clonazepam /klōnaz″əpam/ , a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of absence seizures in patients unresponsive to succinimides, of atonic and myotonic seizures, and of panic disorder. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Liver disease, acute narrow-angle glaucoma, pregnancy, or known hypersensitivity to this drug or to other benzodiazepine drugs prohibits its use. It is not given during lactation. Interactions with alcohol may increase phenytoin levels. The herbs kava-kava and valerian may increase sedation. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse reactions are thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, eosinophilia, and respiratory depression. Abuse and addiction are serious problems and are not uncommon.
