What is "clonazepam"

n. A benzodiazepine derivative with highly potent anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and anxiolytic properties.

Clonazepam, sold under the brand name Klonopin among others, is a medication used to prevent and treat seizures, panic disorder, and for the movement disorder known as akathisia. It is a tranquilizer of the benzodiazepine class. It is taken by mouth. It begins having an effect within an hour and lasts between six and 12 hours.

Common side effects include sleepiness, poor coordination, and agitation. It may increase risk of suicide. Long-term use may result in tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped. Dependence occurs in one-third of people who take clonazepam for longer than four weeks. If used during pregnancy it may result in harm to the baby. It binds to GABA receptors and increases the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA.

Clonazepam was initially patented in 1964 and went on sale in the United States in 1975. It is available as a generic medication. The wholesale cost in the developing world is between 0.01 and 0.07 USD per pill. In the United States the pills are about 0.40 USD each. In many areas of the world it is commonly used as a recreational drug.