FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (label be383e56…)
- Label version
- current
- Last reviewed
- 2026
Reported adverse reactions
Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.
| Adverse reaction (as reported in labeling) | Reported frequency* |
|---|---|
| Somnolence † | 50% |
| Tract infection † | 10% |
| Coordination abnormal † | 9% |
| Fatigue | 9% |
| Ataxia † | 8% |
| Sinusitis | 8% |
| Somnolence | 7% |
| Dysmenorrhea | 6% |
| Coordination abnormal | 6% |
| Memory disturbance | 5% |
| Constipation † | 5% |
| Influenza | 5% |
| Depression | 4% |
| Dysarthria † | 4% |
| Rhinitis | 4% |
| Coughing | 4% |
| Allergic reaction | 4% |
| Myalgia | 4% |
| Colpitis | 4% |
| Libido decreased | 3% |
*Highest percentage reported for the active moiety across placebo-controlled trial tables in current FDA labeling. Values reflect trial reporting, not your individual risk.
Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Seizure Disorders: Clonazepam is useful alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic, and myoclonic seizures. In patients with absence seizures (petit mal) who have failed to respond to succinimides, clonazepam may be useful. Some loss of effect may occur during the course of clonazepam treatment (see PRECAUTIONS : Loss of Effect). Panic Disorder: Clonazepam is indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, as defined in DSM-V. Panic disorder is characterized by the occurrence of unexpected panic attacks and associated concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications or consequences of the attacks, and/or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks. The efficacy of clonazepam was established in two 6- to 9-week trials in panic disorder patients whose diagnoses corresponded to the DSM-IIIR category of panic disorder (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL TRIALS). Panic disorder (DSM-V) is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, i.e., a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort in which four (or more) of the following symptoms deve…
Conditions associated with Clonazepam in labeling
Anxiety and Panic
Persistent anxiety and panic symptoms that affect daily function and well-being....
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Palpitations
The sensation of a racing, pounding, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat....
Panic Attacks
Sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and breathlessness....
Panic Disorder
A condition marked by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with intense fear and physical symptoms such as palp...
Shortness of Breath
A feeling of being unable to catch your breath or get enough air, which can be sudden or gradual....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clonazepam used for?
FDA labeling lists the approved uses shown above under "Labeled uses." This summary is informational; only a qualified prescriber can determine whether a medication is appropriate for you.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of Clonazepam?
The table above shows adverse reactions and the highest frequencies reported in placebo-controlled trials summarized in current FDA labeling for Clonazepam. Individual risk varies.
Does Clonazepam require lab monitoring?
Monitoring needs vary. Ask your healthcare provider whether any lab tests apply while taking Clonazepam.
Where does this information come from?
All clinical facts on this page were extracted from the current FDA-registered product labeling for this ingredient, published by manufacturers through NIH DailyMed. See the source link below.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content extracted from public FDA labeling. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.