Klonopin for Social Anxiety Dosage and Side Effects

Klonopin for Social Anxiety Dosage and Side Effects Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment and Therapy Print Klonopin for Social Anxiety: Dosage, Interactions, and Adverse Effects By Arlin Cuncic Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder and 7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety. Learn about our editorial policy Arlin Cuncic Reviewed by Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on July 01, 2019 facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our Wellness Board Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on November 19, 2019 Social Anxiety Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children In This Article Table of Contents Expand Administration Dosage Guidelines Who Should Avoid Klonopin Medication Interactions Potential Side  Effects Associated Risks Medication Disposal View All Klonopin (clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine that has been shown  to be effective in the treatment of panic disorder  and is also sometimes used for social anxiety disorder (SAD).?? Benzodiazepines work by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.?? The use of Klonopin can be helpful in controlling anxiety; it generally works quickly to reduce anxiety, however, it may take some time before you start to feel the full benefit of the medication. If you have recently been prescribed Klonopin, or are considering taking medication for SAD, you likely have many questions. Learning more about this medication can help allay your concerns. Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell Administration Klonopin is available as a tablet or an orally disintegrating tablet (wafer). Regular tablets should be taken with water, whereas wafers can be swallowed without water. It is usually taken one to three times a day, with or without food. Dosage Guidelines The initial daily dosage of Klonopin for panic disorder is 0.5 mg to 1 mg a day in divided dosages.?? Your dose may be increased as needed. If you are taking Klonopin for social anxiety disorder, your doctor should initially prescribe a low dose for a limited period of time (such as one week) and then follow up with an evaluation of its effectiveness, side effects, and dosage adjustment. Who Should Avoid Klonopin You should not take Klonopin if you have a history of sensitivity to benzodiazepines, significant liver disease or acute narrow-angle glaucoma.?? Use of Klonopin while pregnant or breastfeeding is not advised. There is also no data on the safety or effectiveness of Klonopin in children under 18 years of age. Medication Interactions There are a number of potential medication interactions with Klonopin.?? Several classes of medications including narcotics, barbiturates, nonbarbiturate hypnotics, antianxiety agents, phenothiazines, thioxanthene and butyrophenone classes of antipsychotic agents, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)  and tricyclic antidepressants  may enhance the depressant or sedative effects of Klonopin. In addition, the effects of Klonopin may be intensified if combined with other drugs or alcohol. It is important that your doctor is aware of all medications that you are currently taking. Potential Side  Effects The most common potential adverse effects that you may experience while taking Klonopin are somnolence, dizziness,  and cognitive impairment.?? These effects generally increase with larger doses and for older individuals. Other potential adverse effects that you could experience include the following: UnsteadinessCoordination problemsIncreased production of salivaPain in your muscles or jointsFrequent urinationBlurred visionChanges in your sex drive or sexual performance Some additional potential adverse effects can be serious and should be reported to your doctor immediately. These include rashes, hives, swelling (of your face, throat, eyes, etc.)  and trouble breathing or swallowing. Associated Risks In general, there is some risk of physical and psychological dependence when taking Klonopin.?? If you stop taking Klonopin suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Be sure to follow your doctors directions for discontinuing this medication or changing your dose. Never stop taking this medication abruptly without talking to your doctor, even if you are experiencing adverse effects. The consequences of overdose are generally not life-threatening unless combined with other drugs or alcohol. Driving, operating dangerous machinery and participating in hazardous activities should not be undertaken until you know how you will react to this medication. Medication Disposal Be sure to throw away medication that you do not need. Talk with your pharmacist about the proper way to dispose of this medication if you are unsure. The Best Online Anxiety Support Groups A Word From Verywell This information should be used in conjunction with the advice of your doctor if you are prescribed Klonopin for social anxiety disorder. If you are concerned about taking medication or wondering about other treatment options for SAD, know that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has also been shown effective. While medication can help to reduce your symptoms of anxiety, talk therapy such as CBT will teach you how to monitor and alter your thought patterns to handle situations in a more adaptive manner.