Clonazepam Side Effects

Clonazepam, like all other benzodiazepines, possesses a myriad of side effects that present with its use. Side effects of Clonazepam are sometimes even present when taken in prescribed doses. Some of the common side effects of Clonazepam are as follows:

• Drowsiness: As Clonazepam acts by reducing the activity of the Central Nervous System, mediated by the release of GABA which produces a tranquilizing effect so drowsiness is frequently encountered due to the sedative and relaxing effect of the drug. 
• Movement problems: Since Clonazepam slows the brain’s functioning, it results in impaired coordination that results in falls and movement problems.
• Dizziness: Individuals using Clonazepam usually feel dizzy and fatigued even after a night of rested sleep. 
• Retrograde Amnesia: This is a condition in which an individual has a hampered memory and finds it difficult to retain new information. This is a side effect of Clonazepam as it reduces the neuronal excitement n the brain and acts as a central nervous system depressant reducing the brain’s ability to memorize and store information.
• Sleep-related activities: Individuals taking Clonazepam often indulge in activities during their sleep such that they might be cooking, driving, making a phone call under the effect of the drug and they would have no recollection of these events which is quite frightening and risky for an individual’s safety and those around him or her.
• Disorientation: Since the brain is not alert under the effect of Clonazepam, the individual feels disoriented.
• Slurred speech: It is commonly seen in individuals who use a central nervous system depressant because there is slowing of motor skills such as speech which results in slurring of speech. 
• Shallow breathing: As Clonazepam acts by depressing the central nervous system, the respiratory centers in the CNS also get depressed making breathing a labored task and this can further lead to various complications. 
• Difficulty concentrating: When the brain is working at less than its optimum limit, because of a decrease in its activity caused by the action of Clonazepam, the individual finds it very hard to focus on things since the brain is not alert since Clonazepam has sedative properties.
• Insomnia: This is a frequently encountered side effect of Clonazepam as the drug causes drowsiness and fatigue the next day of its use. 
• Confusion: Mental confusion with impaired judgment and decision-making ability is an oft found side effect with Clonazepam use.
• Hallucination: Tactile, visual, and auditory hallucinations are reported with Clonazepam use and it is assumed that it is due to the effect of Clonazepam on the brain that causes increased levels of serotonin which result in these hallucinations. 
• Unusual heartbeat: Clonazepam affects the cardiovascular system and hence individual experiences an unusual heartbeat.